If residential spray foam insulation is a possibility for insulating your home, make sure you know all of its advantages. There are a number of different options for residential insulation and spray foam is not as well-known as it should be. When you look at all the different products available for residential insulation, and how they work, you will notice that most popular does not necessarily mean the best. Indeed, residential spray foam insulation, because it is a relatively new form of insulation, is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when homeowners think of insulation, but many experts and homeowners who have used residential spray foam insulation agree, it outperforms most other commonly available home insulation products.
However, being a new technology is not the main reason that residential spray foam insulation is not as well-known as other types of insulation. The main reason has to do with how insulation is rated, which in turn is related to how well insulation stops heat from transferring from one side of the insulation to the other. An R-value is assigned to all residential insulation and it relates to the insulation's ability to stop heat transfer; the higher the R-value the better the insulation is at stopping heat transfer. R-30 insulation stops more heat than R-20 insulation.
What most homeowners don't realize is that R-value is measured under ideal conditions with insulation that is perfectly installed. R-value also does not take into consideration the heat conductivity of other parts of a home that are not covered by insulation. The discrepancy between the real world and the R-value rating world results in R-15 residential spray foam insulation insulating a home better than R-30 fibreglass batt insulation, the pink stuff, which happens to be the most popular home insulation.
What is it about the real world that brings out such a difference in house insulation products and their corresponding R-values? Unfortunately, the real world isn't perfect. For example, fibreglass batt insulation is designed to fit between the ceiling joists and wall studs of a home. Any space covered by the insulation enjoys the insulating capacity of that insulation. Unless you cover the wall studs and ceiling joists with the insulation, heat will be conducted through them, which reduces the overall R-value of the insulation. Covering ceiling studs with fibreglass batts likely means almost doubling the amount of insulation needed.
Another problem with many types of residential insulation is improper installation or gaps that the insulation is not designed to cover. While fibreglass batts and rigid foam board insulation fit very well between studs and joists, if they are not properly installed, there will be gaps in the insulation. Also, it is not easy for batts or rigid insulation to cover corners, joints and hard to reach areas, leaving more gaps. Gaps in home insulation are like open windows; air and heat pass freely through as if there was no insulation at all. The R-value of insulation does not account for any gaps that inevitably form with some residential insulation. The effective R-value of insulation is reduced by gaps in the insulation.
The R-value of residential spray foam insulation is not compromised by heat transfer through the home's support structure or gaps in the insulation. As it is applied, spray foam insulation expands to cover every gap. It can also be sprayed into difficult to reach areas and over studs and joists. The result is that residential spray foam insulation is one of the very few home insulation materials that can deliver the R-value for which it is rated, regardless of the condition.
There are other factors that can reduce the effective R-value of residential insulation. Many insulating materials, include fibreglass batts and sprayed cellulose fill are affected by moisture. Even slight amounts of moisture, like that found in very humid air, can reduce the R-value of these materials. Ceilings and walls, where most insulation is used, are also vulnerable to moisture leaks. Residential foam board and spray foam insulation are not affected by moisture. Indeed, spray foam insulation, because it expands to fill gaps, will actually seal small leaks in a home's ceiling and walls.
Every homeowner should research the best insulation for his or her house and requirements. However, it's important to know that the most popular insulation is not always the best and only residential spray foam insulation delivers the R-value for which it is rated.
Thinking about taking on a green building project? If you want to build an eco-friendly building or home, take advantage of the new technology and product advancements available, that can help you conserve energy while helping the planet. Spray foam insulation is one important innovation that has numerous practical and environmental benefits.
The initial price of applying spray foam will be more expensive when compared to the traditional fiberglass alternative. Due to the nature of the product, it can only be applied by professionals, driving up the costs; however, eventually a foam insulation system will not only pay for itself, but you can even profit from it.
Spray foam insulation is liquid polyurethane that forms into a solid, foam-like substance once it hits a solid surface. The liquid state allows it to penetrate fine cracks and holes in the surface that products like fiberglass can't protect. Since the entire surface area is sealed, it is much more energy efficient than any other material available.
It keeps more warm air in during cold months, and keeps it out when it becomes hot. Your electric bill will reduce, saving you money and helping the environment. Buildings with spray foam insulation also sell at higher prices, adding value to your property.
The thick barrier that polyurethane foam creates also helps prevent sound from travelling. You won't have to worry about noisy neighbors, or disrupting anyone if you have guests over. Since it's versatile and can be sprayed on nearly any surface, you can even use it to insulate floors and ceilings. You won't have to worry about your guitar practice in the basement upsetting anyone nearby.
Spray foam insulation also discourages pests from burrowing into your home. The insulation is difficult to tear through, and it can be sprayed along cracks and openings to ensure that no uninvited guests attempt to slip inside of your home. You'll no longer have to fumigate with dangerous pesticides. It can also help keep moisture out, and is excellent for preventing mold and water damage.
In comparison to fiberglass, polyurethane is a far safer and more eco-friendly building product. Fiberglass is less energy efficient, often comes loose, needs to be replaced much sooner, and can be physically harmful. Fiberglass can cause redness and itchiness if touches bare skin.
The small fibers can also break off (which is common). As these wiry, sharp wires float in the air, they can be accidentally and unknowingly inhaled. Their sharp ends can cut the inside of the esophagus, creating scars that are thought to be a potential cause of cancer. It is often colored bright pink and, because of its unusual texture can entice children play with it, or even put it in their mouths.
On the other hand, spray foam insulation stays put. It won't fall off or disintegrate, and it's made of safe materials. You won't have to worry about dangerous particles floating through the air. It is also made from renewable and recyclable resources. Spray foam insulation not only saves energy, is more hygienic, and health friendly, but purchasing it contributes back to the economy.
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