Is spray insulation a good idea?

Spray foam insulation is a great product. Homes insulated with it can be some of the most efficient and comfortable homes built. I've been in plenty of these homes and can tell you that a typical spray foam insulated house outperforms a typical fiberglass batt insulated house.

Is spray in insulation worth it?

If you see the benefit of insulating your new construction home correctly from the start for long-term comfort, energy savings month after month, and fewer headaches while you live in the house, then spray foam insulation may very well be worth the extra cost to you.

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?

When should you not use spray foam insulation?

Why you shouldn't spray foam your attic?

It Should Only Be Installed by Professionals

It cures with an exothermic reaction that generates a lot of heat, and if you put it on too thick, it can cause fires.

Spray Foam Insulation — The Ugly Truth?

Does spray foam devalue your house?

In fact, according to Heritage House, they have seen entire roofs rotted and unrecoverable after SPF has been used. They state that by using SPF in your roof, '…you will devalue your home by the amount that a new roof will cost, and more. ' And we agree.

Can I sell my home with spray foam insulation?

Mortgage lenders generally rely on the surveyor to identify the insulation present and either use that valuation to make a judgment call, some lenders and most Equity Release providers refuse to lend against properties with spray foam insulation as a blanket rule.

How long will spray foam last?

With proper application, Spray Foam will last the lifetime of your home. Even roofing applications will last upwards of 30 years, with proper long-term maintenance. Spray Foam insulation adheres extremely well to virtually all substrates, and maintains its rigidity once dry.

Which is better spray foam vs blown in insulation?

Between spray foam and blown-in cellulose, which is better? Both spray foam and blown-in cellulose insulation have their advantages. Spray foam has a higher R-value, so it's the more effective insulator.

Can mold grow on spray foam insulation?

As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold. And unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust or deteriorate. This means that an area properly sprayed with foam insulation will never become a food source or a hospitable environment for a mold colony.

Is spray foam in the attic worth it?

A properly done spray foam job not only insulates but also greatly reduces the air leakage of a home. But that only works if the installer can get it into the places where most of the air leakage happens. In an attic, the eaves are one of the most critical places to get good coverage with the foam.

Can spray foam rot your roof?

Studies show that open-cell spray foam is risky in colder climates. Indoor moisture diffuses through the foam and comes in contact with the cold roof sheathing. The spray foam traps the moisture against the roof, which results in eventual decay.

What is the R-value of 4 inches of spray foam?

Spray Foam Insulation R-Value

Open cell spray foam insulation is R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch. This R-Value is normal for open cell spray foam.

Which type of insulation is most effective?

Q. What is the most energy efficient wall insulation? Closed cell spray-foam insulation is the most energy efficient wall insulation. Applications can reach much higher R-values for each inch of thickness than other insulation products, with values as high as R-6.2 per square inch (roughly R-34 on a 2×6 wall).

Is closed cell spray foam insulation worth it?

Closed-cell spray foam is the king of the insulations when it comes to both R-value per inch and cost. Nothing else comes close, really. Unlike its open-cell cousin, closed-cell spray foam is not vapor permeable and will not hold water. This makes it an excellent option in case of water intrusion.

Does spray foam crack?

Spray foam is rigid and inflexible once it cures, and foam boards are rigid from the outset. So when these materials expand and contract because of temperature changes - and that's when, not if - they can crack.

Will termites eat through foam insulation?

Researchers have concluded that termites do not eat the foam board insulation but they will tunnel through it. Insulation also provides potential protection from predators and also retains moisture, two requirements of termites.

What insulation lasts the longest?

Cellulose insulation usually lasts 20 to 30 years before it starts to degrade, and mineral wool also lasts decades as long as it is not damaged. Spray foam insulation is one of the longest-lasting.

Why do mortgage companies dislike foam insulation?

So why is it a problem for mortgage lenders? By sealing the roof space with this material, air circulation can be restricted to the roof and timbers. This can lead to condensation, which in turn can eventually lead to the rotting of the wooden roof supports.

Does spray foam stop sound?

Spray foam is not an effective soundproofing material. While open-cell is better than closed-cell, neither absorbs well nor decouples the wall layers. Spray foam can adhere to and couple wall layers together to make it easier for noise to move through, increasing sound transfer and disruptive resonance.

Which spray foam insulation is best?

Closed cell foam is the best choice for robust insulating where space is an issue, as it can achieve 2x the R-Value of open cell inside a standard wall. Its rigid nature also adds to the structural integrity of the building and E84 fire rated versions are available.

Is spray foam insulation better than fiberglass?

Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass, making it a better insulator. Another difference between them is that spray foam is watertight while fiberglass cracks under moisture. However, installing spray foam requires a professional while fiberglass is easy to install yourself.

How can I insulate cheaply?