5 Facts You Should Know About Spray Foam Insulation
Foam insulation is becoming more and more popular, because it does an amazing job at creating air-tight seals to stop the transfer of heat. If you are building a new home, adding an addition or simply want to add to or replace your existing insulation, spray foam insulation could be a great option, but first, check out these five important facts to consider before you start spraying.
Spray Foam Insulation Can Save You Money
Spray foam insulation helps reduce your heating and cooling costs by allowing you to use less energy. Spray foam insulation does a better job at insulating your home when compared to other insulating options. Insulation is rated by the R-value. The higher the value, the better the insulation, but you can achieve the right R-value with any insulation, whether it be spray foam, batt or loose fill. The difference, however, is that only spray foam insulation creates an air-tight seal to prevent any air from slipping through cracks or gaps.
You Can Use it Just About Anywhere
Spray foam insulation can be used in any part of your home, including walls, attics, crawlspaces and basements. It can even be used to help insulate gaps and holes because it creates such a tight seal. It is easier to add the spray foam to open spaces, such as the attic or an open wall. However, it is possible to install it in existing walls. A hole is made in the wall, and the spray foam is installed through that hole, minimizing the damage. The spray foam will expand to fill most of the cavity, but because the wall is not exposed, there is no guarantee the entire cavity will be filled.
Options Include Closed-Cell and Open-Cell
When choosing spray foam, there are two options to consider: closed-cell and open-cell. Closed-cell foam insulation stops the transfer of air and moisture. It also has a higher R-value (about R-6.0 to R-6.5), so you can use less to sufficiently insulate. Closed-cell insulation is rigid, so it even adds structural strength to your home. The disadvantage, however, is that it is more expensive than open-cell foam. However, while open-cell foam costs less, it also has a lower R-value (about R-3.5 to R-4.0), so you may have to use more. Open-cell foam is less rigid and does not block moisture, but it expands quicker.
It's Best to Hire a Professional
Some people attempt to install spray foam insulation by themselves, but it is better to hire a professional, because a lot of things can go wrong. First, if the chemicals aren't mixed correctly, the foam may not be as efficient, or it may pull away from the framing. It's also possible to spray too much or too little foam, which simply wastes money and time. You also have to ensure you get every crack and crevice when installing spray foam. Even one exposed gap could reduce the insulating properties. Last, installing spray foam is messy. The stuff can get everywhere, which also means you need the right protective gear.
Canned Spray Foam Is Available
You can purchase spray foam in a can for easy DIY projects. However, it's not time or cost effective to insulate your entire home using a spray foam can. Instead, these cans work perfectly for smaller projects, such as around windows and doors, around utility entry points and where the siding meets the foundation. Thanks to the expanding properties, this canned spray foam allows you to seal up any gaps or cracks with ease.
Spray foam insulation is growing in popularity for a reason: it's effective. However, it's only effective when installed correctly, so make sure you hire a skilled and experienced professional who does home insulation in Edmonton. If you are ready to reduce your heating and cooling bills, contact a specialist today.