Foam Insulation

Heat is known to travel in a single direction. That is, from a warm area towards a cooler one. Most of the heat in the home escapes through the walls or attic. Thus, building a more efficient thermal envelope requires more than just a shallow knowledge of thermodynamics.

Insulation works to keep the heat in during winter, and keep more of it out during the summer. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature, air-conditioners are used in the summer months. In the winter months, insulation serves to stop the cold from getting in. Insulating certain parts of the house like the walls, floors, and ceilings will help reduce heat flow.

There are several types of insulation, and choosing from among these can be very confusing. However, the heat flow resistance is generally the main thing to consider. Some factors may also influence the choice of insulation. These are: high temperature resistance, moisture flow resistance, and fire resistance, when necessary. Also, insulation choice should consider the method of installation required, and whether or not, it is conveniently available.

Foam insulation is one of the most popular insulation options. Spray on foam insulation is highly-used, both as an air-sealing and as an insulation product. This type of foam insulation is created from polyurethane foam. This is basically what water heater and refrigerators have been using over the years.

Spray on or sprayed polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) has been proven to efficiently deal with all heat transfer issues, unlike any other types of insulation in the market. This particular foam insulation is also known to offer several other benefits. For one, it has the most desirable R-value, regardless of thickness, as compared to the other insulation choices. The efficiency of heat flow resistance is dependent on the R-value. In other words, a high R-value means a better resistance.

And since the sprayed polyurethane foam insulation possesses a greater R-value, it offers framing costs savings. Although this may seem like a very minor change, it actually also increases the extra space in the home.

There are basically two types of spray foam insulation – the closed cell, and the open cell. However, people should understand that the closed cell, or the polyurethane type, is the one that generally possess a greater R-value.

Unlike the conventional insulating materials, such as fiberglass, sprayed polyurethane is capable of filling in those tiny cracks that are not even visibly apparent. Further, foam insulation in general, works to control the condensation of moisture, does not shrink, and is resistant to both fire and insects.

While there are a lot of advantages in using spray-on foam insulation, it still has its share of drawbacks. For one, “do it yourself spray foam insulation” is not highly-recommended. That is, this insulation requires professional help when installed. Moreover, it involves a lot of hassles. Thus, this is most-advised for use in new constructions, rather than in existing structures. The use of foam insulation in walls is a complex job and can delay the plumbing and electrical jobs.

The cost is another snag. Choosing sprayed polyurethane foam insulation means spending three times as much as the traditional insulation types. However, even if the initial cost may seem too much of a trade-off, people can actually enjoy a reduced utility bill. Because of the high R-value in foam insulation, utility bills are decreased by about 30%. That is like getting back what was initially paid for.

Although we don’t see the insulation and what type it is, it remains to be an essential part of the home’s structure. After all, we all want our homes to offer us the greatest comfort.