What are Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation?

The cost of insulating your home or building with spray foam insulation is definitely more expensive than other types of insulation materials, for example, less more expensive blow in cellulose insulation. However, it pays a great deal since homeowners get to enjoy huge energy savings they get from spray foam. The high cost of insulation pays itself with a reduction of about 50 percent in your home energy bills. Energy efficient buildings and homes are valuable, and since insulated homes require much less energy to keep your home warm or cold.

Spray foam insulation is a little more expensive than your traditional fibreglass insulation, but a good thing about it is, it will never increase your cost of energy bills. Therefore, the extra cost may be worth it. Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane-based insulation product that is normally sprayed directly into the area that you are looking to insulate. This is normally done with special equipment; protective gear is worn during the process. This is one of the few reasons why this job is best done by professionals.

So, what are the pros and cons of spray form? When deciding whether spray foam insulation material is the right choice for your home, itis important that homeowners make considerations of the advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in an effort of making your life hassle free, we have provided you with a list of all the pros and cons of insulating your home with spray foam.

Pros of Spray Foam

Insulating your home with spray foam has a lot of redeeming effects. Here are a few of them:

1. It fills the gaps. Spray foam adheres to all the surfaces on which it has been sprayed. Meaning every crack and crevice will be filled. This will effectively prevent heat from escaping and cold air from creeping in during winter and vice versa during summer.
2. Spray foam prevents mould and mildew. By binding tightly to the solid structures of a building, spray foam prevents air from travelling back in and out of the building. As warm air moves through a heated building coming in to contact with the cooler air inside condensation occur. This moisture causes mould and mildew to form. However, since spray foam thoroughly seals all cracks and crevices, it prevents this heat transfer that leads to condensation, that forms mould and mildew.
3. Spray foam remains in place. Other forms of insulation such as fibreglass and cellulose will sag or settle over time. In effect, it causes cold spots on your walls meaning that insulation in location is no longer available. Spray foam adheres to the structure and does not settle with time.
4. Spray foam has a higher R-Value. If you have ever heard anything about insulation, then you have come across the word, R-Value. This measurement refers to the level at which the insulation prevents heat transfer. Therefore, the higher the R-value, the better your protection. Spray foam has the highest R-Value.

Cons of Spray Foam

While there are many pros to using Spray foam for insulating your home, there are a few cons that you should keep in mind before settling on this product.

1. Very Expensive. Contractors estimate that the cost of using this kind of insulation material is three times more than that of using other types of insulation material. The main contributing factor is that it needs to be installed by a professional.
2. Spray foam is a below-grade application. This point is arguable, but it should be considered Some professionals state that using spray foam as an insulator below grade attracts termites, and due to this, they do not recommend it. Other professionals state that it is a stronger product, and you will have no problems with termites using it. With this in mind, it is best to consult a professional on this subject.