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Spray Foam Insulation vs. Traditional Insulation

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An energy-efficient home not only feels better, it works better! This, in turn, leads to lower utility bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and happier homeowners. Of course, energy efficiency doesn’t happen by accident! Several vital components make a home more energy efficient, one of which is insulation. Typically placed in areas where air escapes (i.e., cavities inside the wall and in the attic), insulation works to slow and reduce heat transfer. 

Here we take a closer look at the different types of insulation and why spray foam has a significant advantage over the others. 

Spray Foam Insulation 

Spray foam insulation (a.k.a. foaming insulation or sprayed insulation) is a two-part liquid insulation material that insulates and seals air where it is applied. The material is made up of two parts, iso and resin, which are kept separate until they are applied at the job site by a qualified, licensed spray foam installer. 

Spray foam insulation provides immediate and long-term benefits by sealing leaks and gaps inside existing walls and hard-to-reach spaces. There are two types of spray foam insulation:

Open-Cell: This type of spray foam insulation is used for interior applications such as wall cavities, the underside of roof decks, attics, and crawl spaces. Benefits include:  

  • Contributes to the management of moisture permeability. 
  • Does not attract mold and mildew.
  • Provides sound dampening qualities, making it ideal for media or theatre rooms. 
  • Costs less per square foot.

Closed-Cell: This type of insulation is made up of a rigid material that helps reject water. It is used in exterior and interior applications and is recognized as a flood-resistant material by FEMA. Benefits include:

  • Can be installed in extreme heat or cold. 
  • Adds strength and impact resistance to walls.
  • Offers a higher bond strength and R-value per inch.

Traditional Insulation 

While spray foam insulation is considered the Cadillac of insulations (Keep reading to see why!), other forms of traditional insulations are commonly used by property owners. 

Blanket Batt & Rolls: Constructed with fiberglass, mineral wool, and plastic fibers, this type of insulation is inexpensive and DIY-friendly. The materials are designed to fit into the standard widths between wall studs, attic rafters, and floor joists. 

Foam Board: Typically made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate, foam board insulation is commonly used for unfinished walls and ceilings. It reduces the amount of heat conducted through wood and other elements in a home’s structure.  

Radiant Barrier: Standard insulation reduces heat flow in a home, whereas radiant barriers reflect the heat away from the home. This type of insulation involves placing a reflective barrier over a substrate material and is commonly used in attics. 

Why Spray Foam Insulation is a Better Option

Hands down, spray foam insulation is the preferred choice for homeowners over traditional forms of insulation. The biggest reason why? Because of spray foam’s ability to seal air, which in turn, allows it to do the following:

  • Provides an air barrier to help mitigate air leakage from a home. 
  • Addresses moisture to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. 
  • Minimizes air infiltration. 
  • Assists in limiting moisture from entering and escaping the home, thus reducing the load on heating and cooling systems. 

Stop the leaks with spray foam insulation from Solar Bear Tampa!

Do you want to make your home more energy efficient? Spray foam insulation can help! To learn more about the benefits of spray foam insulation or to schedule a free quote, please call the insulation experts at Solar Bear Tampa at (813) 519-4970!