5 Benefits of Spray Foam
When it comes to keeping your building comfortable, there are many factors you can influence. Changing the interior design, creating more natural lighting, and ensuring your HVAC system isn’t over or underperforming. In order to keep your house temperature regulated, you need the proper insulation installed so that your A/C unit isn’t putting in work keeping one end of the house cool while making the other side into a winter wonderland.
There are a few common types of insulation that homeowners and businesses choose from when they first have their house insulated: fiberglass, cellulose, denim, and more. However, when it comes to having a longer-lasting product that's able to perform with half the insulation installed, spray foam insulation is one of the best choices a property owner can make.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Spray Foam
There are two types of spray foam you can have installed in your building: Open Cell and Closed Cell. Open-cell spray foam is a soft, cloud-like foam that's more commonly installed in hotter climates. Closed-cell spray foam is more rigid and is a better vapor barrier. Closed-cell is also denser than open-cell spray foam and will be better at supporting the structural integrity.
In this article, we’ll be discussing spray foam’s benefits over other insulation types like fiberglass and cellulose as opposed to open cell versus closed cell. While the two types of spray foam have their own strengths and weaknesses compared to each other, there are 5 main benefits of either spray foam variety that surpass other insulations.
1. Structural Support
Because of the density and rigidity of closed-cell spray foam, this type of insulation can actually contribute to the structural support of the building. It's commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings for this benefit, supporting the walls, ceilings, and frame of the structure.
If you experience extreme weather conditions, you may be at risk for some serious roof, siding, and attic damage. Spray foam acts like a strong glue that can reduce the risk of improper building movement or leaks. This not only increases the longevity of your roof and attic but adds value to your property. Spray foam contributes to a major selling point for potential buyers: preventative care
2. Moisture and Air Sealant
Over time, your home develops small cracks and holes that air and moisture easily enter through. As water and air seep in, you’re at risk of mold, bacteria, and allergens entering your home. Spray foam expands on contact when it’s installed and can fill the tiniest of cracks and spaces, sealing possible problem areas.
When blown-in or batt insulation like fiberglass and cellulose get wet, they need to be replaced as soon as possible. However, spray foam contains an inert polymer which means mold and bacteria have nothing to feed off of. So when it becomes wet, it doesn't create risks but instead prevents them.
3. Pest Prevention
Through similar cracks and small spaces that air and moisture can enter your home, pests will also find a way to get in. Insects and rodents enjoy nesting in old insulation and are attracted to the safe, warm attic areas that aren’t visited very often. If insulation like fiberglass isn’t treated properly, it can end up attracting pests instead, giving them an area to nest in and material to create bedding from.
Rodents and insects put you and your household at risk from disease, allergies, and attracting other creatures. Spray foam deters pests because it doesn’t give them a food source or nesting area. Instead, while the expanding property cuts off many of their points of entry, it also reduces their areas they’ll be able to grow in or hide.
4. Noise Reduction
When it comes to soundproofing your home, it’s not just about making sure your neighbors across the street can’t hear your TV. If your building is under-insulated, you may find yourself easily woken up by the garage, birds outside, or even footsteps across the house. Certain insulations are better at absorbing noise and spray foam insulation is often your best choice.
If you’re planning to build a new house, adding spray foam to the walls can contribute significantly to noise reduction. But even if you’re just looking for a quick installation for the attic, you’ll notice a huge difference. Many customers tell us they're no longer woken up by rain or hail and outside noises like cars or neighborhood kids are fainter.
5. Environmentally Friendly
When concerned about product and energy waste, spray foam is one of your most environmentally friendly insulation options. Because of its long-lasting lifespan, less material is used and you need fewer maintenance checks. With the addition of reducing health hazards from things like mold and pests, spray foam contributes to your house's health, too. With fewer structural problems from the air, moisture, and pest concerns, you're using fewer products to reduce these risks.
When you have a well-insulated building that helps regulate temperature, you're putting less strain on your HVAC system and therefore using less energy. You'll find your A/C running less and less of a temperature difference from room to room. Using less energy not only reduces your bills but helps contribute to the environment as a whole, doing your part wherever possible.
Adding Spray Foam to Your Building
Many property owners don't realize the importance of choosing proper insulation for their buildings. When it comes to keeping your home or business comfortable and well-insulated, don't write off spray foam immediately because of cost or lack of research. Whether you're building a new house or retrofitting a building, open cell and closed cell spray foam can end up saving you money and maintenance needs in the future.
Your local insulation expert can help you decide if the benefits spray foam offers are right for your needs. Call Koala Insulation or visit our website to schedule a free evaluation to learn more about what proper insulation and spray foam can contribute to your comfort.
