There are two significant types of insulation – fiberglass and spray foam. Fiberglass is often an expensive choice for insulation because it must be made from a unique formula, which reduces its R-value. Spray foam is a fire retardant product that provides high R-value and is easy to install. Both types have different impacts on the cost of a home’s energy bills. Fiberglass tends to be a more costly insulation process because it must be created from a particular material and has a longer manufacturing turnaround time. Many builders consider spray foam a better value for home builders because it is faster to install and easier to maintain.
Fiberglass And Spray Foam Insulation
When comparing fiberglass and spray foam insulation, you should also look at the difference between installed versus purchased products. Fiberglass insulation is usually installed professionally and can be installed by most do-it-yourselfers. However, spray foam insulation is generally sold in rolls or tiles installed by most homeowners.
Interior And Exterior Walls
Spray foam is used on both interior and exterior walls. Foams are sprayed onto walls because they can be applied using a spray gun or rolled out onto walls using a roller. It can be challenging to spray foam onto walls if crevices or air leaks in the wall do not adhere to air as regular fiberglass does. For these reasons, it is much easier to hire Ecostar Foam your dependable insulation contractor in New Orleans that is using a spray gun or a foam cutter to apply spray-foam insulation to walls.
Spray foam insulation is very effective at keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Homes built with low air infiltration and where ventilation is needy find that they are much more costly to heat and cool than homes with good insulation. Moisture can leak into walls and increase the air’s humidity, which will increase the home’s temperature. Suppose the walls are insulated and have good air infiltration. In that case, the inside temperature will remain relatively constant, and the air infiltration rate will not increase. With high moisture levels in the air, heat rises, and the inside of the home stays hot even in the winter.
Cost-effectiveness, durability, and efficiency
Because of the cost-effectiveness, durability, and efficiency of spray foam insulation, many homeowners and builders choose it for their home improvement projects. In addition to preventing heat loss and controlling internal temperature, it can also be used to waterproof walls and make them more energy-efficient. There are spray-foam products available in various formats that can be used on numerous walls, including aluminum, sheetrock, concrete, plywood, and even cement walls. These products can also be used to paint walls to protect them from moisture damage and stains caused by liquids.
Like all insulation forms, the most expensive type of spray foam insulation is the one with the highest R-values. It is also the thickest form of insulation. It is important to note that this type of insulation should be applied following local building codes. Low R-values are used in homes with single-story construction or newer homes since it may be challenging to apply it if applied at an older age. For those concerned about replacing their insulation sooner rather than later, fiberglass is a better option since it is the most long-lasting and durable of all types of insulation.