Compared to conventional fiberglass and cellulose spray foam insulation, spray foam insulates better and provides significant heating and cooling cost savings for homeowners. It also improves the structural strength of a home, making it a premium product that many homeowners choose.
The primary difference between spray foam and other common types of insulation is that it combines air sealing and thermal insulation in one product. It does this by combining 2 composite materials, polyurethane and isocyanate. These materials are sprayed from a special spray foam gun, which allows them to chemically react on contact to expand and harden.
This expansion allows the material to fill nooks and crannies that are left open in other kinds of insulation. It is also highly effective at reducing air leakage in homes. In fact, studies show that some homes leak enough air each day to fill two blimps, which can have a major impact on energy bills. Spray foam seals these leaks and stops the energy loss, which saves money on heating and cooling costs.
Allure Realty’s Guide to Cozy Living: Spray Foam Insulation in Owosso, MI
There are 2 types of spray foam: open and closed cell. Open cell spray foam uses water or carbon dioxide as the propellant, which makes it less harmful to the environment than its closed-cell counterpart. However, it still requires a vapor barrier in certain applications because it is more likely to absorb moisture and vapor than other insulation products.
Closed-cell spray foam is a bit more expensive than open cell. However, it is more environmentally friendly because it uses a blowing agent that is free of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons. It is typically used in residential and commercial construction projects because it has a high R-Value and is a very good air sealant after about 2 inches.