Comparing spray foam insulation with other insulation products

Spray foam insulation, commonly known in the industry as polyurethane foam, has turned out to be one of the biggest technological advancements in energy efficiency.  It’s a complete insulation “system” with benefits that far outweigh other products on the market.  It provides superior insulation; it delivers considerable energy savings; and it creates enhanced indoor comfort.  And the fact that more and more insulation contractors are opting for the spray foam product only reinforces its worth.

The spray foam product is multi-purpose, and when expertly installed it satisfies the needs of homebuilders, architects, contractors and renovators alike.  A professional installation provides higher R-Value than any other product.  It also performs as an impervious air and moisture barrier, without the need for a separate vapor barrier. And finally, it adds structural strength to the area where it’s applied.  Best of all, are the longer-term benefits of a complete and comprehensive application.

Beyond the excellent insulating properties of spray foam, its innate ability to restrict the movement of moisture prevents condensation, and inhibits any buildup of mold and mildew.  However, the biggest benefit is the cost savings on utilities.  A spray foam install can substantially reduce heating and cooling costs every season – and often the savings could reach 50%.  This is because the insulation coverage impedes air leakage completely - the primary reason for heat/cool loss and wasted energy.

No other product can seal a space or a cavity like spray foam.  An expert application can seal a space from top to bottom and end to end.  Spray foam has the capacity to fill every hole, gap, crack and crevice – even awkward, hard-to-reach spaces.  There isn’t a comparable insulation product that can seal as tightly and efficiently as the spray foam.  And coverage is absolute - the blanket of insulation adheres to all kinds of surfaces and will uniformly envelop both even and uneven surfaces.

The traditional insulation products on the market, like fiberglass batts, styrofoam panels, and loose fill insulation, were all designed to enhance R-Value, and not much more.  Individually, these products have limited potential beyond basic insulation.  But with the spray foam product, its multi-purpose nature makes it superior – the application doesn’t settle or shrink over time – it doesn’t need any maintenance – it doesn’t not have to be replaced or replenished – and it lasts a lifetime.

Professionally installed and properly applied, spray foam insulation is safe.  It does not emit carbon dioxide gas; it has no ozone-depleting chemical components; it reduces heating and cooling emissions; and it contains no formaldehyde.  In fact, as a complete insulation “system”, indoor air quality is greatly enhanced - the air circulation is improved; unnecessary humidity is eliminated; and HVAC equipment works more efficiently, allowing for a cleaner indoor environment.

Spray foam insulation is ideal for new construction, retrofitting or renovations.  No other product, or product combination, can deliver the kind of short term and long-term benefits.  And although the product and installation are considered more costly than others, the overall benefits and annual cost savings make the initial investment well worthwhile.