Top 5 Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation

30 Apr Top 5 Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a two-component liquid-applied insulation that insulates and air seals in one application. The liquid insulation is sprayed using specialized equipment and expands within seconds to create a foam that fills the wall cavity. Depending on which type of spray foam insulation is used, closed-cell or open-cell, the foam expands by 40 to 100 times to fill every nook and cranny making it one of the highest performing insulation materials available. Spray foam insulation can be used in both new and existing homes and should be installed by a trained professional. There are many advantages to choosing spray foam insulation to insulate your home.

What are the Top 5 Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation?

1. Spray Foam Insulation Significantly Reduces Air Leakage

Unfortunately, during the construction process, hundreds of penetrations can be created throughout your home.  These gaps and holes allow outside air to enter and conditioned air to escape your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leakage accounts for 25-40% of the energy used to heat and cool a typical home¹. Unlike traditional insulation choices, spray foam insulation expands by 40 to 100 times its original volume to fill those gaps and holes, in turn creating a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

Common Air Leaks; Image Courtesy of American Chemistry Council (2011)

Home Air Sealed with Spray Foam Insulation; Image Courtesy of American Chemistry Council (2011)

2. Spray Foam Insulation Saves on Your Monthly Heating and Cooling Costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Heating and cooling accounts for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home². Reducing air leakage by insulating and air sealing with spray foam insulation can lead to significant savings on your monthly heating and cooling costs for as long as you live in your home. Spray foam insulation is the top insulation choice for making your home more energy efficient.

3. Improved Energy Efficiency of Your HVAC System

Maintaining an optimal heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can also make your home more energy efficient. Thanks to its high R-value and effectiveness, spray foam insulation can help reduce the workload on your HVAC system. In addition, HVAC sizing can be reduced as much as 35% in many cases³ leading to additional savings.

4. Spray Foam Insulation Helps Improve Indoor Air Quality

Unlike traditional insulation types, spray foam insulation creates an insulation and air seal in one step which can improve your home’s indoor air quality by significantly reducing allergens and pollutants from entering your home through gaps, cracks and holes. This can be especially helpful to those who suffer from allergies.

5. Spray Foam Insulation Can Create a Quieter More Comfortable Home

Excess noise from passing cars, loud music, construction, traveling trains and overhead air planes can make it difficult to focus while at home. These noises can contribute to sleep loss and a reduced sense of privacy. Open-cell spray foam insulation can absorb airborne noise as it passes through your walls, helping to create a quieter more comfortable home.

To learn more about the many benefits of AMBIT Polyurethane’s spray foam insulation products, please contact us.

¹ https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes_features.hm_f_reduced_air_infiltration
² https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-your-heating-bills-better-insulation
³ https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/do_it_yourself_guide/locating_air_leaks