Spray Foam Attic Insulation Vs Fiberglass

Spray foam attic insulation pros and cons.

Spray foam attic insulation vs fiberglass.

Spray foam insulation the foam usually polyurethane is sprayed to fill cracks and gaps in the attic to form a hermetically sealed barrier. Properly mixing and applying spray foam insulation requires substantial expertise and can only be done by trained professionals. Fiberglass insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam insulation but it is also less effective especially in extremely cold conditions. Spray foam insulation drawbacks it is the most expensive option with costs running as high as two or three times as much as fiberglass batts or cellulose loose fill.

You re well aware that heating and cooling account for roughly half of the energy used in the average home. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. Fiberglass cellulose and foam dominate the conversation but the. Used in roughly 85 of american homes fiberglass insulation is the most common form of home insulation.

Fiberglass insulation vs spray foam insulation comparison. If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. For instance a 5 5 inch wall cavity can be filled with 2 inches of foam and an r 13 fiberglass batt as a cost effective system that seals the walls with an r 25 insulation system exceeding u s.

Synergy home performance explains the differences between traditional fiberglass and spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is an air barrier material that creates a seal against air movement. Spray foam insulation for both types starts at about 1 50 per square foot and can cost more than 5 00 per square foot when a thick application is applied. Building pros of course know better.

The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. And you also know that properly insulating a home helps homeowners save money and makes houses more comfortable. Spray foam provides the highest r value while open cell spray foam has about an r value of 2 2 to 3 5 per inch closed cell spray foam has about 6 7 per inch. Open cell spray foam insulation can expand up to 100 times its original size to fill every nook and cranny in the cavity where it is applied.