Spray foam insulation is a great product that can provide a range of benefits to homeowners and businesses. It is priced considerably more expensive than fiberglass, but it can reduce energy bills and protect the property from moisture damage. It has a high R-value, so it effectively blocks heat from your property, and it is impermeable to moisture and does not absorb moisture. It is not something that is recommended to be done yourself, unless it's a very small job, and even professionals have a hard time applying spray foam correctly because of the mess it creates.
If you decide to use spray foam insulation in your home or business, make sure your installer has the right experience and takes appropriate precautions before applying it to walls or ceilings. Aerosol foam insulation pays off because it reduces energy bills. Houses isolated with it can be some of the most efficient and comfortable homes ever built. Studies have shown that spray foam insulation can lead to excessive moisture accumulation, which is not good for old wooden ceilings. One of the big criticisms of aerosol foam insulation is that, while it reduces energy consumption, which helps the environment, the materials needed are not “environmentally friendly”.
Therefore, aerosol foam insulation has superior sealing capabilities and the highest insulation value of any insulation product. When heat can't get through walls, roof terrace, or floors, your home stays at the temperature you want. This means that your air conditioning unit won't have to work as hard to keep you comfortable, which will save your home more energy in the long run. On average, it will take 7.5 years to break even with spray foam insulation and, in addition, you will save 540 pounds a year on energy bills. My personal preference with respect to aerosol foam insulators is that, for new buildings, they are an excellent option (if applied correctly), since user error during installation can cause catastrophic results. As for historic buildings and renovations, I'm not a fan because the design of old houses, especially of a historic nature, was never intended for this type of insulation and can cause performance problems. Homeowners who can't find a low-GWP spray foam option or who decide that another form of insulation best suits their needs may consider a recycled option.
If you see the benefits of insulating your newly built home properly from the start for long-term comfort, saving energy month after month, and reducing headaches while living in the house, then it's very possible that it's well worth paying for spray foam insulation. It is possible to dry wet insulation with a dehumidifier, but insulation that has gotten too wet may need to be removed and replaced. Especially in the case of complicated materials such as spray foam insulation, hiring a professional can ensure that the installation is done correctly. Regardless of your budget, spray foam insulation can help you achieve the three goals of any home or business owner: comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
