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Is Spray Foam the Best Insulation?

Here's Why We Recommend Spray Foam

Spray Foam Insulation

The difference between spray foam and fiberglass may not seem that large, but here's what you can expect:

Although rarely noticed, insulation plays an integral part in keeping your building comfortable. But understanding exactly what is going on can be very confusing. However, there is an easy way to compare and understand the various forms of insulation, thanks to a system called R-Value. R-value is a way to measure thermal resistance as well as  the ability of heat to transfer through an object. This sounds complex, but it makes it very simple to compare different types of insulation. For instance, 3.5 inches of fiber glass insulation can have an R-value of 8, while 3.5 inches of spray foam can have an R-value of 22. It is easy to compare the two products, thanks to the R-value system.

Spray Foam Insulation has the highest R-value of the common insulation types.

Spray Foam Insulating, Grand Rapids

Other Benefits:

While Fiberglass makes a great thermal barrier, it does not do well as a sound barrier. It also cannot form an effective barrier for air, allowing a bad oder that enters the building to permeate the whole structure.

Foam Insulation, Grand Rapids

Differences between insulation:

While traditional insulation- Fiberglass and Cellulose- are great products, there are several things that Spray Foam accomplishes that are unique. For instance, many rodents will use traditional insulation as bedding, where Spray Foam is not attractive. Traditional insulations will absorb water, causing structural damage, while Spray Foam will drain the water off, if it even lets it in.

Another major difference is that Spray Foam will stay in place, while fiberglass insulation can sag and settle- causing gaps in the insulation.

So how do they measure up?

The most effective way to ensure that no cracks, voids and gaps appear is to use Spray Foam. With Spray Foam you can decrease the air and dust pollutants within your building. While fiberglass or cellulose may be cheaper initially, you do not have the assurance that these products will not mold, under the right circumstances.

The best option, when it comes to insulation, is using a Spray Foam that will last without the potential to damage your structure.

Ice Dam

What about Ice Dams?

Ice dams are actually a good clue that you have a problem with your insulation. When icicles form on a roof, it is a key indicator that you are losing warmth from your building. The heat is escaping up your roofline and melting the snow, causing the water to re-freeze as an icicle. This can also cause an ice dam- where water backs up into the roof, potentially causing damage to both the attic, as well as insulation.

The solution is simple: be certain your attic has enough insulation to keep the heat within your building- when heat escapes, it has to potential to cause massive amounts of damage. The best way to make certain you have enough insulation is to get a qualified professional on-site to do a free evaluation. 

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