Spray foam insulation is a cost effective, sustainable, energy efficient, and flexible means of providing a broad spectrum of insulation benefits into any type of residential home construction project.
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a foam plastic sprayed onto a surface which then expands to create a seamless, insulating barrier. It’s particularly effective for home construction due to its ability to seal around corners and on contoured surfaces, sealing gaps whether they exist on walls or roofs, wherever seams, joints, or cracks exist. Its light-weight strength and flexibility make it ideal for structural use.
More Effective than Traditional Insulation
Foam insulation is seeing an increase in use for the insulation of walls, attic spaces, ceilings, and basements, found to be approximately 50% more effective that traditional insulation. The expansive properties of the foam make it ideal for sealing cracks and small holes which leak air in and out of your home, subsequently offering the potential to save thousands of dollars in energy costs while also protecting the environment.
Sealing your home with spray foam insulation creates an air barrier, also serving as a vapor retardant and weather barrier, protecting your home from condensation that can cause mold growth and water damage. Because it can be sprayed on any surface it ultimately increases the structural integrity of your home. The material used for spray foam also does not conduct temperature well, allowing it to efficiently insulate without transferring outside climate conditions into your home. As an added benefit, spray foam also makes an effective sound barrier.
Spray foam more effectively prevents air transfer
While the short-term benefit of energy cost savings provides significant value to the use of spray foam insulation, the long-term benefits make the insulation significant to the value of your property. The nature of the foam enhances the structure of your home in a variety of ways, having positive long-term effects. Biologically and chemically resistant, the foam is rot-proof and emission-free, and maintains superior fire safety standards.
Spray foam insulation is CFC-free, low weight, and has a high compressive strength, creating an environmentally friendly home by keeping conditioned air inside, and a stronger structure that will extend the life and increase the value of your home.
Maximize Your Investment
The use of spray foam maximizes the investment of a home by increasing the efficiency of the heating and cooling equipment utilized to condition the air of the home. By creating a completely sealed shell with spray foam insulation, air exchange in and out of the home is prevented, the leading cause of increased energy bills. During the summer in Texas most notably, spray foam insulation can keep your air conditioning from running constantly, helping you and the environment, decreasing your negative impact and keeping costs down.
Spray foam insulation is best for any surface area
The noise insulation is an added benefit particularly useful in areas where noise can be a factor; high traffic areas, industrial areas, and downtown neighborhoods for example. The way spray foam fits into every crack and crevice makes it ideal for suppressing noise transfer through both walls and floors. Spray foam insulation can significantly reduce noise penetration, making it a useful addition to many homes.
Drawbacks
There have been some drawbacks noted historically that are worthy of discussion with your contractor however since discovery, manufacturers have addressed the challenges and modified the spray foam components. Eye irritation, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract challenges were noted and limited instances of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cough, chest tightness, fever, muscle aches, and headaches), were reported. Using a quality manufacturer should avoid any potential side-effects.
Effective for any area of your home, keeping even your attic cool
Building with Spray Foam Insulation
There are several reputable contractors in the area able to assist you with installing spray foam insulation, even DIY kits on the market should that be a route you would like to explore.
If you are building a new home, look for a builder who incorporates spray foam insulation in their new construction. You can rest assured that builder will be looking out for the value of your home and investment, building quality homes with sustained, long-term value. The long-term benefits of spray foam insulation far outweigh any additional cost to a new construction project and are well worth considering when analyzing the value of the investment of a home.
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