Spray Foam Insulation Pros and Cons

Besides providing the highest thermal resistance per inch, and preventing air and moisture infiltration, spray foam insulation also helps strengthen the structural integrity of the home.

Once it expands and hardens, spray foam insulation helps improve the strength and rigidity of the wall, ceilings and floors. As a result, a home is less susceptible to wind sheering and racking.

Another spray foam insulation pro is the fact, that unlike batt or rolled insulation, it will not sag over time. Therefore it maintains its thermal resistance over time.

Compared to other types of home insulation products, spray foam insulation can save about a third more on energy costs due to the fact that it is a monolithic insulation solution. With spray foam insulation there are no cracks or gaps that are left un-insulated, as is frequently the case when using rolled or batt insulation. Studies have shown that with rolled or batt insulation, up to 40% of a home’s energy is lost due to air infiltration. This is due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to create a tightly insulated seal around electrical outlets, doors and windows.

Another benefit of spray foam insulation is the fact that it creates such a tight seal, moisture and associated mold and mildew issues are not a problem. In addition, it also helps to prevent rodent infiltration.

Spray foam insulation, or sprayed polyurethane foam, also can eliminate the need for using exterior house wraps or vapor retarders on the inside of the home. As a result, construction costs can be saved, thus mitigating the higher costs of spray foam insulation. Finally spray foam insulation is an excellent solution for sound proofing a room. Again, due to the fact that it forms a continuous and monolith seal between wall stud bays, sound waves from adjacent rooms are highly attenuated.

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So if you are building a new home, consider spray foam insulation. Though it may cost you a little more money up front, up to 20% more compared to traditional home insulation solutions, you will likely recoup your costs in just a few years with the energy savings that you achieve.