Why Spray Foam Insulation Is a Good Choice For Your Home

Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also cuts down on noise and energy bills. Whether you're building a new home or retrofitting your existing one, choosing the right type of insulation is essential.

Generally, contractors recommend fiberglass for walls and attics and cellulose or mineral wool for crawl spaces. But, you can get even better performance if you include spray foam in your construction or retrofit design. This type of insulation is not only a highly effective air seal, but it also has the highest R-value of all home insulation materials.

Blown in insulation cape coral is the most common and affordable insulation material. It comes in batts, which look like cotton candy blankets and are easy for homeowners to install themselves. There's also loose-fill fiberglass, which is blown into place by professionals using special equipment. Another popular option is cellulose or mineral wool insulation, which can be found in bags.

The higher the R-value of your insulation, the more energy it saves. R-value is measured by how well an insulator blocks heat flow between spaces within your home. To determine the best type of insulation for your home, talk to an HVAC professional and discuss your goals for the home. Some people want to reduce their energy costs, while others simply want a more comfortable living space.

A professional will assess your space, consider your budget and suggest the appropriate R-value of your insulation. They'll also address any issues, such as air leaks, with the proper sealing techniques.

In addition to reducing energy costs, insulating your crawl space will help prevent moisture problems. Since crawl spaces are usually damp, they can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which could lead to costly repairs for your home. The best way to avoid these problems is to insulate the area with a vapor barrier and faced insulation. Faced insulation includes a layer of paper or foil that acts as a barrier and helps resist moisture.

Both rockwool and fiberglass have a high moisture resistance level, so they don't easily absorb water or cause mold and mildew to grow. However, the higher density of rockwool gives it an advantage over fiberglass when it comes to moisture.

Spray foam home insulation is a good choice for sealing and protecting ductwork. It has a high R-value and can be applied to walls, ceilings and attics. It can be used with other types of insulation, including cellulose and fiberglass, to increase its effectiveness.

Some states offer tax credits, rebates or grants for architects and builders who use spray foam in their designs. Incorporating the material in your home can also help you achieve LEED or NAHB Green Building certification.

Spray foam is expensive, but it will pay for itself over time with lower heating and cooling costs. Before committing to the cost, ask your local contractor for an estimate and compare it to other home energy-saving upgrades you're considering.