Both residential and commercial properties benefit from insulation for the same reasons. Insulation helps to regulate temperatures, keeping interiors cool in the summer and warm in the winters. Without insulation, your home’s heating and cooling system would expend a ton of energy trying to balance out temperatures and keep you comfortable when you’re inside. Since insulation does the bulk of the work when it comes to balancing out temperatures, your home ends up saving a lot of energy. An energy-efficient home ends up turning into financial savings when it’s time to pay your energy bill. 

Additionally, insulation acts as a sound barrier to reduce noise pollution. When you’re in a building with well-insulated walls, you won’t be able to hear every single noise and sound coming from the rooms next to you. If you live on a busy road, the sound of cars going by and sirens wailing won’t be as disrupting while you’re trying to watch your favorite show on the television. 

As you may know, insulators come in a variety of materials, so depending on what you’re looking for, what your budget is, and any other number of factors, you may be more inclined to choose one material over another. Here’s all you need to know about spray foam insulation, a popular option for many.

Spray foam insulation is a cellular plastic that, when sprayed, creates a foam (hence the name). This foam insulates, acts as an air sealant, and a moisture barrier, all in one! Spray foam insulation is really good at getting in those tight, precise spaces to create a continuous barrier on walls, in corners, seams, and more. Because of its ability to form tightly against the areas it gets sprayed on, it acts as a super effective insulator. Plus, spray foam doesn’t lose its shape over time, unlike some other insulation materials. It won’t sag or compress, meaning your home stays energy efficient and draft-free.

What is it Made From?

Two different liquids make up spray foam insulation; when they are combined, a chemical reaction forms resulting in the spray foam. When the chemicals mix and react, then get spray, the foam will harden rather quickly. When installed by professionals, the application forms into a continuous barrier that resists heat transfer and undesired air filtration. 

Spray foam is often described in terms of density: high, medium, or low. The result is the same, each insulates, but what they are used for will differ. 

As a general example: 

1. High-density foam works well for exterior/roof applications
2. Medium-density foam works well for continuous insulation
3. Low-density foam works well interior wall cavity and attic applications

Your Reeve’s contractor will help you choose the appropriate density for your insulation project or renovation! 

What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Cell? 

Spray foam insulation is available in two forms, either open cell or closed cell. Both kinds have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know (or hire professionals who know) what your application needs are. This way, you can be sure you’re benefiting the most from spray foam insulation. 

Simply put, open cell foam is going to be light and malleable. As it dries, the gas inside the cells will escape through openings in the cell walls, resulting in a light weight foam. On the contrary, closed cell foam will be more dense and heavy. It is more resistant to weathering and change in temperature. 

Both foam compositions resist sound very well and act as air barriers. However, they do differ in strength, rigidity, and water resistance levels, among other things. Your insulation installer will be able to help you decide which is right for your needs. 

At this point, you might be asking yourself: is spray foam insulation worth it? With other insulation materials available, you may be wondering if spray foam is worth the investment. It’s true that spray foam is a more expensive option than others, such as fiberglass, but it certainly will pay itself off overtime. Upgrades to your home often come at a cost, but when you choose quality materials and dependable contractors to do business with, you will thank yourself later. If you think spray foam insulation is right for your needs, but aren’t sure whether it’s worth it, check out some of the benefits unique to this type of insulator. 

 Spray Foam Lasts 

When it comes to insulating your home, where you will live on an everyday basis, you don’t want to cut corners. Don’t let the initial cost of spray foam deter you from deciding to use it. It is long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about upgrading your home’s insulation again in a few years due to poor performance later on.

Spray Foam Resists Moisture

 When you make improvements to protect your home, it’s because you want to prevent the possibility of problems down the line. Spray foam is the best insulation option when it comes to water resistance. In the case of a leak or flood, spray foam won’t have to be replaced because it doesn’t retain water. This means you can worry less about issues such as mold or mildew in worst case scenarios. 

There are many reasons to invest in spray foam insulation, as it’s one of the best long-term solutions available. If you are interested in insulation services, contact Reeves today. We will guide you through the insulation process from start to finish, whether that’s by helping you choose your material or just coming to your property to get the job done!  

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