If you are in the process of building a new home or renovating your existing home then finding the ideal insulation is one of the decisions that you will have to make. There are several options available to you. Some products are more affordable in the short term but don't always provide the best long-term insulation solution. Other products may be more expensive to purchase but can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills over time. It is useful to compare and understand the different types of insulation so you can make an informed decision that will benefit you in the long run.

What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam is a product that has been around for some time. It is one of the more efficient home insulators and available in a variety of types to suit different applications. Spray foam is made up of at least two compounds. Independently, the components can be stored for a relatively long period of time; however, when the compounds are mixed, they react and form foam that needs to be applied immediately. The foam is sprayed on to a surface area and after a short period of time, it sets and hardens. The result is an effective insulating layer that is highly durable.

How Does Spray Foam Compare to Other Types of Insulation?

Insulation is rated in terms of an R-value. The higher the R-value, the higher the density of the insulator and therefore the higher its effectiveness.  Spray foam is considered a good insulator because of its comparatively high R-value. Open cell spray foam which has the lowest density has an R-value of 4. Most other types of spray foam have an R-value  between 6 and 7.7. Compare this to fiberglass batting which is another common form of insulation that only has an R-value of 3.5. Comparatively speaking, spray foam therefore has an average R-value that is almost double that of fiberglass batting.

Another benefit of spray foam is that the application process is much easier. Spray foam can be applied to most surfaces regardless of whether they are horizontal or vertical. In all instances the foam can simply be sprayed onto the area that needs to be insulated. There is no measuring and cutting of mats or the need to overlap insulation. Spray foam is easy to apply in a uniform manner. Spray foam is also generally more durable than other forms of insulation. It does not wear down as easily and therefore protects and insulates your home for a much longer period of time before needing to be replaced.

What Makes Spray Foam So Efficient as an Insulator?

One of the properties of spray foam is that as it is applied to a surface area, it continues to expand. This means that the foam can get into cracks and crevasses and provide an airtight and watertight seal. The spray foam also hardens in a relatively short period of time which means that the application process can be completed in a relatively short space of time. The high density of spray foam, compared to other types of insulators, is perhaps its most important characteristic. The spray foam keep cold air out and warm air in during the winter months and helps to effectively insulate your home.

How Else Does Spray Foam Protect Your Home?

Certain types of spray foam have microbial agents as components. These microbial agents help prevent the growth of mold in your home. If you live in a region that has consistently high levels of humidity then your home can be susceptible to mold infestations. Often mold goes unseen and undetected until it is quite severe. This can affect the health of your family.  Having an insulator that prevents mold growth can provide a healthier home environment. Spray foam is highly durable. It also can form a protective barrier in your home against vermin and insects.  Rather than having to call exterminators, you can pre-empt the problem by insulating your home with spray foam.

How Can You Install Spray Foam in Your Home?

Spray foam can be installed by a professional contractor. This is usually done in a new building or when you are doing extensive renovations. However, the good news is that there are also home kits available for those who like DIY home repairs. The easy-to-follow instructions take you through the process so you can easily insulate your home using spray foam.