Many installers will argue that foam insulation is a superior insulator than fiberglass. The greatest advantage that foam has over fiberglass is its ability to expand into areas that may be harder to fill with fiberglass, allowing an airtight seal.
Full Answer
What material is best for house insulation?
What is the best insulation?
- Polyisocyanurate: 7.2 R-value
- Polyurethane: 6.25 R-value
- Extruded Polystyrene: 5 R-value
- Expanded Polystyrene: 4 R-value
- Rigid Fibreglass: 4 R-value
- Fibreglass/Rock Wool Batt: 3.14-4.3 R-value
- Cellulose Blown: 3.3-3.7
- Fibreglass Blown: 1.05 to 3.7 R-value
What is the best insulation for a house?
Types of Insulation
- Types of Insulation. Fitted between studs, joists, and beams. ...
- Blanket: Batt and Roll Insulation. ...
- Concrete Block Insulation. ...
- Foam Board or Rigid Foam. ...
- Insulating Concrete Forms. ...
- Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation. ...
- Rigid Fiber Board Insulation. ...
What do you need to know about foam board insulation?
Useful Tips
- Keep foam board insulation away from direct sunlight prior to installation; it will degrade its R-value.
- Cover the insulation with a vapor barrier before you install it; all foam boards absorb water vapor.
- When installing the foam, use caulk or tape for maximum insulation between the material and the board or floor.
Is spray foam insulation worth it?
Spray foam insulation is worth it because it can save you thousands of dollars in energy bills. The upfront cost of spray foam insulation is higher than blown-in, but spray foam is more effective. Spray foam insulation gets in every crevice behind your walls and fully insulates your home effectively.
Which is better insulation foam or fiberglass?
When it comes to which is best in the spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass debate, spray foam wins, hands down. If you're a DIY-er, you may be used to installing fiberglass insulation. But if you're looking for something that will last a lifetime, let a professional install spray foam.
What are the disadvantages of foam insulation?
Below we are going to list the most common problems with using spray foam insulation in your home's attic or in any area inside of your home.Placement Errors During Installation. ... Potentially Attracts Water Damage. ... The Material May Shrink Overtime. ... Long Dry and Cure Time.
Which type of insulation is most effective?
Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.
Is spray foam insulation cheaper than fiberglass insulation?
Spray foam insulation is considerably more expensive than fiberglass insulation. In some cases, the price of spray foam insulation can exceed that of fiberglass by three times over. As such, fiberglass is often the insulation material of choice for those searching for an inexpensive insulation solution.
Is foam insulation worth the money?
If you see the benefit of insulating your new construction home correctly from the start for long-term comfort, energy savings month after month, and fewer headaches while you live in the house, then spray foam insulation may very well be worth the extra cost to you.
How long will foam insulation last?
Typical Insulation Lifespan The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states that spray foam insulation, wrap tape and housewrap insulation can last for more than 80 years. At the same time, cellulose, loose-fill, foamboard, loose fill and rock wool insulation can last up to 100 years.
What is the best home wall insulation?
The best insulation for walls when it comes to new build homes or remodels is going to be Nu-Wool, foam board, or open cell spray foam....Cons:Open cell spray foam is an expensive option for insulation.Spray foam can't be installed as a DIY project.Some brands of spray foam have an odor when installed.
Which insulation has the highest R-value?
Among insulation types, rigid foam panels have the highest R-value per inch.
What's the best insulation for exterior walls?
Best Insulation for Open Exterior WallsFiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass insulation is one of the options that is going to require tearing down your drywall. ... Foam Board Insulation. ... Spray Foam Insulation. ... Blown-In Cellulose Insulation. ... Injection Foam Insulation.
Can mold grow on spray foam insulation?
As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold. And unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust or deteriorate. This means that an area properly sprayed with foam insulation will never become a food source or a hospitable environment for a mold colony.
Where should you not use spray foam insulation?
For areas too close to ceiling light boxes: You should not use spray foam to insulate areas around recessed ceiling canister lights. If you spray too close to the top of ceiling light boxes, you can trap heat and increase the risk of a fire.
Does spray foam devalue your house?
SPF should never be used in older buildings In fact, according to Heritage House, they have seen entire roofs rotted and unrecoverable after SPF has been used. They state that by using SPF in your roof, '…you will devalue your home by the amount that a new roof will cost, and more. ' And we agree.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of foam insulation?
A Breakdown Of The Pros & Cons Of Spray Foam InsulationPros and Cons of Spray Foam InsulationAdvantagesDisadvantagesCreates a highly energy efficient thermal envelopeUpfront costs are high and installation is expensiveExtraordinary thermal qualitiesPayback takes 2-4 yearsLower ongoing energy costsNot a DIY product6 more rows•Aug 25, 2021
Where should you not use spray foam insulation?
For areas too close to ceiling light boxes: You should not use spray foam to insulate areas around recessed ceiling canister lights. If you spray too close to the top of ceiling light boxes, you can trap heat and increase the risk of a fire.
Does spray foam insulation cause moisture problems?
While the benefits of spray foam are multifaceted—it can reduce energy costs, increase a home's structural integrity, create a moisture barrier and prolong the life of an air conditioning unit—it can also cause problems.
Does spray foam devalue your house?
SPF should never be used in older buildings In fact, according to Heritage House, they have seen entire roofs rotted and unrecoverable after SPF has been used. They state that by using SPF in your roof, '…you will devalue your home by the amount that a new roof will cost, and more. ' And we agree.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is a material composed of very fine fibers. These are produced from a variety of recyclable materials, with melted down glass being chief among them. These small materials are held together by an adhesive agent such as paper or aluminum foil.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is chemically composed to be sprayed into everywhere ranging from open areas to tight nooks. As the foam covers an area, it expands getting into small crevices and corners where traditional fiberglass insulation just cannot reach. This helps to seal the cracks in the wood that could potentially allow air permeation.
Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass Comparison
Insulation is all about keeping air and moisture out. The higher resistance to these elements that spray foam has, the higher its R-value score. The higher the R-value, the more effective the spray foam is at keeping water and air out (or in). Closed-cell foam is among the highest in this regard, able to achieve an R-value of up to 7.0.
Conclusion
The high R-value of spray foam insulation makes it the dominant insulation solution on the market, but there are more considerations to choosing insulation types than just the R-value alone. A few other factors to consider include:
Which is better for insulation: fiberglass or foam?
Fiberglass is the less expensive choice for wall insulation and is the simplest to install, which makes it an ideal choice for homes in four-season climates. Foam insulation is much pricier, but it will lead to much greater energy savings, particularly in regions beset by lengthy seasons of severe hot or frigid temperatures.
What is the R value of fiberglass?
Fiberglass has an R-value of up to 3.2 per inch of thickness. A home constructed with two-by-four wood framing will have a 3.5-inch wall cavity that's a perfect fit for an R-13 fiberglass batt. Walls framed with two-by-six lumber present a 5.5-inch cavity, roomy enough for a R-21 batt. Older homes can reach similar insulation values by utilizing loose-fill fiberglass that can be blown in place behind the walls by commercial installers. A key advantage of fiberglass batts for new homes and room additions is that it's a lower-cost product that can be installed without the use of expensive equipment.
What is the SPF of polyurethane foam?
Spray polyurethane foam starts out as a two-component fluid that quickly firms into place. Closed-cell SPF provides an R-value of 6.0 to 6.2 per inch of thickness. That amounts to at least R-21 for a 3.5-inch wall cavity and R-33 for walls with 6-inch studs. Closed-cell foam also serves as a moisture barrier and an air barrier, which prevents uncomfortable drafty conditions indoors. For a lower-priced option, open-cell SPF is a moisture-permeable version of the product that offers the same air-sealing capacity as closed-cell foam, with an R-value of 3.5 per inch per inch of thickness.
How does insulation work?
Insulation works by resisting the transfer of heat from warm areas to cooler areas. Its effectiveness is measured in R-values -- the higher the R-value, the better the insulating material's performance. The R-value for walls varies by the type of material, its thickness and its density. To eliminate the risk of deceptive advertising, ...
When was insulation cheap?
When energy was relatively cheap in the early 1970s, many homes were poorly insulated by modern standards. Homeowners today can cut energy costs by following U.S. Department of Energy guidelines on the ideal level ...
Can fiberglass batts be used in new homes?
A key advantage of fiberglass batts for new homes and room additions is that it's a lower-cost product that can be installed without the use of expensive equipment.
Why is foam insulation important?
Foam also helps to reduce noise as it provides a total seal in hard-to-reach areas. This could be important to you if you reside near a busy thoroughfare or airport. Choosing between foam and fiberglass insulation may initially be a cost or budget choice.
What is the best insulation for a house?
Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice in many home insulation projects. However, foam insulation is gaining in popularity and usage. Foam is a polyurethane foam that is sprayed onto the surfaces of walls and ceilings that are being insulated. It expands and hardens as it dries, forming an insulating barrier.
Is foam insulation better than fiberglass?
Many installers will argue that foam insulation is a superior insulator than fiberglass. The greatest advantage that foam has over fiberglass is its ability to expand into areas that may be harder to fill with fiberglass, allowing an airtight seal. Insulating all the hard-to-teach nooks and crannies in your home will result in a significant cost ...
Does fiberglass deteriorate over time?
Fiberglass may deteriorate over time, causing sagging or loose pieces that may be circulated through your home's venting system. Additional Features of Foam. Foam insulation is more water resistant than fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass actually absorbs water and in time becomes heavy and weighted down by it.
Is foam insulation good for a house?
Areas of the country that are prone to floods and hurricanes benefit more from the use of foam insulation in the home over fiberglass. Foam insulation is fire resistant and acts as a fire retardant, reducing the spread of flames throughout the house in the event of fire. Foam also helps to reduce noise as it provides a total seal in hard-to-reach ...
Can you spray foam insulation in a crawl space?
The foam polyurethane insulation can be sprayed into crawl spaces , tight corners and other hard-to-reach places in the home.
What is the R value of fiberglass insulation?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), fiberglass has an R-value between 2.9 and 3.8 per inch of thickness. Manufacturers also produce medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation with slightly higher R-values than the standard products—between 3.7 and 4.3 per inch.
Why is fiberglass not recycled?
His second option is blown-in fiberglass because it has a higher R-value (about 4.2) per inch. “But fiberglass is not recycled and has a higher embodied energy , so those are reasons not to use it,” he adds. Another product that Gibson eschews is spray-foam insulation.
What type of foam does Paul Duffy use?
If the budget is slim, he opts for blown-in fiberglass and dense-pack cellulose, but even then, he uses spray foam under the roofline. Icynene ’s Paul Duffy says that builders who balk at foam because of cost are evaluating the product incorrectly.
What is cellulose made of?
Made largely from recycled newsprint with borate for fire- and insect-resistance, cellulose has become popular because of its eco-friendliness and its total-fill installation method. With an R-value of 3.6 to 3.8 per inch, it packs tightly into building cavities, inhibiting airflow.
How much does foam cost per house?
Reality Homes says foam would cost it about $4,000 to $5,000 more per house.
What is spray foam?
Foam is sprayed into wall cavities and expands to fill cracks and crevices, creating a tight seal that minimizes air leakage. This high-performance product is popular with custom builders. There are two main types of spray foam: open cell and closed cell, each with different characteristics.
Is spray foam insulation air impermeable?
High-Performance Foam Insulation. “Other products are insulation only, but spray-fo am insulation is air-impermeable, which allows it to be an air barrier as well as insulation,” says Paul Duffy, vice president of engineering at foam manufacturer Icynene, in Mississauga, Ontario.
What is fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass insulation generally comes in thick rolls or sheets. It is constructed of fibrous materials known as batts. Fiberglass was commonly used in older constructions throughout the United States because of its affordability. There are tons of tiny fibers of glass within the sheets.
How much does fiberglass insulation cost?
The average cost to have spray foam insulation installed is roughly $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot for open cell and $1 to $1.50 per board foot for closed cell.
How long does spray foam last?
Spray foam lasts a lot longer; up to 80 years. No matter whether you go with open or closed cell spray foam, it is more efficient than fiberglass insulation. Not to mention the fact that spray foam is better at keeping out sound and allergies.
How many square feet is a board foot of spray foam?
A board foot is one foot wide, one foot long, and one inch thick. So, covering 1,000 square feet of 3” closed cell spray foam would equate to about 3,000 square feet . A single board foot of closed cell spray foam can run you anywhere from double to triple the cost of a square foot of fiberglass insulation.
What happens if you have inadequate insulation?
When you have inadequate insulation, your HVAC has to work that much harder to do its job. The harder it works, the more costly your energy bills wind up being and the lesser life your HVAC system has. When it comes to insulation, you will find that there are a wide array of choices out there. Two of the most common are spray foam and fiberglass. ...
Is closed cell foam insulation good?
That said, it makes for a highly effective option and also offers sound reduction qualities. Closed cell, meanwhile, dries hard. Instead of absorbing the airflow, closed cell spray foam blocks out airflow entirely. It is the most efficient type of insulation for homes that there is.
Is spray foam more effective than closed cell?
Open cell spray foam is a bit more cost-effective as it lets some airflow through. That’s not to say it isn’t efficient, it just isn’t as efficient as closed cell. Spray foam is made up of a polymer that, when applied, begins to expand. Closed cell will harden as it dries, allowing it to block out airflow.
How long does fiberglass insulation last?
If the conditions are ideal, you can count on fiberglass insulation to last up to five decades or more . Spray foam can also post similar longevity numbers.
What is the best insulation for a house?
Spray foam insulation offers the best type of insulation, in most cases, with R-values reaching up to 7.0. However, its cost and process of installation make fiberglass more attractive for many homeowners. Fiberglass is easier to install and provides excellent insulation in relation to the cost. This article will cover everything you need ...
How to make spray foam?
This is a chemical-based insulation material generally mixed on-site by the contractors. The foam created by the mixture is applied with a sprayer. Spray foam can be produced as an open or closed-cell variant: 1 Open-cell spray foam contains cells that are not completely enveloped, making the product soft and flexible. 2 The cells in closed-cell spray foam are (as you’ve guessed) completely enveloped. The cells press up tightly to cut off the passage of air and moisture. The chemical makeup of this variant of spray foam means it’s more stable, rigid, and dense. It’s also invariably more expensive to use.
Which is better, spray foam or closed cell?
It’s also invariably more expensive to use. Between both types of spray foam, closed-cell spray foam is the better insulator.
Can fiberglass be used around windows?
The only way fiberglass works around windows is if the cavity is completely air-sealed on all sides. While that is possible, it’s often difficult to accomplish and maintain. On the other hand, spray foam insulation itself is an air barrier and an insulator.
Can spray foam cause asthma?
Excessive exposure to isocyanates can lead to asthma attacks in people exposed to spray foam in the future. Prolonged respiratory irritation due to exposure to isocyanates can eventually lead to chemical bronchitis. When the spray foam application is properly cured, it becomes non-toxic and inert.
Does spray foam shrink?
Over time, however, both of them may gradually lose efficacy. Spray foam will shrink as the decades roll by, while fiberglass can sag or settle, depending on the initial installation. The durability and longevity scales will tip significantly in favor of spray foam if there’s a lot of humidity in the space.
What is Rigid Foam Board Insulation?
Spray foam and rigid foam board insulation are the two most popular types of foam insulation. This article will focus mainly on the latter. (To learn more about the former, click here.)
Types of Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Depending on how a rigid foam panel was manufactured, it can have slightly different properties. The various manufacturing processes have given rise to three different types of rigid foam board insulation, which are:
Characteristics of Foam Board Insulation
All types of rigid foam board insulation have several common characteristics or features. These characteristics are:
A Brief Overview of Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation typically comes in tightly packed rolls of extremely fine glass fibers. It is one of the most common materials used to insulate American homes.
Types of Fiberglass Insulation
There are two main types of fiberglass insulation that typically have distinct applications and offer their own advantages and drawbacks. They are:
Differences Between Rigid Foam Board and Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass and rigid foam board insulation are pretty different in terms of their structure and properties.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors you must consider when deciding whether to install fiberglass or rigid foam insulation in your living space. In addition, you might want to consult a trusted architect, builder, or insulation technician, to get a better idea of which type would be best suited to your home.
A Head-to-Head Comparison of Fiberglass and Spray Foam Insulation
Your choice of insulation material makes a significant difference in the energy efficiency of a home. Plus, it affects indoor air quality, depending on the substances a given insulation type produces, so you want to ensure you choose carefully.
Fiberglass vs. Spray Foam
Since the two different types of fiberglass insulation are so similar, we’ll focus on the most user-friendly one for DIYers.
The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Insulation
Depending on the project, you may decide that spray foam insulation is too expensive, or you may even have trouble finding a company that has the time to come out to your build.
Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation
From the table above, you’ll see that spray foam is the most effective form of insulation, though it’s not the most wallet-friendly.
Is Insulation Toxic and Dangerous? (What You Should Know)
Most insulation is toxic and dangerous with some of its health risks including breathing difficulties, cancer, and skin, eye, and lung irritation. However, most of these risks can be managed by ensuring you wear appropriate safety gear, and that the insulation is installed correctly.
Final Thoughts
Despite their cons and associated health risks, fiberglass and spray foam insulation come in handy when you need to keep power consumption in your home minimum. If installed properly, they can serve you for over five decades.
Rigid Foam vs. Fiberglass Insulation: Major Differences
- Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam insulation consists of panels sold in 4-by-8-foot sheets in a variety of thicknesses from 1/4 to 2 inches. It is also sold in large bundled panels, joined at the ends accordion-style for use as an exterior sheathing material. Rigid foam insulation uses one of three materials: high-quality…
Applications
- Rigid Foam Insulation
1. Exterior Continuous Insulation: Rigid foam can be used as sheathing—a continuous layer of insulation on wall exteriors attached before the installation of house wrap and siding. 2. Basements: Indoors, rigid foam is the material of choice on walls where the insulation will be tou… - Fiberglass Insulation
1. Exterior Walls:Rolled fiberglass insulation's main purpose is to fill the cavities of above-grade (non-basement) exterior walls when those walls are accessible from the inside. During new construction or major remodeling projects when wall surfaces are not yet installed, faced fibergl…
R-Values
- Insulating properties of various building materialsare measured by R-value—a measurement of the thermal resistance of the material. Higher R-values indicate better insulating values. With both rigid foam and fiberglass, the R-values are mostly determined by the thickness of the insulating material. Rigid foam insulation packs in more R-value per cubic inch than fiberglass insulation d…
Ease of Installation
- Both rigid foam and fiberglass have pros and cons when it comes to installation. Rigid foam's main advantage is that it is a clean, irritant-free product. The advantage of fiberglass is that it is flexible enough to mold around obstructions.