As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want only the best for your home. And that includes insulation. While there are many types of insulation available, not all of them have the same level of quality and efficiency. Although getting the best kind of insulation does come with higher costs, don’t get intimidated by the upfront costs because they come with more advantages that will benefit you in the long run. For example, spray foam insulation can outperform all other types of insulation, as long as it is installed by professional spray foam insulation contractors in Kansas City.
Spray foam insulation is a type of air barrier and insulation material that is used to seal floors, walls, and ceiling cavities against air flow movement. This includes the space where walls meet doors and windows, as well as the spaces around light fixtures and electrical outlets.
Spray foam is unlike conventional insulation materials, as it never loses its shape and can be used to fill in cracks, crevices, and gaps. It also won’t sag, compress, or settle over time, which makes it an excellent option for filling in open cavities in new constructions, crawl spaces, attics, and rim joists.
What Are the Differences Between Open Cell and Closed Cell Spray Foam?
The two types of spray foam insulation are open cell and closed cell. While both are made from polyurethane and filled with bubbles of air or gas, they do have distinct differences when they set.
- Closed cell spray foam. This type of spray foam sets into a dense surface, which can help support the structure of your property. Many consider this as a much better insulator than open spray foam because it contains a lot of separate gas pockets when it sets. This also helps slow down heat movement, which makes it more resistant to temperature change and weathering.
- Open cell spray foam. Open cell spray foam has a very light and pliable composition because of the way it dries. Gas escapes through the openings in the wall of the cell when it dries, resulting in a light and flexible foam that shifts as it settles. Because of its less dense composition, it doesn’t provide excellent structural support for your property. Furthermore, it’s not as effective an insulator as its counterpart. So to achieve the same level of insulation, you’ll have to install a much thicker layer. It, however, provides excellent sound insulation because of its ability to block and reduce airflow.
The Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation
Here are some of the many benefits of using a spray foam insulator.
- It is a powerful insulator
- It provides an air-tight seal to your property
- It can give you more money savings because of less energy consumption
- It protects your property from airborne moisture and leaks
- It can last for a very long time
- It deters the formation of mold
- It is eco-friendly
Many homeowners can get intimidated by the cost of spray foam. It might not be the cheapest, but it provides the best results. Once you understand the advantages and benefits that come along with it, you’ll understand why most experts agree that it’s one of the best types of insulation, especially for attics and crawl spaces.
