Spray foam insulation vs fiberglass
Insulation plays a significant role in keeping your house energy-efficient and comfortable. When it comes to insulation, fiberglass and spray foam insulation are the two most favored insulation types. There has always been a debate about which is a better option between the two for home insulation. In the matter of insulation, both serve excellent results and are home-friendly. Insulation Contractors Near Plymouth
Some people have a hard time choosing between these two insulation types. However, you do not need to worry about it because in this article we will be comparing spray foam insulation with fiberglass. We will discuss some of the factors that should be taken into consideration before deciding the type of insulation that will best suit your requirements and budget.
R-value
R-value is the prime factor when deciding on an insulation type. It determines how well the material is at insulating your home. The higher the R-value of insulation, the more will be its insulating power, and the better it will be at keeping your home warmer in winters and cooler in summers. Insulation that has a higher R-value costs more than the one that has a lower R-value. Therefore, spray foam costs more than fiberglass; it has a higher R-value than fiberglass.
Spray foam insulation has two types: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam Insulation. open-cell spray foam’s R-value is around 3.8 per inch, whereas closed-cell spray foam’s R-value is around 7 per inch. On the other hand, blown-in fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch and fiberglass batts have an R-value of 4.3 per. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the most expensive type of insulation and it has the highest R-value.
Cost-effectiveness
It is important to choose the most cost-effective insulation as it has an impact on the energy efficiency of the house and the utility bills. Both spray foam and fiberglass are cost-effective and efficient. While fiberglass is cheaper and has a lower R-value than spray foam, spray foam is pretty cost-effective in the long run. This is because fiberglass doesn’t provide the superlative thermal resistance that Spray Foam offers. But since both are good at trapping air, they will both save you money and slash your bills.
Installation
The installation of spray foam insulation requires special equipment and skills. In addition, it cannot be done on the existing insulation. Moreover, it is needed to be done carefully to avoid over spraying, which is why it can only be installed by professionals. Meanwhile, fiberglass can be easily installed by anyone, as it comes in batts and rolls. However, it is better to hire an expert to execute the installation of any type of insulation because if it is not installed properly it can lose its effectiveness. A plus point of fiberglass insulation is that it can be installed in the existing insulation which further will increase the home’s overall R-value and give better thermal resistance to your home.
Resistance against moisture
Once fiberglass is targeted by the moisture it cracks and does not dry out completely due to which it loses its insulating abilities. Moreover, it can lead to mold growth but since it is cheap and easy to install it can be easily replaced. Spray foam is moisture resistant and in case it gets wet, it does not retain moisture and will dry out. For people who live in places where the climate is humid, spray foam insulation will work best for you.
If you live in a drafty home and would like to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, then you should contact your local insulation company near Plymouth MN, Century Insulation, to discuss air-sealing and insulation options for your home.