Spray Foam Insulation Mansfield, Ohio | Foam Insulation Installers (2024)

FAQs

Is there a downside to spray foam insulation? ›

Due to its quick and straightforward installation process and affordable pricing, spray foam insulation is quickly becoming a popular product. However, there is a chance that the insulation in this product will start to shrink over time, which will lessen its insulating capabilities.

Many contractors and homeowners believe that houses need to breathe, and the concern that a house may be made too airtight causes these buyers to avoid spray foam insulation. If these buyers learn that the insulation is spray foam, they may avoid bidding altogether.

Spray foam insulation is worth it – in fact, depending on the type of insulation you currently have (or don't have), spray foam insulation could save you up to 50% on your energy bills. Its highly effective heat retention means you simply don't need to use as much energy to heat your home.

R-Value In 2 Inches Of Spray Foam

The R-value ranges from R-3.5 to R-3.6 per inch. The filling of a 2×4 cavity yields about an R-13.

Ventilated Attics: If your attic is ventilated, it's generally advisable to avoid using spray foam insulation here. The ventilation is designed to allow air flow, and spray foam could block this ventilation, leading to potential moisture issues.

This insulator can be quite effective, but it also has a sneaky side: concealing roof leaks. The leak, hidden beneath the impermeable closed cell layer, can spread and cause more damage than expected. It's a rare but noteworthy risk for your attic insulation decision.

The Problem with Spray Foam Insulation and Mortgages

It can cause roof timbers to rot, the lack of airflow can cause mould to form, and it can have toxic release odours.

In fact, when done correctly and professionally, spray foam insulation can actually increase the value of your home. This type of insulation adds value to any residential property by providing superior energy efficiency, durability, soundproofing capabilities, and more.

In many cases, people who install spray foam in their homes can expect to see an average ROI between 3 to 7 years depending on the size of the building, where the home is located, the condition of the HVAC unit, home energy usage and the areas being spray foamed.

Spray foam insulation lasts for 80 years to 100 years, but closed-cell spray foam will last a little longer than open-cell spray foam. For many homeowners, this lifespan will extend beyond the entire time they own their house. Closed-cell spray foam lasts longer than open-cell spray foam due to its rigid structure.

Is blown-in insulation better than spray foam? ›

Unlike blown-in insulation that can lower your energy bills by 25%, with spray foam insulation in your building you can profit from a 40% decrease on your monthly energy bills. Spray foam has the ability to expand 30-60 times the volume when installed, therefore it can seal all gaps and cracks on your walls.

Spray foam is an ideal choice for insulating the floor of the attic because it is air impermeable and a powerful insulator. This will keep conditioned air in the living area of the home, and the warm or cool air in the attic from entering the home where it can cause condensation, mold and other problems.

4. Does spray foam need a vapor barrier on top (e.g. tarp)? The closed cell spray foam doesn't need a vapor barrier because the spray foam itself functions as a vapor barrier, air barrier and thermal barrier too. However, the open cell spray foam needs a vapor barrier.

DIY Spray Foam Pros

The small areas around doors and windows are great small projects for DIY foam insulation. The experienced homeowner could avoid a contractor's minimum charge by doing these small spaces themselves. You can buy the kit at your local home improvement store and get the job done on your own time.

When using closed-cell foam in walls, it is generally considered sufficient when 2 to 3 inches are sprayed. Open-cell foam in walls would not be sufficient with just 2 inches, as it requires at least 3.

Spray foam is not a solution for water leakage and is not a waterproofing product. Spray foam should only be installed after a water leakage problem is addressed. Otherwise, there are risks of mold growth, continued water damage, and even structural damage.

Spray foam insulation and batt insulation are both effective at improving the energy efficiency of your home and reducing noise. As far as insulation types go, however, spray foam insulation is usually the best choice because it is more effective in extreme weather conditions and traps more heat than batt 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.

In fact, when done correctly and professionally, spray foam insulation can actually increase the value of your home. This type of insulation adds value to any residential property by providing superior energy efficiency, durability, soundproofing capabilities, and more.