Tag: Blown-In Insulation

Blown-in Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Spray Foam Insulation vs. Blown-In Insulation

After suffering through the heat of summer, isn’t it time you decided to insulate your home correctly? It’s time to get rid of drafts. You can’t beat spray foam insulation for performance, versatility, and efficiency. And if you’re going to have it installed, you might as well get the best spray foam insulation Houston, TX, offers.

The high energy bills you pay monthly would be reduced by $100. Read on to learn the similarities and differences between spray foam and blown-in Insulation.

What’s Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation, also known as spray polyurethane foam (SPF), can be sprayed into wall cavities and other areas in a home. It’s a great option for sealing gaps and cracks in your walls, where it will expand to fill the entire space.

It’s also a very efficient form of Insulation since it provides excellent thermal resistance and helps to prevent condensation on cold surfaces.

Here is the process of applying spray foam insulation:

  • Choose the spray foam type. Many spray foam insulation available on the market today are open-cell and closed-cell. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, so matching your needs with the right product is important.
  • Clean the surface of the wall where you apply the spray foam. Use mild soap, water, or bleach to clean up any dirt or stains on the walls. Make sure that all surfaces are dry.
  • Cover windows and doors with plastic sheeting or cardboard before applying the spray foam insulation because they could get damaged by overspray.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a mask because it can be messy and potentially dangerous if you don’t take appropriate precautions.
  • Mark out each section that will be sprayed with masking tape so that you don’t waste material when spraying more than one area at a time. 
  • Spray the perimeter first because it is easier to coat large areas without wasting material or leaving gaps behind. Ensure to let the perimeter dry before spraying other areas.
  • Lube the applicator the moment you replace the spray tip.

What’s Blown-In Insulation?

Blown-in Insulation is a process that involves blowing Insulation into the spaces between studs and joists in your home using a hose. It not only creates an insulating blanket but also helps limit sound transfer from the outside and the inside, dampening the impact of things like street noise.

Blown-in Insulation is typically made from fiberglass or cellulose. It is installed using a blower machine to blow the material into place.

Before the sheetrock is installed, the studs and joists of a home’s walls and ceiling are insulated with thick, lengthy strips of fiberglass insulation. The Insulation can settle over time, leaving tiny holes through which air can flow, leading to heat loss. However, it is not always possible to re-install these sheets around obstacles like unfinished ceilings or other structural features.

Spray Foam Insulation vs. Blown-In Insulation: Difference?

Spray foam insulation and blown-in Insulation are excellent ways to keep your home warm and cool, but they have some differences.

Durability

Blown-in Insulation is less durable; it lasts 20-30 years because it’s made from raw fibers instead of a solid material like spray foam. Blown-in Insulation won’t last long if the cellulose is installed before sealing the air leaks; then, air will continue to leak through the space. 

The lifespan of spray foam insulation is 100 years. The longevity of blown-in Insulation varies based on how well it was installed and how much moisture it gets exposed to.

Cost

The price of  Insulation gets affected by the following factors:

  • Used Material 
  • Quantity of Required Resources
  • The amount of time to complete the task
  • Location of the Home 
  • Level of Insulation
  • Where Insulation is taking place

Spray foam costs more than blown-in Insulation. For example, while the average cost of spray foam insulation is $1.36-$2.63 per square foot, the average cost of blown-in Insulation is $1.00-$2.80 per square foot.

Ease of Application

Installing spray foam calls for unique tools and training. For example, in spray foam insulation, the chemical compounds are pressurized, which initiates the chemical reaction necessary to produce the foam. 

Blown-in requires professional assistance; blown-in Insulation is applied by a professional who uses an air compressor to blow the Insulation into your walls

Insulation Effectiveness

Spray foam insulation is sprayed onto the surface of your home with specialized equipment, where it hardens and forms a solid barrier. The result is an R-value of about 6.5-7 per inch (much higher than traditional fiberglass), which means it can keep your home warm and cool.

Blown-In Insulation, on the other hand, is applied through a machine that pressurizes a mixture of fibers and water into your walls and ceilings. It has an R-value of about 2.5-3.6 per inch, so it doesn’t keep your house as warm or cool as spray foam.

Air Quality

If the person applying the Insulation isn’t using the proper safety gear or the foam isn’t put properly, the reaction can be deadly. Specialists warn that the fumes and aerosols released during the application of spray polyurethane foam pose a risk to the respiratory system. Spray polyurethane foam contains isocyanates, a known irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Damp-blown-in insulation facilitates fungal growth. Fungal spores can be present in any attic, and when damp, they can grow and spread easily if the conditions are right. It can lead to health problems for those who inhale or ingest the fungus or mold spores. If your house’s HVAC system does not have a proper filter, it could circulate this harmful material.

Spray foam insulation has grown in popularity, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for everyone. It is a more efficient and effective method for insulating, however. Keep in mind that an increase in efficiency means an increase in costs. Spray Foam insulation is significantly more expensive than blown-in Insulation and needs to be carefully measured to ensure proper airflow. Visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ for all your residential and commercial insulation needs.

 

Name, Address and Phone

First Defense Insulation, 

12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147, 

Houston Texas 77046, 

713-808-9853

 

 

 

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