Why You Should Use Spray Foam Insulation

By Author: Nigel MacMahon
Total Articles: 4717
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Acoustic Insulation Benefits
Low density Polyurethane Foam Insulation has anoutstanding sound absorption properties and sound transmission properties. When comparing polyurethane foam to other insulations, there can be a very great difference. As an effective air seal, it removes the air gaps through which sound travels theeasiest. Low density polyurethane foam Insulation is far greater in controlling mid-range frequencies that include the most common sounds, the the voice of people and loudstereo music.
Enhanced Insulation

When traditional R3.5 fiberglass batts are field installed using traditional methods, the result is an effective value of only R2.45. Much is lost in inexact fit, ineffective air barrier and broken vapour barrier. Polyurethane foam howeverdoes not suffer from the same installation challenges of traditional woolbatts.
Greater Air Barrier Properties

Spray foam insulation is able to obstruct air leaks far more efficiently than other types of insulation. Typical insulation materials like rigid foam board or fibreglass batts may slip out of place over time, leaving places for air ...
... to penetrate the living area. In addition, these materials rarely fill the entire wall cavity, which means air can usually find a way into the house between the sections of insulation, or at the top or bottom of the wall. Polyurethane spray foam fills the whole area, leaving much fewer gaps for air leaks. This material is also more dense than many other insulators, and provides a tight, impenetrable barrier to air infiltration and leaks.

Superiror Energy Efficiency in the Home
Air barrier sealing and a increased under floor insulation material result in greater energy efficiency. This typically means a reduction in the use of heating or cooling systems, this can result in smaller energy bills and far less carbon emissions. A efficiently insulated house may even allow you to choose smaller air conditioning and heating systems, which can save both money and space.

Roof Insulation seldom sags or breaks down
Polyurethane Foam insulation adheres to the surrounding substrates as it is installed. This bond holds the foam in place for the life of the building ensuring its effectiveness lasts offering ongoing savings.

Costs
While polyurethane spray foam insulation is generally more expensive than typical batts or rigid insulators, it's true cost may actually be far less. Spray foam serves as insulator, vapor barrier, and moisture barrier, getting rid of the need for most exterior caulking, building paper, and separate vapor barriers. Not only does the home owner save the cost of these materials, but there is an associated installation saving. Rather than buying and installing four or more products, a single application of spray foam can be installed instead. When the cost of spray foam is compared to the total cost of batts and related weatherproofing systems, foam actually appears to be the more affordable option. In addition, the higher R-value of foam equals a greater reduction in energy bills is likely, this results in a shorter payback period for this project.
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FlexibilityBecause polyurethane foam expands to fill a space, it offers many benefits to those requiring a flexible roof insulation. It is particularly useful when filling oddly-shaped spaces, or those subject to some type of obstruction. Spray foam also allows for smaller, thinner walls, which means greater flexibility with living space. Last of all, because foam insulation is so versatile, contractors have far greater flexibility when it comes to framing designs. Although rigid insulation requires adequate spacing between studs, polyurethane foam can easily be sprayed into any size opening. For more information on spray foam insulation contractors visit www.insulbarrier.com.au