The value of insulation in reducing energy consumption has been well known for years. There are still many homes that are not properly insulated. If you are building a new home, it is your chance to ensure the most effective insulation is added before you move in. Spray foam insulation is a wise insulation choice for homeowners who want a drier, warmer, more energy-efficient, and healthier home.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
The type of insulation in a new home’s attic and walls can have a major impact on the occupants’ quality of life and the building’s energy efficiency. Spray polyurethane foam has a proven track record of superior insulation and consistent performance.
There are many advantages to getting spray foam insulation applied from the start. Here’s why more homeowners and builders are choosing it.
1. Energy-Efficiency
To maintain comfort, the heat lost in the winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in the summer must be removed by your cooling system. Properly insulating your home will decrease this heat flow by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat. Adding spray foam insulation will make your home more energy-efficient and lower your energy bills.
2. Moisture Barrier
It’s important to seal your home against moisture. While most forms of insulation do a poor job of preventing moisture from infiltrating the home, spray foam insulation works great against moisture. Your entire house will be healthier and more comfortable. It can also reduce the chance for mold growth due to the existence of moisture.
3. Enhanced Structural Integrity
Most forms of insulation do nothing to enhance the ability of the home to stand up to strong winds. Spray foam insulation, however, adds strength to the walls, floors, and ceilings. The expanding properties of spray foam that fills every crack and crevice, enhance the structural integrity of new construction homes.
4. Air Barrier
Spray foam insulation pushes itself into the tiniest crack or crevice. Air simply can’t get in or out. Spray foam’s unique application allows the product to expand and help seal a house. It acts as both an insulator and an air barrier to seal the building envelope. The need for additional air-sealant materials is greatly reduced.
5. Still Effective When Wet
If a pipe bursts or your home experiences a flooding emergency, usually the insulation in your walls will need to be removed. Spray foam insulation, unlike other forms of insulation, is impermeable to water and retains its insulating capabilities regardless of how wet it gets.
6. Higher R-Values
An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. Spray foam insulation has the highest R-value compared to other types of insulation.
7. A Long-Term Investment
Buying a home is a major investment for most people. When building a new home, buyers should consider possible expectations for when it’s time for them to sell their house. Spray foam insulation provides advantages that will help your home retain more value.
Spray Foam Insulation in Your New Home
New homes are more durable and will maintain aesthetics longer than a conventionally built home because of spray foam insulation. With new construction, experienced builders know where to add insulation to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
The Attic. The attic is a major source of heat transfer. When you insulate your attic using spray foam, you prevent hot air from escaping through the roof during the winter months and cold air from coming in. In the summer you prevent hot air from infiltrating and cool air from escaping.
Exterior Walls. Insulating your exterior walls with spray foam provides air and moisture barriers. It can also prevent water from leaking through cracks during strong storms.
Basements. Most basements are damp and cool, making them a breeding ground for mold. Sealing the walls of the basement using spray foam creates a drier, safer, and healthier basement.
Interior Walls. Insulating interior walls with spray foam before covering them with drywall prevents heat from leaking from warmer to cooler rooms. It also provides an effective noise barrier.