We apply this type of insulation to walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces to create an air seal throughout the home and prevent air and moisture infiltration.
This will keep you more comfortable in both winter and summer and save you money on energy costs.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is made of two chemicals: polyurethane and isocyanate. As insulation, they react together to expand and ultimately harden.
This is what makes spray foam insulation a strong option for sealing your home. The foam fills tiny crevices and other small spaces that fiberglass batt insulation might not cover. With the spray foam expanding into these spaces and then hardening, your home will retain more of its interior temperature while blocking drafts from outdoors.
What Are the Two Types of Spray Foam?
Spray foam insulation is available in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell, with some key differences between the two.
- Open-cell spray foam: the bubbles, or cells, that make up the foam are open. That means open-cell spray foam insulation can expand into larger spaces and is softer and more flexible than its closed-cell counterpart. Open-cell foam is ideal for insulating small nooks and crevices that are otherwise hard to reach, but the looser nature of open-cell insulation means it doesn’t insulate as well as closed-cell spray foam.
- Closed-cell spray foam: the cells of closed-cell spray foam are closed and packed more tightly than in open-cell foam. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a better insulator than open-cell because it is more rigid and solid. It’s best to use closed-cell spray foam in smaller spaces, since it doesn’t expand as much as open-cell foam but still creates a strong seal against air and moisture.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is generally more expensive than open-cell spray foam. That’s because it costs more to manufacture and doesn’t cover as much area as open-cell foam, so more is needed to complete a job. At the same time, closed-cell spray foam insulates much better than open-cell foam.
What Are the R-Values of Spray Foam Insulation?
All insulation has an R-value that indicates how well it slows heat transfer into and out of a house. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
Open-cell spray foam has an R-value of 3.8 per inch.
Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of 7 per inch.
R-value is just one factor to consider when deciding between types of insulation. The specifics of the space and your budget matter, too.
Where Do We Use Spray Foam Insulation?
North East Industries can install spray foam insulation in multiple places inside a home, depending on your needs as a homeowner. The following are the areas where spray foam is most effective:
- Walls: we can install spray foam insulation in the walls of new home builds and even in existing homes using retrofit foam that we inject behind the walls from access points.
- Basements: spray foam insulation can stop drafts in the basement.
- Attics: spray foam can insulate attics against drafts and moisture. Spray foam effectively insulates sloped ceilings in attics that homeowners have converted to living space.
- Crawl spaces: spray foam insulation can block drafts and moisture from infiltrating a home’s crawlspaces.
Fiberglass insulation is also known for its longevity and durability, maintaining its effectiveness over time without settling or deteriorating. This ensures your investment continues to pay off in the long term.
North East Industries Is Your Trusted Spray Foam Insulation Contractor in Northeastern Pennsylvania
North East Industries is committed to providing excellent customer service in all our spray foam insulation jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our experts are happy to consult with you on your insulation project. Contact us today by phone or online to get started.