Top 5 Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation For Cold Weather

Winter is right around the corner, and so are increasing energy costs. Whether you heat your home with firewood, natural gas, or renewable energy, you may lose up to 25% of your home’s heat through a poorly insulated attic alone. That’s where spray foam insulation comes in.

Unlike traditional materials, spray foam insulation creates the perfect thermal barrier. In this blog, you’ll learn how this expanding foam can save you time and money while providing superior insulation and indoor air quality.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Made from versatile polyurethane, spray foam insulation is typically applied in a liquid form, expanding upon application to seal even the tiniest wall, ceiling, and floor cracks. This creates an airtight seal around your home, preventing heat loss and reducing energy costs.
Generally speaking, spray foam insulation materials come in two forms, open and closed-cell foam. Both have different pros and cons:
  • Open-Cell Spray Foam: The cells in this foam aren’t completely encapsulated, making it lighter and more flexible. This allows open-cell foam to create an air barrier in hard-to-reach places. Open-cell foam offers a respectable R-value of 3.5 to 4.0 per inch.
  • Closed-Cell Spray Foam: Made from completely closed cells, closed-cell insulation has roughly double the average R-value (6.0-7.0 per inch), and almost entirely prevents moisture and air leakage. Due to this structure, it’s also more rigid and stable than open-cell options.

Energy Savings

Winter can be one of the most costly seasons for those who own residential and commercial properties, especially in Northern states. It’s simple math: the lower the temperature, the more energy is needed to reach a comfortable climate. While insulation is the most simple and well-known system for retaining heat, the type of insulation materials used can have a massive impact on energy efficiency.
With that in mind, here’s how you can save money with spray foam:
  • Seals Hard-to-Reach Gaps: Spray Foam Insulation expands to fill even the smallest cracks and crevices, preventing drafts and cold spots. Your home’s temperature remains more consistent, reducing strain on your heating and cooling systems.
  • High R-Value for Maximum Efficiency: Closed-cell spray foams can reach an R-value of up to 7.0 per inch, more than double that of blown-in fiberglass. This high R-value ensures that your heating and cooling systems use less energy to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Air Sealing and Quality

Whether it’s cold air leaks from outside or stale air lingering around the closed windows of your winter abode, air quality becomes a major concern. Luckily, spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that prevents outside air infiltration. This improves indoor air quality by preventing outdoor pollutants like:
  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Smog
  • Smoke
  • Airborne chemicals
Even when homes are sealed for the winter, these pollutants can easily enter through gaps and cracks in traditional insulation, reducing indoor air quality and triggering allergies or respiratory issues. By creating an air-tight seal around even the tiniest cracks in your home, spray foam helps improve indoor air quality over time. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

Climate Control

When it’s below freezing, climate control becomes more than just a comfort but rather a necessity for living. By preventing even the smallest drafts, spray foam insulation keeps warmed air in while reducing the workload on heating systems.

Why is this so important?

In the event of a winter storm, when power may be lost for days at a time, spray foam contributes to a safer, more comfortable environment. The added thermal protection prevents your home from cooling down too quickly, buying valuable time until power is restored.

Moisture Prevention

In addition to air quality benefits, spray foam insulation reduces the presence of moisture and vapor throughout the home. This moisture resistance is particularly beneficial in areas prone to high humidity, frequent rain, and snowstorms. Installing spray foam:
  • Prevents Mold and Mildew Growth: By creating an effective moisture barrier, spray foam prevents mold and mildew growth that can lead to health issues and costly repairs.
  • Protects Structural Integrity: Keeping moisture out helps prevent rot and decay among wooden beams and framing, preserving your home’s structural integrity for years to come.

Longevity

Unlike other insulation options, which can degrade significantly over time, spray foam can last over 80 years with proper installation.
  • Resistant to Settling and Compression: Spray foam maintains its shape and effectiveness, unlike traditional materials that may settle or compress over time. This prevents gaps and keeps performance high long after installation.
  • Inherent Durability: With its strong chemical composition, spray foam is resistant to pests, moisture, and environmental factors that can compromise the integrity of other insulation materials.
Imagine the compounded effects of yearly savings over time!

Invest in Spray Foam Insulation Today!

These are just some of the major benefits that come with installing spray foam insulation around your home. To learn more about how you can maximize energy efficiency and comfort, Eco Tec Insulation can assess your current insulation and create a detailed plan for spray foam.

Schedule a consultation with our experts to evaluate your insulation and receive personalized installation services. Contact us today at (847) 675-1400 to schedule your insulation assessment and enhance your building’s performance.

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