What Makes Spray Foam Insulation Superior to Conventional Insulation
Fibreglass batting, typically in long rolls, laid end to end across the rafters, is the standard mental image that comes to mind when considering loft insulation. Loose-fill insulation that is stuffed in between the joists is usually a close second. Spray foam insulation, though, is an alternative that isn't often brought up. It's practically the undiscovered gem of insulation materials because it keeps your home safe without being too noticeable, making good use of a loft's unique architecture.
The question is, how does spray foam fare when compared to the more conventional home insulation methods?
Coverage
Lofts are notorious for having awkwardly shaped rooms, and no amount of squeezing or smushing will make it fit. Therefore, there are still uninsulated areas in your home. It's also important to remember that the insulation in the loft area will lose its effectiveness if people frequently go up there to access the electricals and other utilities that are installed there. Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, can expand to fill even the tiniest of crevices, allowing it to blanket a larger area of your home than conventional insulation methods. When properly installed, insulation prevents heat loss by creating an impenetrable barrier.
Thermal Characteristics
Fibreglass insulation allows as much as 30% of the air to pass through it. That's an immediate issue, and improper installation can lead to even more of a loss. And if it's hard to get good coverage, the insulation value might go down even more. Spray foam is great because it can be shaped to fit any area, allowing for more thorough insulation. This enhances the insulation's thermal properties while the R-value per square inch is even higher, thanks to the foam's unique formation and curing processes. On the other hand, you'd have to add more fibreglass insulation to get it to where it should be, and you'd still have coverage issues.
Space
Traditional fibreglass insulation takes up a lot of volumes, so the same must be left empty in a loft before it can be installed. The attic is inaccessible because the insulation takes up too much space, and you can't walk on it. On the other hand, foam loft insulation is applied directly to the surface of a loft's interior. It provides sufficient R-value in a thin layer. The remaining space in your attic is completely at your disposal.
Price
Regarding the initial investment, fibreglass insulation is less expensive than spray foam insulation, which is obviously a major factor when installing any insulation. There are, however, two key factors to keep in mind when considering the price. Spray foam offers permanent savings on energy costs because it effectively covers more area than other insulation options. Those savings will grow over time, of course, and spray foam insulation can last for up to 25 years, so you can enjoy the benefits of a wise investment in your home's comfort for quite some time.
Takeaways
It's common knowledge that spray foam is the superior insulator in various business and manufacturing settings. Reduced costs are a must for any company. Spray foam insulation's excellent thermal efficiency leads to lower annual energy costs. Due to the speed with which spray foam can be installed, new commercial projects can be finished on time. Airtight environments are helpful in manufacturing and the hospitality industry, where they help ensure that guests have the pleasant experiences they have been promised.
The three main advantages of spray foam insulation over conventional fibreglass insulation are reduced energy loss, increased coverage, and more usable attic space. Although spray foam insulation has a higher upfront cost than fibreglass rolls, it more than makes up for it in the long run by significantly reducing monthly energy costs.
For more information, visit https://foamspray.co.uk/
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