Choosing the right insulation for your home is just as important as choosing the right shingles or windows. Insulation helps keep your house warm, improves energy efficiency and can act as soundproofing. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one. Spray foam insulation is a great choice.
Ideal Insulation and Roofing in Calgary are an insulation and roofing contracting company. They share more about what spray foam insulation is and the two available types:
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a popular and efficient insulation option. Spray foam is applied as a liquid to the walls, where it then quickly expands, hardens and sets. The insulation is made up of polyurethane and isocyanate, which, when combined, causes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and harden. As insulation, it creates an absolute air seal that prevents any heat loss in your home, making it incredibly energy-efficient. It is available as both open cell and closed cell spray foam, both of which offer different benefits. Not sure if you need to replace your insulation? Read these signs that will let you know if its time for new insulation.
Open-cell spray foam
As its name suggests, open-cell foam leaves cells deliberately open, making the foam both softer and more flexible. The biggest benefit of this is that it allows the foam to expand more than closed cells, up to 3”. This makes it ideal for insulating smaller nooks in the home, since the foam will expand and fill those spaces with ease. It is also beneficial as soundproofing, as only one application will be needed to fill and seal an area completely. Open-cell is less expensive than closed-cell foam; however, it is less efficient against extreme cold. Because of the open cells, air and moisture have a chance to get inside.
Closed-cell spray foam
Unlike open-cell, closed-cell spray foam is completely closed once the foam is applied and hardened. Without any open cells, it makes the foam much more rigid and stable than the more flexible and softer open-cell foam. A benefit of this is it gives closed-cell a higher R-value, making it more efficient at keeping the heat in or cold out. The reason being is that with a completely sealed cell, neither air nor moisture can get in. This also makes it more durable in colder climates with extreme weather.
On the other hand, closed-cell foam is less able to expand like open-cell and only expands to 1” thickness. This makes it less ideal for sealing off hard to reach nooks and crannies in your home, but it will add more structural stability.
Which is best for your home?
Both types of spray insulation offer benefits to your home that will pay off, no matter what. In the end, the decision is more a matter of budget and the location of your home. If you live in extremely cold climates, then the rigid closed-cell is the better choice. If your climate is stable, but the budget is a factor, then consider the less expensive open-cell insulation. Either way, spray foam insulation will help lower those monthly energy bills and keep your home warm!
Insulation Contractors in Calgary
Ideal Insulation and Roofing are experts when it comes to all things insulation or roofing. They pride themselves in their quality of service, work and ensuring safety at all times. In addition to insulation, they also offer roofing services, so no matter what you need, they are the ones to call.
Contact Ideal Insulation and Roofing today for a free estimate!
