Spray Foam Insulation vs Blow-In Insulation: What to Get for Your Home

Putting together a comfortable and livable home involves a lot of details we tend to take for granted. As the seasons and the temperature change, a comfortable home should be able to adapt accordingly. This is made possible thanks to insulation systems.

If you’re not sure what type of insulation to get the best value from hiring San Antonio insulation contractors, this guide is for you. We’ll go over some of the more popular options that can fit your home’s needs.

How Insulation Works

Insulation is simply an additional layer of protection to your home that helps regulate the temperature inside. It is composed of material that helps conduct heat and regulate airflow into your home. This helps keep temperature consistent without relying too much on air conditioning, fans, or furnaces. Proper insulation helps reduce your energy consumption and provides an all-around comfortable temperature throughout the year.

What are my options?

There are many types of insulation that can be installed in your home. You will want to consult with your contractor for the most effective kind that will work with your home setup. This can be affected by multiple factors such as availability, climate, and building codes.

Blow-in insulation

Blow-in insulation is exactly what it sounds like: material is blown into wall cavities to fill in gaps and provide insulation. This method is ideal for spaces that are difficult to reach without dismantling. Once in place, the installation can last up to twenty-five years and provide reliable and effective insulation to your home.

• Loose-fill Fiberglass

Fiberglass can be spun or blown into fibers that fill in the spaces in your wall. This is called loose-fill fiberglass insulation. It’s ideal for attics and wall cavities since it is able to reduce the risk of moisture, mildew, and fungus.

• Cellulose

Cellulose has been in use since the 1920s. It is composed mostly of recycled or recovered material, such as cardboard and newsprint, which is treated with a fire retardant. It is considered easier to install on homes that have already been built, saving time and effort from taking down drywall. Blow-in cellulose insulation used for the residential application comes in the wall cavity, stabilized, or loose-fill spray.

Spray foam insulation

The foam used with spray foam insulation is usually composed of polyurethane. It is applied as foam which then expands and hardens into a solid, creating a rigid sealant in gaps. The foam automatically follows the shape and dimensions of the space it’s being installed. It is one of the stronger seals and can last for up to 80 years. This method of sealing allows for airtight seals that are effective in minimizing heat transfer as well as blocking drafts. It is also a great means of preventing moisture and mold if you live somewhere that is frequently wet. The downside is it can be quiet as well as the foam being highly flammable, making it a safety hazard.

Greener insulation options

In order to minimize safety hazards and contribute to the use of more sustainable materials, some contractors make use of soy as a natural alternative to pure foam like rigid foam. It allows for better indoor air quality with the use of spray foam made from soybeans combined with polyurethane foam. This provides a durable seal that fills in voids and crevices that prevents moisture and air intrusion.

Choosing the Right Option

Now that you’re familiar with how contractors approach insulation, how do you decide which service to take on? There are some factors that determine how much insulation you would need such as the general climate of your location. Deciding between blow in or spray foam insulation, however, comes down to some of the following criteria:

Pricing

On this end, both the spray foam insulation and blown-in insulation are pretty similar. It comes down to the price of the material used. Fiberglass can be a lot more expensive compared to recycled material while spray foam might be pricier but will require less replacement or maintenance. Your insulation contractor will often provide you with a suitable quote and options that can address your home’s needs.

Durability and longevity

Any sort of home maintenance will take up time and resources. You will want to go for an insulation installation option that you won’t need to reapply every couple of years. Spray foam insulation has an advantage on this end. However, there are still other factors that can affect how long your insulation can last.

Versatility

Some homeowners prefer a certain aesthetic to their architectural and interior design. As such you’ll want insulation that can conform to pretty much every shape, space, or gap in your home. Both methods are pretty versatile and can be adjusted based on your needs. You can leave it up to your contractor for a professional opinion.

These are just some of the considerations you can look into when choosing an insulation system for your home. It’s often best to consult with a San Antonio insulation professional to provide an optimal solution. Calling one today can ensure you have a long-lasting and effective insulation system that can benefit you for years to come.