If you want to improve your Sacramento home’s insulation levels, spray foam could be a viable option. This material is the go-to choice for sealing gaps and cracks to help improve energy efficiency and keep the interior more comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside. Learn more about spray foam insulation and answer the question, why is spray foam a good insulator?
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
This type of insulation is made of durable, high-performance plastic foam. It’s the result of two liquids combining to create foam as the result of a chemical reaction. The two liquids are brought onsite in separate containers and mixed in a special machine just before being applied to an unfinished wall, attic floor or basement ceiling.
Spray foam is applied wet and expands into a thick, foamy substance. It then hardens into a permanent, solid insulating material.
Why Is Spray Foam Effective?
There are many benefits of spray foam insulation:
High R-value
The purpose of installing insulation is to slow the rate of heat transfer, which is measured by a product’s R-value. Compare the insulating value of these popular materials:
- Fiberglass batts: R-3.1 to R-4.3 per inch
- Loose-fill cellulose: R-3.1 to R-3.8 per inch
- Open cell spray foam: R-3.6 to R-7 per inch
- Closed cell spray foam: R-5 to R-6.8 per inch
Cost-Effective characteristics
Both open and closed cell spray foam offer a higher R-value per inch than popular fiberglass batts and cellulose loose-fill insulation, making it a cost effective solution.
Reduced moisture infiltration
By keeping moisture at bay, spray foam help prevents your home from becoming overly humid on wet, soggy days. Keeping moisture away also helps prevent mold growth.
Soundproofing qualities
Outdoor noise pollution can disrupt a good night’s sleep or simply be annoying. Spray foam does an excellent job of soundproofing your walls and ceiling, thus keeping things quieter inside.
Durability
The aged R-value of spray foam is not much lower than when the product is initially installed, meaning its excellent insulating capabilities last for many years.
Because of its fantastic performance attributes, spray foam is often the only insulation needed in an entire building. To learn more about having spray foam professionally installed in your home, contact Gold Star Insulation in Sacramento today.
