There are many types of insulation made from different materials that can be used to insulate your home. Traditional types of insulation like cellulose, fiberglass and rock wool have been used since the mid-1800s, and have undergone numerous safety and efficiency improvements ever since.
Newer, more innovative insulation technology like open cell and closed cell spray polyurethane foams really emerged during the 1980s and are favored for the superior benefits they offer. Open spray foam is softer and more malleable, while closed cell spray foam is more rigid. Both types are incredibly versatile and can be used for different applications, but must be installed by a professional for safety and maximum efficiency. Keep reading to learn more about each type of insulation and how they compare to spray foam insulations.
"*" indicates required fields
Insulating your attic is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency year-round. FoamBoth spray foam and blown-in foam insulation creates an air, moisture, and water barrier while increasing the attic’s structural integrity and lowering your heating and cooling costs.
Who says you can’t make energy efficiency improvements to your garage? Not us! Insulating your garage enhances comfort and energy-efficiency while protecting the interior of your home from leaking auto emissions.
Areas of your home that are built below ground level commonly experience issues like moisture retention, poorer air quality, and lingering odors. Insulating these areas is an excellent way to improve comfort and air quality while preventing moisture, molds, and unpleasant odors.
**In addition to attics, garages, and basements/crawlspaces, we offer insulation in new constructions (wall cavities) and metal buildings…should we include a section on each of those as well?
Blown-in cellulose insulation is commonly used in attics, dense pack walls, and other closed-in, hard-to-reach spaces. This loose-fill wall spray insulation is commonly composed of fiber particles and recycled waste materials such as wood, paper products, and cardboard that have been treated with fire retardant, which is why it’s often recognized as an eco-friendly insulating material. Because this type of insulation is installed by being blown into place, special equipment is required to ensure the material fills in and conforms to the intended space, and should only be installed by a professional.
Cellulose Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation
How does blown-in cellulose insulation compare to spray foam insulation? Cellulose insulation does have some great advantages in that it is ideal for retrofitting existing spaces, doesn’t contain formaldehyde, can reduce sound pollution, and is fire resistant. The downsides of cellulose is that it’s made from materials that can be damaged if contacted by water, such as a leak in an attic. Once water contacts the cellulose insulation, it can weaken and take an exceptionally long time to dry out, which can lead to mold growth, sagging, and air pockets.
In comparison, spray foam insulation is a superior choice because it offers all of the same benefits and more! Along with having a higher R-value, spray foam meets requirements for maximum air and moisture barriers, waterproofing, and enhances structural strength where installed. What’s more, spray foam protects against all three forms of heat transfer while remaining fixed to the surrounding structures where it’s applied, including walls, floors, and roof decks to block out water and air.
Fiberglass insulation — the fluffy pink stuff that resembles cotton candy — is one of the most common types of insulation used in homes. The fibers in fiberglass are made from melted down glass and then applied to a sticky adhesive backing.
Because it comes in easy-to-install blanket batts and rolls that will fit snugly in attics, new construction walls, unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings, it’s a DIYer’s choice for insulation. While this is an affordable option, it simply doesn’t stand up to spray foam.
Fiberglass Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation
Fiberglass insulation does have it’s advantages. It’s affordable, as we mentioned, and won’t serve as a food source for pests and rodents, which is nice. It won’t distort the framing where installed and doesn’t need time to dry.
However, fiberglass is prone to air leaks and is less energy-efficient when compared to spray foam that has a higher R-value and is a superior choice for energy-efficiency, as it creates an airtight seal to block out air, moisture, and water.
Rock wool or mineral wool insulation is another option recognized as an environmentally friendly insulation alternative, as it’s made from high-density materials like stone, molten glass, or slag.
Along with its sound barrier qualities, it is also pest-, insect-, and mildew-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures.
All that said, rock wool insulation doesn’t stand up to the superior qualities of spray foam. For instance, unlike spray foam, rock wool sinks and sags over time, does not dry easily if it becomes wet, and becomes increasingly ineffective over time.
All that said, rock wool insulation doesn’t stand up to the superior qualities of spray foam. For instance, unlike spray foam, rock wool sinks and sags over time, does not dry easily if it becomes wet, and becomes increasingly ineffective over time.
