Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation

                Spray foam insulation is usually made out of polyurethane. When spray foam is installed the applicator will spray the foam into the open cavity and the foam will adhere to the surface immediately. As soon the foam contacts the surface it will begin to expand in order to fill the cavity. This creates an air tight seal. This foam is also very resistant to heat transfer and therefore will not transfer the sun’s heat into the attic and potentially the ductwork.

Open cell

                Open cell foam insulation is a great air barrier but provides no water vapor barrier. Therefore open cell insulation is usually used in interior walls where a water vapor barrier isn’t necessary. This option is the cheaper of the two types of spray foam and has a sponge like constituency.

Closed cell

                Closed cell foam insulation creates both an air barrier as well as a water vapor barrier, and for that reason is more expensive than open cell. Closed cell is much denser than open cell and will be more compact than open cell. This type of spray foam is mainly used on roofs and in outdoor situations.

Effectiveness

                Closed cell spray foam has an R-value of 5 compare that to the standard fiberglass insulation which has an R-value of 2.5. When upgrading from fiberglass to spray foam energy consumption can decrease about 30-40%. Now when going from no insulation to spray foam energy consumption can be decreased as much as 50% or more.

Summer

Winter

Cost

                Most expensive option for insulation at about $5 per square foot. If used in a pool room the insulation will either have to be dry walled over or sprayed with a sealant. The sealant the would need to be applied will cost about $1 per square foot. 

References

All Photographs have been provided by AGL Spray Foam