Here’s a conversational rundown of how spray foam insulation stacks up against other options like fiberglass, cellulose, and rigid foam boards:
Spray Foam vs. Fiberglass, Cellulose and More – What’s the Diff?
If you’re scratching your head about spray foam insulation versus traditional types like fiberglass or cellulose, no worries! I’ve got the insider scoop on how they compare. Let’s dive into the key differences so you can make an informed decision on the best insulation for your home.
Spray Foam Pros
First, let’s talk top benefits of spray foam:
Killer Air Sealing
Spray foam morphs to fill every nook, cranny, and gap as it’s sprayed. That means it blocks drafts like a boss – up to 50 times better than fiberglass! No more chilly spots.
Noise, Be Gone!
With its airtight sealing powers, spray foam also dampens sound transmission through walls – dropping noise levels by up to 4 decibels.
Bring the R-Value
Clocking in at R-6 to R-8 per inch, spray foam insulates 2X as efficiently as fiberglass batts. Less heat loss = lower energy bills!
Other Insulation Options
Now, what about the usual suspects like fiberglass and cellulose?
Fiberglass Batts
Fiberglass is cheap and easy to install in walls, attics, etc. But it settles over time, creating air gaps that reduce insulation value. No bueno.
Blown-In Cellulose
Cellulose made from recycled paper can be blown into attics and walls. It does OK at muffling noise and insulates decently when dense. But extra moisture can make it deteriorate.
Rigid Foam Boards
Rigid foam boards (like XPS or EPS) have high R-values and hold up over time. But they’re not great at filling gaps, so air sealing is meh.
Bottom Line
Overall, spray foam comes out ahead for air sealing, sound dampening, and insulation power. But fiberglass and cellulose are more DIY-friendly for basic projects.
Where to Use What
Here is a table comparing where to use different types of insulation:
| Location | Recommended Insulation |
|---|---|
| Attic | Blown-in cellulose or spray foam |
| Exterior walls | Spray foam or rigid foam boards |
| Interior walls | Fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose |
| Rim joists | Spray foam |
| Crawl spaces | Spray foam or rigid foam boards |
| Basements | Spray foam on walls/rim joists, fiberglass batts between floor joists |
| Cathedral ceilings | Spray foam |
| HVAC ductwork | Duct insulation or spray foam |
Key takeaways:
- Spray foam is great for air sealing attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, and cathedral ceilings
- Fiberglass works well for basic thermal insulation in walls and floor joists
- Rigid boards provide high R-value insulation for exterior walls
- Cellulose can be blown into attics, walls, and other tight spaces
Let me know if you need any clarification on picking the right insulation types for different areas of your home!