What Do You Need to Know About Building Insulation

Research studies undertaken by the US Department of Energy have shown that 40% of a residence’s energy is lost due to air infiltration through walls, windows, doors, and other apertures.

Fiberglass, which has been traditional building insulation, helps prevent this from happening. But many are not aware that spray foam insulation is a more effective method for preventing heat loss. There are many benefits of getting a skilled New Orleans spray foam insulation contractor. It is easy to install and quite economical. It is known that spray foam insulation saves on energy costs, and meaningfully reduces utility bills.

Temperature and moisture control

Apart from temperature and moisture control, spray foam insulation is also said to reduce noise. Foam insulation serves as an impediment to airborne sounds and dilutes sound radiation through a building’s roof, floor, and walls. It is also noteworthy that in the United States, residences treated with spray foam insulation often qualify for lower state and federal taxes.

The right method of insulating would be to use spray foam insulation to fill the gaps between the framing studs in the walls and attic. Spray foam insulation is non-toxic and lasts a lifetime. Studies have shown that spray foam expands to about 100 times its original volume, so it virtually fills in all air gaps.

Increasing the air sealing and decreasing the leaks within homes prevent moisture from external sources from getting into the house. It also arrests moisture being released in everyday activities such as respiration, bathing, cooking, etc. Curiously enough, the foam is rigid as well as flexible. Hence, it can fill vacant air gaps and expand and contract concerning the building.

If you plan to insulate a small part of a wall or a few small spaces, you may also do it yourself by buying tanks from a local contractor. However, if you intend large insulating areas such as an attic, you should hire a professional. This way, it will work out cheaper, and the job will be done neatly, and the professionals will also have the required equipment for such a large-scale job.

It is good to know how spray foam insulation is done:

1. The procedure is to start with a test spray. As this material expands to about 100 times its initial volume, it has to be used judiciously.
2. Spray uniformly between the studs and on the backside of the exterior sheathing. Please wait for it to expand and effectively fill all the gaps.
3. After allowing the foam to form and set, use a handsaw blade, and remove any excess foam that protrudes past the studs. The foam has to be flush so that it will not interfere when you are installing the drywall.

Using spray foam insulation in walls and attics, you can create a better air-tight envelope than the conventional fiberglass or rock wool. There are two types of Spray Foam – Open-Cell and Closed-Cell. Closed-Cell is costlier, but it is more efficient, and thus cost-effective in the long run. Open-cell foam is softer and less dense, which can allow breaking and cracking. Therefore, most building contractors recommend using the closed-cell type polyurethane spray foam instead of the open-cell type foam.