How much does Spray Foam Insulation cost compared to traditional insulation?
Spray foam cost about 2-1/2 times the cost of traditional fiberglass and about twice the amount of cellulose. The payback energy savings can be realized in 3-4 years in an average North Florida home. Can you think of anything that can be installed in your home that can pay for itself in 3-4 years?
While traditional insulation has a cheap upfront cost it does not provide the comfort and long term savings that Spray Foam is renowned for. When planning new construction, Spray Foam Insulation and a properly sized HVAC system can save a home owner up to 60% on heating and cooling cost in Florida.
What is the R-Value?
R value is the measurement of thermal resistance to conductance or transmission of heat through a material. Although the R value of foam, cellulose and fiberglass are relatively the same at the same thickness, they perform quite differently. By stopping air infiltration and air ex-filtration, spray foam eliminates heat loss/heat gain through convection or air movement. Foam is air impermeable. Fiberglass and cellulose are air permeable.
R value is only responsible for about 35% of your insulation’s performance. The balance percentage of performance is made up in how well your insulation resists air movement and how well it reflects or absorbs radiant heat and this is where foam outperforms the conventional insulation’s.
Contrary to what we have learned over the years from the fiberglass industry R-Value is not the bench mark we should be striving for. Conduction, convection and radiation are the enemy’s of our heating and cooling systems. Open Cell Spray Foam (R-4/inch) and Closed Cell Spray Foam (R-7/inch) effectively stop all these enemies.
To learn more about R-Value go to buildingscience.com and see the article on fiberglass batts – labeled vs. installed performance or look up “R” Fairy Tale The myth of insulation values on your computers search engine.
How long does it take to install and cure spray foam in the Chicago, IL area?
Installation times vary. Most remodels, additions, attics, basements and crawl spaces can be insulated in as little as two hours to one day. Spray Foam expands in seconds and cures 90% with in minutes.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?
Yes. We use Bayer and Demilec Products. Demilecs closed cell spray foam insulation is Greenguard and Greenguard is children and schools certified. All products can be researched online by following the links: http://www.spf.bayermaterialscience.com/ and http://www.demilecusa.com/
Does spray foam insulation qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. To receive the credit just go to energystar.gov and click on “How do I apply for my Federal Tax Credit”. Keep your receipt, and make sure you receive your “Manufacturer’s Certificate Statement” from the installer.
How much insulation do I need for my Florida home?
This varies with the areas being insulated. Insulation should achieve the highest efficiency, save money and make a home comfortable year round.. A free evaluation from Thermotek Services will ensure the proper type and amount of insulation is installed.
How much energy savings can be gained by properly insulating my home?
The savings and benefits are directly related to how air tight your home is. 60% of heating and cooling loss is due to air infiltration and air ex-filtration. Depending on how much of the home can be retrofitted the savings can be any where from 5% to 60%.
Can I install spray foam myself?
There are some manufacturers of DIY kits. However, like most kits the projects just don’t seem to turn out like the cool video on the web site. The DIY kits also end up costing as much or even more than having a professional installer do the job.
Can I be in the house while the installation occurs?
Spray Foam Insulation is an environmentally safe product. However, while in the immediate application area proper protective equipment should be worn.
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell foam?
There are two general categories of SPF insulation materials; open-cell, low-density (a.k.a. ‘half- pound foam’) and closed-cell, medium-density (a.k.a. ‘two-pound foam’). Both foam categories provide excellent insulation and air sealing. Although both are made using almost identical chemical reactions, there are some inherent physical property differences that often determine which product is chosen for a particular project.
Open-cell spray foam (ocSPF) has an open cell structure where the cells are filled with air. The open- cell structure renders soft, flexible foam, with a density of about 0.5-0.8 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Still air is the primary insulation medium in ocSPF, fiberglass and cellulose. These insulations work by reducing the natural air movement within these materials thereby reducing the ability of the material to conduct heat. The R-value per inch of open-cell foam typically ranges from R3.6 to R4.5 per inch. Unlike fiberglass and cellulose, the fine cell structure of ocSPF makes it air-impermeable at certain thicknesses. The air-impermeability of ocSPF qualifies it as an air-barrier material, dramatically reducing air leakage through the building envelope, significantly lowering the building’s heating and cooling costs. ocSPF, like fiberglass and cellulose insulations, is moisture-permeable, and may require the installation of a vapor retarder in colder climates. .
Closed-cell spray foam (ccSPF) has a closed cell structure which yields a rigid, hard foam, with a density of 1.8-2.3 pound per cubic foot (pcf), and has been demonstrated to provide structural enhancement in certain framed buildings. These smaller cells trap an insulating gas, called a blowing agent. This blowing agent has a lower thermal conductivity than still air, and increases the R-value. Typical R-value per inch of closed-cell foam ranges from R5.8 to R6.9* per inch, making it a great choice in applications where clearance is limited. Like ocSPF, ccSPF is also air impermeable at certain thicknesses and and can qualify as an air-barrier material. The closed-cell structure of ccSPF makes it water-resistant, and is the only spray foam that can be used where contact with water is likely (e.g., below-grade concrete walls, in contact with the ground, or on exterior side of the building envelope). At a thickness of 1.5 inches, ccSPF has a moisture permeance typically less than1.0 perms and no additional vapor retarder is required for most applications.