If you are looking for an insulation solution for your home or business in Edmonton, you might be wondering which type of insulation is best for your needs. You might also be looking for reliable and professional insulation contractors who can install it for you.
There are many options available, but two of the most common ones are spray foam insulation and traditional insulation.
In this blog post, we will compare these two types of insulation and explain why spray foam insulation reigns supreme in terms of performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is widely used to seal all areas of the building envelope.
It fills up gaps and cracks in the building envelope, creating an airtight seal that prevents heat loss and moisture intrusion. Spray foam insulation can be classified into two categories: open-cell and closed-cell.
Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
This type of insulation has a lower density and a softer texture than closed-cell spray foam insulation. It is more flexible and breathable, allowing water vapour to pass through it.
It is ideal for interior applications, such as walls, ceilings, floors, and attics. It provides excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation, reducing energy bills and improving indoor air quality.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell has a higher density and a harder texture than open-cell spray foam insulation. It is more rigid and resistant to water, mold, and pests.
It is ideal for exterior applications like roofs, foundations, basements, and crawl spaces. It provides superior structural support and thermal insulation, increasing the strength and value of the building.
What Is Traditional Insulation?
Traditional insulation is a type of insulation that comes in various forms, such as batts, rolls, loose-fill, or rigid boards.
It is made of materials such as fibreglass, cellulose, mineral wool, or polystyrene. It is installed by placing or blowing it into cavities or spaces in the building envelope. Traditional insulation can be classified into two categories: conductive and convective.
Conductive Insulation
Convective insulation works by slowing down the transfer of heat through solid materials. It relies on the air pockets within the material to provide thermal resistance. It effectively prevents heat loss through conduction but not through convection or radiation.
Convective Insulation
Convective insulation works by trapping air within the material to create a barrier against heat flow.
It relies on the movement of air within the material to provide thermal resistance. It effectively prevents heat loss through convection but not through conduction or radiation.
Why Spray Foam Insulation Reigns Supreme
Spray foam insulation has many advantages over traditional insulation, making it a superior choice for your insulation needs. Here are some of the reasons why spray foam insulation reigns supreme:
Higher R-Value
Spray foam insulation provides a higher R-value than traditional insulation. R-value is a measure of how well an insulation material resists heat flow.
The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance. Spray foam insulation can provide an R-value of up to 6.5 per inch for closed-cell spray foam and up to 3.8 per inch for open-cell spray foam.
Traditional insulation typically provides an R-value of 2.2 to 4 per inch, depending on the type and thickness of the material.
Prevents Air Leaks
Spray foam insulation creates an air seal that prevents air leaks and infiltration. Air leaks and infiltration are major sources of heat loss and moisture problems in buildings.
They can account for up to 40% of energy consumption and cause mold growth, structural damage, and health issues.
Spray foam insulation fills up gaps and cracks in the building envelope, creating an airtight seal that stops air leaks and infiltration.
Traditional insulation leaves spaces and voids that allow air to pass through them, compromising the insulation’s performance.
Lasts Longer
Spray foam insulation lasts longer than traditional insulation. Spray foam insulation does not sag, settle, shrink, or deteriorate over time like traditional insulation does.
It maintains its shape and effectiveness for the life of the building. Traditional insulation can lose its effectiveness over time due to factors such as gravity, moisture, pests, or human interference.
Saves Money
Spray foam insulation saves you money in the long run. Spray foam insulation can reduce your energy bills by up to 50% by keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature all year round.
It can also increase the value of your property by improving its structural integrity and appearance. Traditional insulation can increase your energy bills by allowing heat loss and moisture problems to occur in your building.
About Classic Spray Foam
Classic Spray Foam is Edmonton’s premium spray foam insulation company. With a team of certified professionals, we deliver energy-efficient and cost-effective insulation services tailored to our client’s specific needs.
Whether you need spray foam insulation for your new construction, renovation, or retrofit project, we can help you achieve your insulation goals. Contact us today for a free estimate and consultation.