Attic insulation: Spray Foam Or Blown-In Insulation?

As hot air is known to rise, the attic and roof are the most vulnerable areas of the home for heat loss. Following a close second is the home’s exterior walls. When the focus is on energy efficiency, a well-insulated attic is key. Not only is it a huge money saver, but also when the top of a home is properly insulated and vented, an efficient circular cycle is created and heated or cooled air can then be redistributed within the home. This dramatically cuts down on resources, creates a highly efficient heating and cooling system, which make the home extremely comfortable. Besides the physical, there’s also a sense of comfort experienced when energy bills are reduced. Win-win!

How does blown-in insulation work?

The best type of blown-in insulation available on the market today is fiberglass. Fiberglass is made of plastic and reinforced by glass fibers. This gives the plastic additional strength while improving its R-Value. To install it, it is fed into a hopper, which fluffs it, and then it is blown into the attic. It lands on top of attic’s floors and loosely piles up. As with all attic insulation, its aim it to create a barrier that will stop heated or cooled air from escaping up and out through the roof area. The downside of this type of insulation is that is does not reach the roof’s rafters. This area is still exposed and should there be a breach in the fiberglass insulation on the floor, then heated air would reach up and escape out through the roof.

Why is spray foam insulation so popular today?

Spray foam insulation (polyurethane foam or SPF) is a very unique insulation product. Because of its liquid consistency when first applied, it’s able to seep into and seal up cracks and crevices like no other insulating product available today. Spray foam expands right after installation and then fills in the surrounding larger cavities. This makes it the perfect solution for non-conforming and unusual spaces. It also stays exactly where it is applied. This is particularly effective for attics, as it can adhere to the rafter areas just under the rooftop. Spray foam is basically an insulation and vapour barrier in one. Unlike its competitors, spray foam does not degrade with age; it’s R-value (heat resistance level) remains steady and consistent. The spray foam product is made of an inorganic inert polymer. This is also a plus in that it is resilient to mould or mildew. Another added extra is that spray foam insulation actually gives a structure added strength after it is applied. Proper application is extremely important when it comes to spray foam insulation. There are safety standards that need to be implemented. A professional installer needs to be certified and experienced. At AM Group, we are that, and more. We’re a very confident company and so we offer a 10-year workmanship warranty. Reach out to us today. Our initial estimates are free. Let us solve your insulation problems with our quality and skilled solutions.