When it comes to boosting comfort and energy efficiency, home insulation is the most crucial option to try. As a result of these factors, we as homeowners or building owners must do our homework before deciding on the best option. The insulation market is flooded with a diverse range of insulation methods, of which we will discuss and compare the most common ones today.
There has always been confusion between Spray Foam Insulation and Blown-in Insulation. You can search for any attic insulation with blown-in GTA or try spray foam insulation as per your choice. To know the difference between them, have a look at the article below-
Overview of Types of Home Insulation
Blown-in insulation is fiberglass or cellulose-based substance that is blown into wall cavities to fill in insulation gaps. Because of its size and form, this insulation is great for attic spaces with nooks and crannies that are difficult to insulate with fiberglass batting.
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation, and air barrier used to keep air out of walls, floors, and ceiling cavities. Spray foam maintains its shape indefinitely. Spray foam, unlike traditional insulating materials, fills fractures, gaps, and crevices during installation. It will not sag, compress, or settle over time.
The insulation market is flooded with a diverse range of insulation methods, of which we will discuss and compare the most common ones today.
Blown-in Insulation or Spray Foam Insulation
R-Value
The R-Value is the R-Value, the industry standard for determining an insulation system’s ability to block air leakages and hence heat transfer. As a result, it is critical for an insulation system to provide the highest feasible R-value. Depending on whether it’s Cellulose, Rockwool, or Loose-Fill Fiberglass, blown-in insulation might have an R-Value of R-2.3 to R-4.3 per inch of thickness. On the other side of the spectrum, Spray foam insulation has an estimated R-Value of R-3.7 to R-6.7 per inch of thickness.
Energy efficiency
Unlike blown-in insulation, which can save you 25% on your energy bills, spray foam insulation can save you 40% on your monthly energy expenditures. Spray foam has the potential to expand 30-60 times its original volume when installed, ensuring that all holes and crevices in your walls are sealed. It finally forms an excellent air barrier that keeps heat from escaping your building in the winter and vice versa in the summer.
Spray foam maintains its qualities (including R-Value), unlike blown-in insulation (Cellulose, Mineral Wool, and Loose-Fill Fiberglass) deteriorates over time, resulting in a drop in R-Value.
Lifespan
Spray foam insulation, as previously said, is regarded as a long-term energy-efficient strategy due to its great lifespan. When correctly done by a skilled insulation crew, spray foam insulation can last for over a century. And it will require little to no upkeep.
The same cannot be true for cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass, which tend to sag or settle after 15 years. They also require ongoing upkeep to maintain their properties.
Don’t lose your mind just yet if you’ve already used blown-in insulation on your home! Blown-in insulation can last anywhere from a quarter to half a century if properly placed and maintained.