Insulation Installation Services
START SAVING ON YOUR ENERGY COSTS TODAY
START SAVING TODAY
GOOD
Blown-in Fiberglass- R3.5/inch R-Value
- Easy Installation
- Keeps heat out of home
- Covers irregular objects
- Cost effective
- Provides air barrier from the outside
- Easily creates conditioned attic space to reduce HVAC work load
- Adheres to any surface
- Expands into place
- Does not sag or settle
- Moisture Resistant
- Strengthens structure
- Hurricane Rated
BETTER
Open Cell Spray Foam- R4/inch R Value
- Easy Installation
- Keeps heat out of home
- Covers irregular objects
- More cost effective than Closed Cell
- Provides air barrier from the outside
- Easily creates conditioned attic space to reduce HVAC work load
- Adheres to any surface
- Expands into place
- Does not sag or settle
- Moisture Resistant
- Strengthens structure
- Hurricane Rated
BEST
Closed Cell Spray Foam- R7/inch R Value
- Easy Installation
- Keeps heat out of home
- Covers irregular objects
- Cost effective
- Provides air barrier from the outside
- Easily creates conditioned attic space to reduce HVAC work load
- Adheres to any surface
- Expands into place
- Does not sag or settle
- Moisture Resistant
- Strengthens structure
- Hurricane Rated
A GOOD OPTION
Fiberglass Blown-In Insulation
Pros
Fiberglass insulation is by far, the most commonly used insulation due to its cost and ease of installation. If a house is built with wooden studs, then fiberglass batts can be used in the walls and it is relatively cheap compared to other insulation products. In the attics, we can blow loose fill fiberglass onto the top side of the ceiling to insulate out the Florida heat. This relatively inexpensive option flows around irregular objects to create a uniform blanket of insulation that resists the transfer of heat and cold. This will help to keep your house cool in the summer months and warm on a cooler winter night.
Cons
Limitations to fiberglass would be that its performance is dependent on how well (or poorly) it is installed. If it has compressed over time or if there are gaps left unfilled, it will not be very effective. Blow insulation must be installed properly in order to get the stated R-value performance.
A BETTER OPTION
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Pros
Open cell spray foam is considered to be a much better insulator than fiberglass and its popularity is growing as its benefits are becoming more widely recognized. This product is applied by trained professionals using expensive equipment that sprays into place at a very high pressure. If a house is built with wooden studs, it can be sprayed into the walls. In attics, it can be sprayed down, to the top of the ceiling, or it can be spray directly to the bottom side of the roof deck, below the shingles, steel or clay tiles.
There are four main reasons that open cell spray foam is considered to be a better product when compared to fiberglass.
- No Gaps. It expands into place, completely filling all cavities. You will not have to be concerned with open gaps or product compression to achieve its stated R value.
- No Air Transfer. Foam insulation creates an air barrier from the outside to the inside so air does not transfer through it.
- Versatile. It adheres to almost any surface so it can be used in areas that fiberglass cannot.
- Save more on Energy Costs. Less heat & air transfer mean less wear & tear on your utilities. This will save you more money on your energy bills each month than with fiberglass.
Cons
There are basically two limitations when it comes to open cell spray foam.
- Cost. The product itself is expensive and the equipment to install it is also very expensive so you can expect to pay more than fiberglass to get these additional benefits. However, you will likely recoup the cost within 3-6 years of energy savings.
- Moisture. Open cell spray foam must not be installed in areas that have a high susceptibility to moisture permeance (or water vapor) such as a crawlspace or similar area. Moisture can permeate through open cell spray foam so in certain situations, it is better to use a moisture-resistant foam such as closed cell spray foam.
THE BEST OPTION
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Pros
Closed cell spray foam is considered to be the best of all insulations, especially by those who apply it. It is an expensive product and is applied with the same expensive equipment that open cell foam is applied with. Just like the open cell, closed cell foam is sprayed into place, filling all gaps and voids. This option though is far superior in that it provides even more benefits:
- Solid Barrier. It provides the strongest barrier for air and moisture.
- Can Be Used Anywhere. Since it is moisture resistant it can be applied in even more places than open cell spray foam.
- Highest R Value. With a higher R value, less of the product can be used, which is important when space is limited.
- Hurricane Protection. It’s high density and a high adhesion actually glues a home or structure together to make it more resistant to racking and uplift from strong winds and hurricanes. It’s the best all around insulation and as a result, will help you be more prepared come Hurricane Season.
- Energy Savings. Keeping the heat out and the cool air inside longer will save on your utility costs.
Cons
Closed cell spray foam basically has only one limitation…
- Cost. The performance and versatility come at a price, giving it the most expensive up-front of all insulations. Long term however, you will get what you pay for! Just like open cell foam, the initial cost can expected to be gained back in energy savings within an average of 3-6 years. Looking beyond the cost you still have the added benefits of strength, air barrier and water resistance. It’s a superior product!
COST COMPARISON
Example: Take a 1,500 sq. ft. ranch-style, cement block home. The walls will be strapped and radiant barrier reflective paper will be used on them. To insulate the attic of this home, you can expect to pay the following:
Blow In Fiberglass
R38 to the Attic Floor
Cost: $1,200 to $2,000.
Open Cell Spray Foam
R30 to the Attic Ceiling
Cost: $2,700 to $3,500.
Closed Cell Spray Foam
R21 to the Attic Ceiling
Cost: $4,900 to $5,700.
IN SUMMARY
The best product for the job is the one that fits the needs of the project…including budget! If cost is not a factor then we recommend using closed cell or open cell spray foam. If your budget is tight, then blown fiberglass would be a better option. Regardless of what product you choose for insulation installation, all our insulation products work well in keeping your home cool. Here at The Foam Depot, we will always be honest, lay out facts and let you decide. We really are happy just to have the opportunity to work and be able to serve you!
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About Us
The Foam Depot started business in 2000. Needing to insulate a building of our own, we purchased equipment, took a crash course in spray foaming and went for it!
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7742 245th Street East
Myakka City, FL 34251