Why you should use spray foam insulation
Acoustic Insulation Benefits
Low density Polyurethane Foam Insulation has excellent sound absorption properties and sound transmission properties. When comparing polyurethane foam to other insulations, there often is a very great difference. As an effective air seal, it eliminates the air gaps through which sound travels theeasiest. Low density polyurethane foam Insulation is superior in controlling mid-range frequencies that include the most common sounds, the human voice and loudstereo music.
Enhanced Insulation
When traditional R3.5 fiberglass batts are field installed using traditional methods, the end product is an effective value of only R2.45. Much is lost in inexact fitting, ineffective air barrier and broken vapour barrier. Polyurethane foam howeverdoes not suffer from the same installation challenges of traditional roodbatts.
Greater Air Barrier Properties
Spray foam insulation is able to obstruct air leaks much more effectively than other types of insulation. Common insulation materials like rigid foam board or fibreglass batts may go out of place over a period of time, leaving spots for air to penetrate the house. Additionally, these products infrequently fill the entire wall cavity, which means air can usually find a way into the living area between the sections of insulation, or at the top or bottom of the wall. Polyurethane spray foam fills the entire area, leaving fewer gaps for air leaks. This material is also more dense than most other insulators, and provides a tight, impenetrable barrier to air infiltration and leaks.
Increased Energy Efficiency in the Home
Air barrier sealing and a superior under floor insulation material result in greater energy efficiency. This usually means a reduction in the use of heating or cooling systems, which can result in lower energy bills and greatly fewer carbon emissions. A well insulated house may even allow you to choose smaller air conditioning and heating systems, which can save both money and space.
Roof Insulation rarely sags or breaks down
Polyurethane Foam insulation adheres to the surrounding substrates as it is installed. This bond holds the foam in place for the life of the building ensuring its effectiveness lasts offering ongoing savings.
Costs
While polyurethane spray foam insulation is generally more expensive than traditional batts or rigid insulators, it’s real cost may actually be much lower. Spray foam serves as insulator, vapor barrier, and moisture barrier, removing the need for most exterior caulking, building paper, and separate vapor barriers. Not only does one save the cost of these materials, but there is an associated installation saving. Rather than buying and installing four or even more products, a single application of spray foam can be utilised instead. When the cost of spray foam is compared to the total cost of batts and related weatherproofing systems, foam actually is more affordable option. In addition, the higher R-value of foam equals a greater reduction in energy bills is likely, resulting in a shorter payback period for this project.
Flexibility
Due to the fact that polyurethane foam expands to fill a voic, the foam offers many benefits to those in need of a flexible roof insulation. It is particularly useful when filling oddly-shaped spaces, or those subject to some type of obstruction. Spray foam allows for smaller, thinner walls, which means more flexibility with living space. Finally, because foam insulation is so versatile, contractors have much more flexibility when it comes to framing designs. While rigid insulation requires adequate spacing between studs, polyurethane foam can simply be sprayed into any size void. For more information on spray foam insulation contractors visit www.insulbarrier.com.au