Spray Foam vs Fiberglass: What's the Difference?
So, you've caught on to the fact that insulation is an important part of maintaining a comfortable home. But how do you know which type to install?
At Ward Insulation, we make a personalized choice based on the exact needs of your home. But if you're going the DIY route, it can be hard to know the difference! Here are the big distinctions between the two.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a traditional insulation material that is made up of extremely fine glass fibers. Fiberglass insulation traps air bubbles, creating an insulation effect that slows heat exchange between surfaces.
This type of insulation is relatively inexpensive and can be installed as a DIY project. However, it's easy to inhale on accident and can even embed itself into the skin if not properly protected.
Key benefits:
It's cheaper
It can be self-installed
Key downsides:
30% of air escapes from it
It can be inhaled
It retains water
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a polymer that expands to nearly 100 times its original volume and then hardens into a solid. It covers and fills spaces very easily. If you want to get more specific, you're looking at either open cell or closed cell insulation.
Closed cell insulation is a bit limited in its insulation range, but the exact figure depends a lot on the density of the foam. Closed cell insulation is structurally sound and its higher density allows for many more diverse uses.
In open cell spray foam insulation, the cells are broken, allowing air to fill the gaps they leave. It's softer and less structurally sound than closed cell insulation, but is perfectly acceptable in many cases. Either way, you'll want this installed by a professional contractor as application can be really complex.
Key benefits:
It conforms to the space its in
It's environmentally safe
It does not retain water
Key downsides:
It's more expensive
It's should only be installed by a pro
Overall, if you're looking for the best long-term solution, spray foam insulation is the way to go. It creates a tight seal in your home, doesn't settle or sag, and fits the area of application exactly. Plus, it's completely resistant to water damage and can offer structural benefits!
Need a professional to install spray foam in your attic, walls or crawl space?
