How Is Polyurethane Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation Different From Traditional Insulation? The most significant difference between Polyurethane Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation versus more traditional forms of insulation. Like fiberglass or cellulose, is that SPF (polyurethane spray foam) insulation provides an air barrier & thermal barrier all in one product. With closed-cell spray foam even offering a moisture barrier as well.
Because of the compound makeup of both fiberglass & cellulose, which only provides a thermal barrier with a much lower R-Value than Polyurethane Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation. You are really only benefitting from the cheaper price tag of fiberglass or cellulose. But what you’re not benefiting from is an air barrier & moisture barrier. As neither fiberglass, nor cellulose provide those.
SPF Spray Foam Versus Fiberglass
This means that SPF (polyurethane spray foam) insulation does the job of providing thermal insulation (with a higher R-Value) and air sealing with one product. Plus eliminating condensation to prevent mold & mildew, whereas traditional forms of insulation do not provide any barrier to the flow of air. Nor do they provide any moisture barrier, and have a much lower R-Value. This is important for establishing a continuous and complete thermal/air/moisture barrier with your building envelope.
And unlike fiberglass and / or cellulose, Polyurethane Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation adds rigidity to your home, commercial building, or agricultural facility, because the cured foam bonds to the framing and sheathing.
Call Premier Spray Foam to learn more about how Polyurethane Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation. And to learn about different more traditional insulation types. We will be happy to walk you through the cost-saving benefits of spray foam insulation. As well as answer any questions you may have regarding your insulation needs. Go Green. Go Foam.
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Common Questions
Is spray foam worth the extra cost over fiberglass?
It depends on what is wrong with the building. Where air movement and moisture are the problem, which in Oregon is most of the time, foam solves something fiberglass cannot. In a tight new build with a well sealed envelope already, the gap narrows considerably.
Does fiberglass still have a place?
Yes, in assemblies that are already air-sealed and where moisture is not a risk. It is a perfectly good thermal material; it simply does not seal air on its own.
Can foam be installed over existing fiberglass?
It depends on the condition of the existing material and the assembly. Sometimes the batts come out first. We confirm that on site rather than assuming.
Related: why spray foam · our spray foam insulation service
Also worth reading: why we specify foam, choosing an insulation type.
Talk it through with an installer
Every building is different. Tell us about the property and we will give you a straight answer on what it needs.