If you live in an area that experiences very cold or hot seasons or extreme weather fluctuations, then you should make sure your home’s walls and attic are properly insulated. Quality insulation materials and a superior installation job sets up the inside of your home for warm winters and cool summers, while also keeping out drafts and airborne allergens.
How can you find out if your insulation needs an upgrade? Start by scheduling a professional inspection of your home’s insulation. You may also want to get an energy audit to find out if heat is escaping through the walls and attic. Homes with less efficient insulation can benefit from an insulation material that seals better: spray foam insulation.
Is spray foam insulation in Sacramento, CA really the best option to insulate your home or building? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons:
- Fills in the entire space: Spray foam is sprayed directly into areas which need insulating. When sprayed, the foam adheres to all the surfaces it touches. It will fill every crack and every crevice nicely. Because the foam fills gaps, it prevents unwanted outdoor air from getting in and conditioned air from escaping.
- Mold and mildew resistant: Spray foam bonds tight to a building’s structure to prevent air from moving into or out of the building. But when warm air travels through a heated building and comes into contact with cold outside air, the result is condensation. Condensation causes mold and mildew. If you have spray foam insulation, and every crack and crevice is filled, then heat transfer cannot occur and this moisture (the condensation) cannot form.
- Stays in place: Insulation such as fiberglass or cellulose will either sag or settle over time. Sagging and settling can create cold spots on the building’s walls, indicating that the insulation behind it has shifted. Spray foam basically sticks to surfaces, so it doesn’t sag or settle over the years.
- Higher R-value: Spray foam has the highest R-value, which is an important consideration when selecting an insulation material. The R-Value measurement is the level at which the insulation material prevents heat transfer. A higher R-value means better protection.
- Cost: Spray foam insulation brings high quality and years of indoor comfort. So it comes at no surprise that this type of insulation is more expensive than other insulation options. This cost factor can make some people a little hesitant. A reason for the high cost is that it must be installed by a professional.
- Application grade: Some insulation contractors argue that spray foam insulation is a below-grade application as an insulator and attracts termites. Many other contractors, however, argue that a stronger spray foam product is not a termite attractor. You may want to consult with a professional.
To learn more about spray foam insulation in Sacramento, CA, or to discuss other insulation material options, don’t hesitate to contact the team of experienced contractors at 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. We offer the highest quality insulation materials and services in town—call us today!