If you’re considering spray foam insulation your home with spray foam insulation, you may want to be aware that this type of insulation is not without its environmental cost. The main culprit in the environmental penalty of spray foam insulation is the blowing agent used to make it expand. Currently most spray foam insulation uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The HFCs in spray foam have a global warming potential over 3,400 times greater than carbon dioxide. Fortunately, some of the companies that manufacture and distribute spray foam are now offering products with low GWP blowing agents.

Budget-Friendly Comfort: How Spray Foam Insulation Can Save You Money in the Long Run

When a spray foam crew arrives at your house to install your insulation, they’ll first remove any existing insulation from the area that needs to be insulated (attic, crawl space, rim joist in new construction, pole barn). Next they’ll connect their large truck-mounted rig with the spray hose and run it over the areas that need insulating. The rig is highly engineered to ensure that the spray foam is mixed and applied correctly.

The spray foam is sprayed on to fill in any cracks and voids in the building envelope creating an airtight seal. This is a key benefit because air leakage accounts for over 40 percent of the energy cost of heating and cooling a home. The resulting barrier also reduces noise. A good quality spray foam can achieve R-values of up to 25 per inch. The insulation also does not sag or settle over time, making it the ideal choice for new construction and older homes that need to be airtight.