From fibreglass and wool to cellulose and spray foam, there are many different types of insulation and each comes with its own benefits. Having all these different options can become overwhelming and confusing. To help you make the right choice for you and your property, here’s an introductory guide to spray foam insulation.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a liquid foam which is sprayed into position and sets to form an insulating layer. Unlike other insulation materials, it fills all gaps upon installation and doesn’t sag or compress over time. It can be used to insulate your roof, loft, walls, floors, crawl spaces and more.

There are two different types of spray foam insulation – closed-cell and open-cell. Both are usually made from polyurethane and filled with bubbles of gas or air, but they have slightly different properties when they set. 

Closed-cell foam

Closed-cell spray foam sets into a rigid material, which can help support a property’s structure. This is particularly beneficial for buildings with poor structural integrity. That being said, closed-cell spray foam should never be used as a substitute for structural repairs.

It is usually a better insulator than open-cell foam insulation. This is primarily because, once set, closed-cell foam contains many separate pockets of gas or air, which slows down the movement of heat through the material.

Closed-cell foam is a barrier to moisture, so you’ll need to ensure the space is well-ventilated if you want to avoid excessive condensation.

Open-cell foam

Open-cell foam isn’t as good an insulator, because it’s less dense once set. This isn’t the end of the world, however, as a higher level of insulation can be achieved by installing a thicker layer.

This type of spray foam is commonly used for soundproofing, as it blocks and reduces airflow. It also allows moisture through, so there’s less of a concern about condensation than with its closed-cell counterpart.

Why choose spray foam insulation?

Loss of storage space is one of the main reasons for not insulating loft space. Loft insulation must be 270mm thick, which means boards often can’t be laid on top. Spray foam insulation doesn’t need to be as thick, so you may still be able to use your loft for storage purposes even once it’s insulated.

Spray foam insulation is also extremely energy efficient so, while it is more expensive than other insulation solutions at first, it can be cost-effective in the long run. Gaps, cracks and holes in a building allow warm air to escape. This can result in very costly energy bills, as reaching and maintaining a comfortable temperature requires more energy. Spray foam insulation completely fills and seals any gaps, meaning warm air cannot escape and the building therefore requires less energy to heat. The result is significantly reduced energy costs – spray foam can deliver up to 50% greater energy savings in comparison to other options. It’s also a very durable solution, so the overall lifetime savings could be staggering!

For all your spray foam insulation needs, look no further than Spray Foam Tech Ltd. With over 20 years’ experience, we are well-equipped to deal with any kind of project. Whether you’re in need of an energy audit or insulation for your commercial or domestic property, our team is on hand to help you make energy efficiency a priority. Contact us today to find out more.