When the chill of winter sets in, you realize that it’s time to consider some new insulation. The world of insulation has two parts: spray foam and fiberglass.
How do you know, though, which is best? Keep reading to learn which insulation is best for you in the spray foam v fiberglass insulation race.
Spray Foam vs Fiberglass Insulation
Spray foam is a foam that insulation contractors make on the job site. They use a chemical-based solution to create the foam, and they spray it into the area with a specialized sprayer.
Fiberglass insulation is a more solid material. Manufacturers make fiberglass insulation by spinning raw materials including recycled glass “cullet” into fibers. You can find fiberglass insulation in pre-cut rolls, batts, and loose-fill forms.
Spray Foam Pros
As far as insulation goes, spray foam is the more effective insulation at stopping cold air from passing through a structure. Fiberglass can leak.
Some spray foam has even been shown to reject bulk water. Fiberglass insulation retains water and potentially damages a home.
Spray Foam Cons
While spray foam is the most effective insulation, it comes with a significant number of cons a person should consider.
- Expertise required: An expert will know how to handle and mix the two hazardous chemicals at your job site. Installers need to go through OSHA or Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Training, and they must use PPE that includes a full-face supplied-air respirator.
- Downtime: Everything stops when a contractor uses spray foam. All other installations must wait 24 to 48 hours before they re-enter the facility.
- Safety hazards: The isocyanates used in spray foam can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation not to mention asthma. This dangerous chemical leads the way as a cause for work-place asthma.
- Cost: Spray foam insulation costs significantly more than fiberglass insulation. You must hire a trained professional to install it, and the materials themselves along with the spray foam rig cost more than a roll of fiberglass insulation.
- Sustainability: Spray foam is made of inorganic chemicals. Nothing in the foam is recycled or sustainable.
Spray foam insulation, thus, keeps the cold and warm air out effectively. It does the job well, but it comes with a cost.
Fiberglass Insulation Pros
Fiberglass insulation has been around much longer than spray foam. It has a significant number of factors going for it.
- Ease of installation: You can buy fiberglass insulation at a hardware store instead of waiting for a contractor to mix it and install it at your home.
- Ease of storage: You can store fiberglass insulation for an indefinite amount of time once you purchase it. It can withstand extreme heat or cold temperatures.
- Safety: Unlike the hazardous chemicals in spray foam, the materials in fiberglass are not dangerous.
- Cost: On average fiberglass costs around $0.40 per square foot, whereas spray foam costs seven times more.
- Sustainability: Manufacturers make fiberglass from old, recycled glass. They put glass bottles back to work rather than putting them in a landfill.
Regardless of if you choose fiberglass or spray foam, use insulation contractors to determine the best materials. A professional contractor knows which material will work best.
Fiberglass Cons
Fiberglass is not as effective at keeping out the heat and cold as dense spray foam is. Plus, while fiberglass may cost less to install, you will pay more for your heating and cooling bill in the end.
Insulate Wisely
In the spray foam vs fiberglass insulation contest, you need to evaluate the job and choose the insulation that works best for you. Keep visiting our site for more helpful home care tips.
