Spray Foam R-Value - What You Need To Know

The performance of insulation is measured by its R-value (heat resistance). The higher the R-value, the better the insulating properties of the material. For example, materials with high R-values resist heat and keep it from transferring through a wall or ceiling.

Many different types of insulation are on the market today, but one that continues to grow in popularity is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation has a very high R-value and can be as high as 7.1 per inch.

Since it can be installed in small areas like pipes or wiring, there’s no need for more significant space cuts or messy installations. It’s also very affordable compared to other types of insulation and doesn’t require special equipment for installation.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam that's sprayed into the wall cavity or attic of a building. The foam expands to fill the entire cavity and creates a blanket of insulation for the building.

It is an excellent air barrier and is resistant to water. It also has a high R-value, effectively keeping heat inside the building. Spray foam insulation is used in both commercial and residential buildings.

The foam can be applied as a one-sided or two-sided application. It can be used on wall cavities, above-grade walls, below-grade walls, below-grade foundations, attics, roof cavities, conditioned basements, and slab-on-grade floors.

The spray foam insulation can be used for commercial or residential buildings and can be applied to new or existing structures. Spray foam insulation is an excellent choice for many applications.

R-Value of Spray Foam

The R-value of this type of insulation is about 7.1 per inch for closed cell spray foam.  Open cell spray foam has an average R-value of 3.5 per inch.. This is extremely high and makes spray foam insulation one of the best insulating materials.

Spray foam insulation can provide better insulation than fiberglass and other wall insulation materials. It has a higher R-value and is more effective at blocking outside air and moisture.

One of the significant advantages of spray foam insulation is that it can be installed in areas that are difficult to reach, like a basement. It can also be used to fill in places where other insulation types can’t be installed.

Spray foam insulation can also be applied to existing buildings. It’s ideal for areas where traditional insulation materials can’t be installed.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Open-cell spray foam insulation is a lightweight, durable, and insulating material. It is a type of spray foam insulation that has voids or holes in the material, commonly known as open cells.

These spray foam insulation materials have an R-value per inch that ranges between 3.5 and 3.6, making them ideal for roofs that need to be insulated. The advantages of open-cell spray foam are its lightweight nature, resulting in reduced roof installation costs and easier access.

The material also provides better thermal insulation properties than closed-cell spray foam due to its open-cell structure. However, the material may be more prone to moisture condensation and mold growth if proper precautions are not taken during construction.

Open-cell spray foam can also be used for interior applications such as wall cavities and crawlspaces.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is made using a closed-cell spray foam core. The closed-cell spray foam core is made from polymer beads coated with an adhesive. 

The polymer beads are then assembled to form a continuous sheet in which the space between each polymer bead is filled with air. This type of spray foam insulation provides R-value values between 4 and 6 per inch of thickness, depending on the density and other factors. 

Additionally, closed-cell spray foam insulation has high thermal resistance values and low moisture vapor transmission rates, which means it is a good choice for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and reducing the risk of mold.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation also has low sound transmission levels, so it can be used to insulate areas of your home where noise may be an issue, like above your kitchen stove or in your child’s bedroom.

How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?

Spray foam insulation comprises two parts: a blend of polyols and a catalyst. The liquid portion is mixed with air, and the two combine to form a foam that expands and fills in all the areas it’s applied to. The foam has several air pockets (or cells) that trap air.

When the outside temperature changes, the air inside the cells create a barrier to thermal bridging. This process keeps the interior temperature steady. Some foams can increase the R-value of walls and attics by up to 50%.

Spray foam insulation can be installed on new and existing structures, including homes, work shops, metal buildings, commercial properties, and industrial structures. It’s possible to install spray foam insulation even in small areas that are hard to reach using traditional insulation methods.

This type of insulation is ideal for attics and walls because the foam is applied inside the structure and expands to fill the entire wall cavity or attic. As the foam expands, it seals out air leaks and fills every crack and crevice in the area.

What Are The Benefits of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation can be installed in various areas and is helpful for any type of structure. The liquid portion of the material is applied to the area that needs to be insulated, and the catalyst allows it to create a thick foam.

The foam seals out air leaks, insects, and rodents and provides excellent insulation. Closed cell spray foam insulation also seals out water and resists mold, mildew, and other organisms that collect in damp areas.

Because the foam seals out these elements, it also keeps roofing materials and siding materials drier. Spray foam is a good and effective way to insulate any kind of building because it can seal off air leaks and keep out bugs and rodents.  Controlling air exchange is key part to the increased performance factor of spray foam insulation. 

Is Spray Foam Insulation Good For Your Home?

Yes, spray foam insulation is a perfect choice for most homes. It has many advantages over traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass.

One of the biggest advantages of this type of insulation is that it provides a better R-value than other insulation materials. It is also more effective at blocking air and water leaks than other insulation materials.

It can fill in areas that are hard to reach with traditional insulation materials, making it a good choice for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This type of insulation is suitable for all structures, including your own home.

Final Thoughts

Spray foam insulation is an excellent option for many homeowners. It can be installed in existing buildings and is suitable for new construction. It’s more effective than other insulation materials, such as fiberglass, at blocking air and water leaks.

Spray foam insulation can be applied to hard-to-reach areas and can be helpful in areas where it’s difficult to install other insulation materials.