Ever take a closer look at your attic insulation? Chances are your home is outfitted with one of the go-to insulation solutions: fiberglass or spray foam. For years, fiberglass has been the typical product for home attic insulation, but spray foam is quickly making strides and eclipsing fiberglass as the top choice for attic insulation. With extensive benefits like superior air-tight seals and reduced energy costs, it’s no wonder why. But before homeowners step into their next big attic project, they should consider the differences in these materials, and which is a better investment. Let’s take a closer look at fiberglass and spray foam insulation, and their respective pros and cons.
Considerations When Installing Attic Insulation
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when selecting the right insulation for their attic. A few major ones include:
- Your home and region’s climate
- The type of heating and cooling in your home
- The amount of space in your attic
- Your overall budget
For premium insulation installation in the DC Metro and nearby areas, schedule with Winner Insulation now.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a type of product that offers excellent insulating performance and air-sealing properties compared to alternative methods/products. It’s applied as a liquid that expands into a solid, foam insulation barrier that seamlessly fills even the smallest nooks and cavities. Its unmatched sealing capabilities mean spray foam insulation effectively reduces air leakage, which is typically a major source of home energy loss.
Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation
Like all things, spray foam insulation has its pros and cons. Its considerable pros include:
- Longevity
- Superior R-value (thermal resistance)
- Higher energy-efficiency
- Better soundproofing
- No sagging over time
- Guaranteed fill of all gaps and spaces
- Improved structural integrity for your home
On the flip side, a few noteworthy cons of spray foam insulation are:
- Higher material costs
- It requires professional installation (for health and safety)
What Is Fiberglass Insulation?
Fiberglass insulation has been a staple in American homes in past decades: It can be affordable but effective. But as more advanced, efficient methods like spray foam emerge, it has lost a bit of steam in recent years. It consists of extremely fine glass fibers held together by an adhesive backing like foil or paper. Fiberglass comes in batts or blankets that fit between wall studs, or as a loose-fill material that can be blown into attics and cavities. While it’s still the norm in most homes, fiberglass insulation requires precise installation to avoid gaps or compression that can reduce its insulating capabilities.
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Insulation
Some major benefits of fiberglass insulation include:
- Cheaper material
- It can be done as a DIY project (but safety precautions need to be taken)
- You can layer as needed
As a counter, fiberglass has a few additional cons:
- Lower R-Value (less effective insulation)
- Less energy-efficient
- Known to sag as it ages
- Must be cut to size to fit your space
- Has the potential to cause health issues if inhaled
- Poor moisture regulation
The Consensus
For property owners with a flexible budget, spray foam insulation stands out as the superior short- or long-term insulation choice over traditional fiberglass. Spray foam’s biggest advantage is that it creates a superior air-tight thermal layer when professionally installed, significantly reducing air leakage (i.e. costly energy loss). This seamless air barrier also prevents moisture problems that could degrade fiberglass insulation over time; not to mention enable mold or mildew growth.
Spray foam also has a higher R-value, providing consistent performance and comfort year-round. While more expensive upfront, spray foam’s air-sealing and long-term insulating capabilities make it the better choice for lower energy costs and increased home comfort.
Why Choose Winner for Your Spray Foam Insulation?
As a veteran-owned and -operated company, Winner Insulation is dedicated to providing our neighboring residents and businesses with superior insulation solutions. When you’re not sure which insulation type is right for you, we can help. Our experience and respectful customer service ensure you’ll receive top-quality service from a friendly, helping hand.
Learn more about our insulation solutions and get in touch with us now.