Choosing a type of insulation for your home will have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency - here’s why spray foam insulation shouldn’t be overlooked.
(Image credit: Huntsman Building Solutions)
[Content provided by Huntsman Building Solutions]
With energy bills sky-rocketing, it’s never been more important to ensure your home is well-insulated. But once you’ve made the decision to carry out this home improvement, how do you choose which type of insulation is best?
There are plenty of options available, from rigid PU boards to semi-solid insulation materials such as mineral wool and fibreglass. However, have you considered the benefits spray foam insulation could reap for your property?
Did you know, for example, that homeowners who choose to insulate with Huntsman Building Solutions spray foam will make savings of up to 56% on their energy bills, according to research?
Here, we take a look at the options available, comparing their benefits and drawbacks.
How Long do They Take to Install?
Insulating a home is, by and large, not a quick job. Installing PU boards is one of the most demanding and costly options when it comes to installation, but even mineral wool and fibreglass sheets take at least a few days to fit correctly. Some of these options, such as fibreglass, also have their limitations when it comes to the install, as they’re tricky to fit in smaller spaces, and so can leave gaps that can compromise your home’s thermal performance.
‘When it comes to ease of application, a team of professional and authorised spray foam installers can complete a job in hours, rather than days, causing minimal disruption for homeowners,’ Huntsman Building Solutions tell us. ‘Once set, spray foam does not sag or shift–even in extreme temperatures–and will last for as long as the property is standing.’
(Image credit: Huntsman Building Solutions)
Which has the Best Thermal Performance?
PU board and mineral wool insulation have great qualities when it comes to thermal insulation, but compared with other types of insulation, spray foam still features a far superior R-value.
‘Energy studies show that fibreglass insulation can lose up to 8% of its R-value even before it is installed, and over time it loses more,’ Huntsman Building Solutions explains, where spray foam retains its R-value for its lifetime. For a loft conversion, fibreglass can also create another issue. It needs at least 270mm of thickness, making it difficult to lay a floor in the loft or maintain head height.
‘Spray foam delivers a superior air barrier compared to traditional insulation meaning that it is better at reducing thermal loss through both convection and conduction,’ Huntsman Building Solutions add. ‘It also works well with wood and timber, and if applied correctly by a professional installer, it is airtight yet vapour permeable, preventing moisture from outside of the property from entering the roof, while allowing moisture from within the property to move freely through it.’
(Image credit: Huntsman Building Solutions)
Which is the Most Affordable?
It might not surprise you to hear that fibreglass is largely the most affordable type of insulation, but this comes with its drawbacks of a more difficult install and shrinkage over time. If fibreglass insulation gets wet, you’ll also have to completely replace it.
Mineral wool, PU board and spray foam all have a greater upfront investment, but over the lifetime of your home, this is more likely to pay off in the long run. ‘With a fast application, excellent air tightness, and a superior level of insulation than alternative options, spray foam insulation is designed to ensure that it endures and performs for the lifespan of the home,’ Huntsman Building Solutions explain.
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