Spray Foam Insulation

With the constant rise in utility costs and a wide range of temperatures here in Waynesboro, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas in Central Virginia, having proper insulation is crucial. At Responsible House, we’re building scientists focused on the health, comfort, and efficiency of your home. That’s why we choose to install spray foam insulation, which is known for its superior insulative and air sealing qualities. 

As one of the most effective types of insulation on the market today, spray foam provides a great deal of benefits, including:

• High R-value & performance
• Long-lasting 
• Air, vapor, and radiant barrier
• Improves home structure
• Promotes healthy indoor air
• Noise reduction
• Lower Energy Bills

How Spray Foam Insulation Works 

Spray foam insulation is a combination of polyurethane and isocyanate. When these two chemicals are combined, they create a foam solution that expands and hardens. Since it can expand 30-60 times throughout the curing process, spray foam makes an excellent insulator as well as air sealant that can access hard-to-reach areas throughout a home, like attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities.

Open-Cell vs Closed-Cell Spray Foam: Types of Spray Foam

Spray foam is filled with small air bubbles known as cells, which help make it resistant to heat and air flow. However, there are two types of foam used for insulation, and they each have their own unique characteristics.

Open-cell spray foam: With cells that are not fully enclosed and more space between them, open-cell spray foam is malleable and soft. This type of spray foam is a great option for interior applications, like walls and roof decks. Because open-cell foam allows vapor to migrate through, there are certain places where it is good to use, like roofs and others where closed-cell foam is a better choice.  

Closed-cell spray foam: Closed-cell spray foam is rigid, with no space left between the completely enclosed cells. Since this type of foam is more dense, it is a great option for areas that also need a moisture and vapor barrier, like crawl spaces, masonry foundation walls, metal buildings, and any place that might need the extra strength that closed-cell foam can provide. 

Responsible House: Your Local Spray Foam Experts 

Installing spray foam insulation is a delicate process, which is why it should always be performed by a professional. At Responsible House, we have an extensive background in home construction and building science, allowing us to make sure your spray foam is installed right, the first time. A certified installer by the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, our team follows all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for installing spray foam insulation to ensure your home and family’s safety. For example, we always use fans during the installation process and make sure the spray foam is completely cured before anyone is allowed back inside. We’re a local, family-owned business in Waynesboro and have been helping families in Central Virginia make their homes more comfortable and efficient since 1995.

When it comes to finding the right insulation for your home, Responsible House can assess your current insulation and make a knowledgeable recommendation on a solution that can help improve your home comfort and indoor air quality, all while helping to lower your energy bills too. If you have questions about how much spray foam insulation costs, whether spray foam is a good choice for your crawl space or wall insulation, or how spray foam works on an existing home, give us a call! We also stay informed on what insulation tax credits and rebates are available that can make upgrading your home more affordable.

Spray Foam Insulation FAQ

How Soon Can You Sleep At Home After Installing Spray Foam?

You should wait around 1-3 days before you settle back in. Once this period elapses, your home will be safer and more energy efficient.

What’s The Difference Between Open Cell & Closed Cell?

Open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation differ in their use cases, affordability, and places in a home where they fit best. Closed-cell spray foam is generally more expensive, but it’s much more effective at soundproofing in addition to preventing moisture and vapor from infiltrating the space. Open-cell spray foam is cheaper and expands more effectively, making it fantastic for use in harder-to-reach areas. The best use cases for each can vary from property to property. Give us a call today to find out what’s right for you!

What Factors Affect Spray Foam Insulation Installation Costs?

The biggest factors affecting the cost of installing your spray foam insulation are how extensive the installation is, whether you choose open or closed cell insulation, and the location of the job being performed.

Is DIY Installation Possible For Spray Foam?

Our team does NOT recommend trying this yourself! Not only can it be dangerous, but you won’t be anywhere near as effective as a building science team that knows how to find the weak spots in your energy efficiency. If you need new insulation, you can always trust our team!

What Makes Spray Foam Better Than Other Insulation Types?

Unlike other insulation types, spray foam expands wherever it is applied. This makes it more effective than other materials! It also works much better in hard-to-reach spots that other types of insulation can’t get to.

Get started with a free assessment. Call 540-942-2061 or contact us online.