Choosing the right type of insulation for your property means taking into consideration a range of factors, including which space needs updated insulation. The benefits of spray foam insulation in attic spaces include improved energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home all year round.
The Importance of Attic Insulation
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can save up to 15% on their heating and cooling costs by ensuring they have adequate insulation and air sealing in their homes’ attics, floors, crawl spaces, and basements. Attic insulation can be particularly impactful because warm air rises, which means during cold winters, uninsulated attics are letting significant warm air escape from homes’ living spaces, leading to inefficiencies and drafts.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation, also referred to as spray foam polyurethane foam (SPF), is a sprayed in plastic insulation that expands to fill the space being insulated. The expanding action of spray foam insulation means that it acts as an effective air barrier to prevent air leakage from a home’s attic.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation in the Attic
Because spray foam insulation expands, this type of attic insulation offers homeowners faster, easier application as well as the effective sealing of air gaps. Insulation professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement know how to install spray foam insulation in attic spaces quickly and effectively to achieve a more comfortable and energy efficient home.
Energy Savings
Perhaps the most enticing reason to improve a home’s attic insulation is energy cost savings. When a home’s attic insulation is less effective, it makes it much harder for a home’s HVAC system to operate efficiently. That means it will cost more to heat the home during cold winters and keep it cool in the summer.
Spray foam insulation improves the energy efficiency of a home, which in turn lowers energy bills all year. Compared to fiberglass or cellulose insulation, spray foam offers up to twice the R-value, meaning the same space is twice as insulated with this type of insulation as compared to other options.
Keeps Your Home Comfortable
It is important to be comfortable in your home. Homeowners should not have to bundle themselves up in winter or sit in sweltering heat in the summer. Because spray foam insulation makes your home’s HVAC system more efficient, it becomes easier to maintain your desired interior temperature.
Air Seals Your Attic
Spray foam insulation and attic ventilation issues can go hand in hand. While proper attic ventilation is key for preventing issues like ice dams, when air leaks are not controlled, insulation cannot do its job. Spray foam attic insulation expands to fit even the smallest air leaks for targeted and effective air sealing. Additionally, closed cell spray foam is a vapor deterrent, meaning it slows down the rate of water vapor transfer into a building.
Long Lifespan
Spray foam insulation can last and work effectively for up to 100 years when properly installed. Furthermore, spray foam insulation requires little to no maintenance during that time, making it a simple choice for busy homeowners.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?
As with many home improvement tasks, spray foam insulation requires proper installation as well as time to cure. According to the EPA, when properly installed and cured, spray foam insulation is considered “relatively inert” and therefore safe for homeowners and their families.
How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Is spray foam insulation in an attic worth it? The cost of spray foam insulation depends on the area being insulated as well as other factors. Because spray foam is so durable and requires little to no maintenance, the year over year cost of replacing or upgrading attic insulation with spray foam is very low.
Expected Return on Investment in Spray Foam Insulation
The cost of attic spray foam insulation is well worth it for many homeowners due to the return on investment in energy savings. As noted above, homeowners can expect to save up to 15% on their energy bills when their homes are well insulated. Depending on energy costs in your area, these savings could add up very quickly, leading to an excellent return on investment. In places like Wisconsin where winters are very cold, for example, a lower heating bill can make a huge difference in monthly utility costs.
Call the Professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement
The professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement know how to install spray foam insulation in attic spaces for maximum energy efficiency. Call today to make an appointment for a home evaluation, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have about updating your attic insulation.
