Photo: Ben Mack

What is the downside to foam insulation?

On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job.

insulatekansascity.com - The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass vs Spray Foam Insulation

How do you put a foundation under an existing shed?

Step #1 Lift or Move You Shed Step #1 Remove all items from your shed. Step #2 Use lever and block to lift one corner. Step #3 Have your helper...

Last updated Aug 20, 2022

Can a garage be used as a bedroom?

Living in a garage in California is only legal if the garage has been converted to a habitable space through the proper channels. Letting guests...

Last updated Jun 8, 2019

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Choosing Between Spray Foam and Fiberglass Insulation

We know a conversation about insulation isn’t exactly the most riveting, but it’s an important decision to make. Not only does good insulation maintain the desired temperature in your home or business, but insulation also helps you save money on your energy bills. When it comes time for home or business owners to choose which type of insulation to use, spray foam and fiberglass insulation dominate the conversation. But which of the two are the better choice for your space and for your wallet? Whether it be spray foam or fiberglass, there are many questions to consider for each and making a decision can be difficult and we understand the process can seem tricky which is why we are here to help.

Spray Foam Insulation

Pros:

Spray foam is a relatively new method of insulating a home or business, but it can be used

Cons:

as the primary method of insulation in a new home or business, as well as supplemental insulation. Spray foam is applied by spraying a polyurethane foam into walls and ceilings, where it then expands to form an airtight seal that is also moisture tight and also protects your home or business from pests, rodents, and mold damage. One of the best attributes of spray foam insulation is its ability to seal off small crevices that other types of insulation simply cannot reach which makes it the most energy-efficient method of the two. Another good thing about spray foam insulation is the fact that it also does not break down as easily as fiberglass insulation, thus giving it a much longer lifespan. On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job. Even professionals have struggles applying spray foam correctly because of the mess it makes. If you decide to use spray foam insulation in your home or business, make sure that your installer has adequate experience and takes the proper precautions before applying it to your walls or ceilings.

Fiberglass Insulation

Pros:

What does a cantilever look like?

A cantilever is a rigid structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only one end. Typically it extends from a flat vertical...

Last updated May 20, 2020

How many studs do I need for a 10x10 shed?

For a 10 foot exterior or interior or partition room or shed wall or load bearing or non bearing wall, you will need 9 to 11 number of 2×4 vertical...

Last updated Dec 27, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Used in 85% of American homes and businesses, fiberglass insulation is the most traditional and most common form of insulation. Fiberglass insulation works by trapping

Cons:

air bubbles and creating an insulating effect that escalates and slows the heat exchange between surfaces. While professional installation is required for spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation can be installed by homeowners themselves and is the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly of the two types of insulation, but if you decide to hire professional help to install fiberglass insulation, you are in plenty of luck. Since fiberglass is so popular and has been around for such a long time, most contractors have plenty of experience with the material and won’t require much effort to clean up post-installation. However, due to fiberglass insulation consisting mostly of extremely fine glass fibers, the insulation material can be inhaled and even embed in the pores of your skin so if you do decide to take on this project without professional help, having all of the necessary safety equipment is of the utmost importance. Compared to spray foam insulation, fiberglass is less effective, especially in extremely cold conditions, and if you are looking to add it to an existing home or business, you may be out of luck as it is often only used as a primary method of insulation.

Making Your Decision

As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons when it comes to the age-old question of which insulation is right for your home or business. With cost being the primary factor, if you are working with a slim budget, fiberglass insulation may be the one for you. It’s easy to install, contractors are familiar with it if you decide that installing it yourself is not for you, and it’s easy on the wallet. However, if your home or business is in desperate need of effective insulation that is worth spending extra funds on, spray foam is your best bet. It may cost a lot upfront, but it will save you hundreds in the long run. Have more questions or need a quote for your insulation project? Learn more about A+ Insulation’s Fiberglass Batted Insulation or Spray Foam Insulation services or contact us today for a FREE quote!

insulatekansascity.com - The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass vs Spray Foam Insulation