Winters in Central New York can be cold, wet, and uncomfortable. That’s why making sure your home is insulated properly can go a long way to improving indoor comfort and saving on heating and cooling bills. What’s not to like? As top insulation contractors in the Central NY area, today we’re going to explain the many benefits of spray foam insulation for your home!
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
There are two forms of spray foam insulation commonly used in homes. Closed cell spray foam insulation is dense and once hardened, creates a vapor and water barrier. Open cell spray foam is lighter but expands to fill hard to reach nooks and crannies. Both might be used in different areas in a single home.
Spray foam insulation is created by mixing two chemicals: isocyanate and polyol resin. The mixing happens in the spray nozzle and is immediately applied to the surface to be insulated. Spray foam technology and manufacturing has come a long way in recent decades, making issues of potentially harmful off-gassing a thing of the past. Still, because of the use of chemicals, it’s important to use a qualified spray foam installer that will ensure your upgrades are done correctly and safely—this is not a DIY insulation project!
Air Sealing & Insulation in One Application
Air sealing works hand-in-hand with insulation to address both heat loss that occurs as heat transfers through the building materials of your home as well as heat loss from air leaks. Air sealing is typically done by hand by some insulation contractors before installing cellulose insulation. But because spray foam insulation acts as both an excellent insulator and air sealant, the areas being treated are sealed and insulated simultaneously, providing thermal protection while ensuring a good air tight seal.
Where is Spray Foam Insulation Used?
With its unique properties, spray foam insulation is used throughout homes, both in new construction and retrofitting existing houses. In the attic, spray foam is applied to the underside of the roof creating a sealed moisture barrier. One of the benefits of spray foam attic insulation is that it stops winter ice dams by keeping the roof at a consistent temperature. Spray foam is also used to insulate exterior walls and sometimes interior walls where extra soundproofing is desired. Many Syracuse area residents note just how quiet and private their homes feel after upgrading to spray foam insulation. Finally, spray foam insulation in basements takes advantage of its moisture barrier qualities to keep your basement from developing harmful mold and mildew.
Healthier Indoor Air Quality
Besides lowering your energy bills and making your home more comfortable, spray foam insulation can improve your indoor air quality. The air sealing properties of this medium keep outdoor allergens, viruses, mold, and environmental pollutants from entering your home and circulating. If your family is suffering from cold-like symptoms all year long, eliminating these small gaps and cracks improves indoor air quality and health. Improving indoor air quality also helps family members with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Save More on Spray Foam Insulation with Tax Credits and Grants
Insulating your home now is easier than ever because of a new 30% federal tax credit that covers efficiency upgrades, including the cost of insulation materials, when you upgrade. Other state and local rebates and grants can help cover the cost of improving your Central NY home’s energy efficiency as well.
To find out how much you stand to save from incentives:
Get Started with Energy Savers Free Home Energy Audit
Most homeowners don’t realize just how air leaks and poor insulation levels are leading to significant energy loss, wasting money and creating a drafty, uncomfortable home.. When you schedule a free home energy audit with Energy Savers, you’ll get the low down on where your house is experiencing heat loss and our best advice for upgrades that will lower energy bills and improve indoor comfort, including spray foam insulation installation!
