Compare Spray Foam vs. Rigid Foam Insulation
Remember when a pink panther held the monopoly on home insulation? Those days are gone. Today homeowners, contractors and building scientists (the experts who study home energy performance) spend a lot of time talking about foam insulation. But this newly popular insulation can come in many forms. Right now, let's consider the differences between the spray foam and rigid foam. More specifically, we can compare the closed-cell spray foam that requires two components to be mixed at the application nozzle, and the rigid foam insulation boards that come in different thicknesses.
Both two-component spray foam and rigid foam are useful for improving home energy performance. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether spray foam or rigid foam is best for a particular application.
Best-suited for big jobs.Two-part spray foam provides excellent air sealing and insulation, and is often sprayed against open framing, as in this attic installation.
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The Pros & Cons of Spray Foam and Rigid Foam Insulation
Two-Component Spray Foam
Pros:
- Provides both insulation and air sealing; air sealing is excellent because the foam expands to fill gaps and cracks.
- High R-value -about R-7 per in. depending on formulation.
- Speedy installation. Foaming can be done in a fraction of the time it takes to cut, fit, and seal rigid board insulation.
- Once cured, spray foam insulation stays in place; it won't shift, settle, or fall out of place.
Cons:
- Messy; overspray can deposit foam where it must be removed.
- Respirators and protective clothing must be worn during installation.
- If the area being insulated cannot be isolated from living space, occupants must vacate premises until foam cures - typically two hours.
- Temperature sensitive; cold temperatures can cause problems with foaming action or curing.
- R-value can degrade slightly over time.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Pros:
- Provides both insulation and air sealing, provided that seams between foam panels are sealed with tape.
- Less messy than spray foam.
- Different thicknesses are available to suit different application & R-value requirements.
- Panels are easy to cut and can be installed in any temperature.
- Safe handling; no harmful emissions during installation.
- Best installation for insulating crawl space and basement walls.
- Some rigid foam panels (like SilverGlo™, for example) include a radiant barrier for additional energy savings.
Cons:
- R-value varies based on type of rigid foam. It can be as low as R-3.8 per in. or as high as R-8 per in.
- More time-consuming installation than spray foam in some (but not all) applications.
- Sometimes single-component spray foam must be applied around edges of rigid foam to seal and hold panel in place.
Be sure to check out our other content to help in choosing the best spray foam insulation and the best spray foam contractors in the world.
Versatile Energy-Saver 2-part spray foam expands after it's applied, creating an effective thermal and moisture barrier. Due to its unique properties, it can be used to solve comfort & energy problems in many areas of the house.
It's Tricky: It takes experience to get the feel of applying spray foam, especially two-part foams. With their varying expansion rates and other qualities, they prove difficult for someone without experience to get the most of this material. For example, a high-expanding foam will damage a door or window jamb, but our training and experience can prevent this from occurring.
Oftentimes, spray foam can also be wasted and get messy - but our fully trained specialists know how to get the job done well the first time!
It's Temperature Sensitive: Cold temperatures affect the chemistry that causes the foaming action. It's critical to keep spray foam cans or two-part foam canisters within a specific temperature range for successful application.
Be sure to check out our comparison between spray foam and rigid foam insulation. We can also help you choose the best spray foam insulation.
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If you want to make your home more comfortable, insulation upgrades should be a top priority. We are the authority in providing attic insulation and many other types of insulation services right in your own town, by hand picked experts to help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Call us today at 844-284-9797 or contact us online to get a free estimate from our authorized, certified & fully trained Spray Foam Comfort Contractor in your area. From Seattle WA to Bangor ME, trust a seasoned pro, from the best Insulation Contractor Network in North America.
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