Fiberglass insulation and foam insulation both have a number of benefits and are great materials for a variety of projects.
For decades, batt and blown-in fiberglass has been the go-to material for home insulation and there’s something to be said for that. However, it’s certainly not the only option. Although it’s been around for years, spray foam is a newer material than fiberglass. If you’re wondering which type of insulation is better, it’s best to find out how they compare in different areas.
Uses and Cost
Fiberglass most commonly comes in batts or rolls. These are available in standard dimensions meant to fit between wall studs, attic floor rafters and ceiling joists. You can also install blown-in fiberglass for irregularly sized spaces. Since fiberglass tends to be less expensive and readily available, you can insulate your entire home at an affordable price.
Spray foam is applied in a liquid state and expands into hard, thick foam. You can install spray foam insulation anywhere, from entire stretches of wall to tiny holes around electrical wiring penetrations. It is ideal for smaller and irregularly shaped areas because of its total coverage.
Efficiency
Traditional fiberglass has a heat flow resistance, or R-value, of R-3 per inch of thickness. Manufacturers also produce medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation with slightly higher R-values than the standard batts. When space is limited spray foam can be preferred to compressing fiberglass, but some brands of fiberglass insulation are particularly effective at maintaining R-value over time, not easily sagging or settling
Materials
Fiberglass insulation is made of extremely fine glass fibers. Loose-fill fiberglass is made from molten glass that is spun or blown into fibers. Most manufacturers use 20 to 30% recycled glass content. Spray foam is typically made of polyurethane, which is a foam insulation material containing a low-conductivity gas in its cells.
Fiberglass & Spray Foam Insulation Contractors Serving Arlington, WA
Now that you know more about spray foam vs. fiberglass, you may have a better idea of which type you want to install in your home. Regardless of your choice, count on Pacific Partners Insulation North to complete the installation for you. Contact us today!
