A great alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation is spray foam insulation. This expandable foam substance helps cut down utility costs as it blocks outdoor cold and heat. Additionally, it offers protection against moisture and reduces noise. If you’re looking to install spray foam insulation in your home, note that there are two types available: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam. Their costs vary.
Cost Difference between Open- and Closed-Cell Spray Foams
Open-cell spray foam, otherwise known as half-pound foam, usually costs from $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot. Many consider this type of spray foam as the lighter and less costly option. Having a density of only half a pound per cubic foot, this spray foam insulation results in a springy, light barrier that has sound-dampening capabilities. Do remember, though, that the insulation layer and the efficient air barrier formed by an open-cell spray foam are suitable only for indoor applications.
Closed-cell spray foam, on the other hand, costs about $1 to $1.50 per board foot. This insulation material is more expensive and is four times denser than the open-cell type. Its density, in fact, comes in at two pounds per cubic foot. On top of that, its glue-like, thick structure offers a much higher R-value per inch while delivering a water vapor-resistant seal. A higher R-value, in theory, provides better insulation.
Factors that Affect the Price of Spray Foam Insulation
The kind of spray foam used, while important, is not the only thing that affects the overall spray insulation cost. Some of the factors include:
- Siding – The siding of the building influences the cost of the insulation project; the property’s siding will make the contractors’ job easy or hard. Professionals who will work with vinyl siding will have an easy time. This material pops off easily, which allows a contractor to drill holes that will serve as the entry point of the spray foam. On the other hand, there’s more work involved when you have a brick siding. Installers would need to drill deep into the mortar just to get to a point where they can inject the spray foam. After injecting the foam and making sure the cavities are full, the contractors would need to use mortar to fill in the drilled holes.
- Area – The amount of spray foam required for the project will mainly depend on the size of the area. If the entire building, for instance, requires spraying, then it will demand more spray foam. Conversely, it would be less demanding if only a section of the building needs spray foam. Another thing to consider regarding area is that varying quantities of open- and closed-cell spray foam will be required to insulate a square size. When you opt for closed-cell spray foam, for example, you will need more of this foam to cover square feet. The reason is that open-cell spray foam expands more than its counterpart.
- Climactic Conditions – Another key factor in the cost of spray foam is the condition of the climate. Any change in climatic conditions affects the spray foam. A closed-cell spray foam is ideal for areas where checkmating of floods is required. On the other hand, the open-cell spray foam suits best the locations where flooding is uncommon.
- Property Location – The location of a building may affect the required total cost as specific regions have their building codes. These codes affect the necessary overall spray foam quantity as well as the spray foam type.
Cost Difference for New and Existing Homes
When planning to use spray foam for insulation, keep in mind that there is a price difference in doing so for a new house and an existing home. It is easier to do a spray foam insulation in new construction than an old one. The installation company working on the new home can design the insulation for optimum defense against heat transfer, utility costs, and sound. Moreover, it makes sure that the insulation will work well.
The story is different when insulating an existing home. It can cost you additional time and money when you install spray foam insulation in homes that have existing insulation. Costs vary broadly, but the range is about $8,000 to $20,000. Given that not every house is the same, the best way to find out the exact amount would be to get a professional to visit your home and obtain an estimate.
Leave the Spray Foam Insulation to the Pros
While there are DIY foam insulation kits on the market that cost less than a thousand dollars, spray foam insulation is not something you should do on your own. It requires a certified professional who can complete the process effectively and safely. Here’s why it’s best to spend your money on certified insulation installers:
- Safe Installation – Getting rid of old insulation (if doing spray foam insulation in an existing house) and installing new spray foam could pose health risks for homeowners. Leave the installation in the hands of trained installers. They would know how to effectively strip off old insulation that may contain hazardous chemicals and mold. Moreover, they will properly throw away the old insulation and safely apply the new spray foam.
- Proper Installation – Your DIY insulation project could potentially turn into a big mess when you use improper tools and products or not know how much foam you need to apply. Hiring a contractor qualified to perform the spray foam insulation ensures that the work is finished right the first time.
- Insulation Product Knowledge – It can be overwhelming to go with the best home insulation product on the market. Instead of you searching for the best products, leave that job to a qualified contractor. Contractors would typically have access to the best spray foam insulation products.
- Right Tools – Contractors have the equipment necessary to do the job properly. They have specially calibrated machines, coveralls, ventilation masks, air compressors, generators, and other tools that will enable them to apply the right ratio of foam to finish the insulation job.
If you’re looking for professional spray foam specialists in Kansas City, turn to A+ Insulation. We can install spray foam insulation that will help cut down your energy expenses and minimize energy loss. Our on-site project managers will make sure to walk you through a comprehensive before-and-after explanation of the project for your peace of mind.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation energy evaluation.