HomeInsulation Services by The Hayes Company

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation by The Hayes Company

Spray foam insulation is two-in-one home insulation and air sealing solution that can help homes and businesses increase comfort and reduce energy consumption. Spray foam insulation expands when applied, creating an air barrier and insulating in one step. At the Hayes Company, both our Nashville spray foam insulation services and our Kansas City spray foam insulation services offer crawl space insulation and insulation removal for residential and commercial locations. Read on to learn more about the benefits of spray foam insulation, and contact our team to schedule an attic insulation service today!

The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation has many benefits for the homeowner and business owner.

Increased Comfort – Spray foam insulation prevents drafts, improves air quality by sealing air leaks, and enhances acoustics.

Energy and Cost Savings – Sealing air leaks and adding R-value with spray foam insulation can help reduce monthly energy costs. Effective spray foam insulation can require a smaller home heating and air conditioning unit, saving you money and space.

Healthier Air in Your Home – Spray foam insulation seals the home from outside air infiltration, helping to reduce indoor pollen, dust, and allergens.

Flawless, Versatile Performance – Spray foam insulation expands 30-100 times its original sprayed-on volume, providing an air barrier and insulation layer that seals all crevices in a single, easy step.

Durability to Last a Lifetime – Once applied, spray foam insulation will not shrink, sag, or settle — even if it comes into contact with water. Spray foam insulation sticks to a wide variety of materials including masonry, cement, metal studs, wood studs, and rooflines.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

There are two different types of spray foam insulation, Open Cell Spray Foam and Closed Cell Spray Foam, each with their unique benefits discussed below.

Open Cell Spray Foam

Open cell spray foam insulation works as an insulator and air barrier. Weighing only 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, open cell spray foam gets its name from its broken cell structure which allows air to fill the empty space inside the material. The typical R-value of open cell foam is 3.7 per inch. Open cell spray foam insulation is vapor permeable, dampens sounds, and eliminates air infiltration.

Closed Cell Spray Foam

Like open cell spray foam insulation, closed cell spray foam works as an insulator and air barrier. An additional feature of closed cell spray foam is that it is solid — much denser than open cell spray foam. The cells of the bubbles remain intact which makes the material rigid. The closed cell composition and increased density contribute to a higher R-value than open cell foam, at a higher price. Higher density allows closed cell spray foam to contribute to building stability during storms and high winds.

Exterior wall spray foam insulation.

Does spray foam need a thermal barrier?

Spray Foam FAQs

Why is spray foam more expensive than fiberglass?

Spray foam provides both an air sealing and insulating solution and is built to endure more severe weather conditions than fiberglass insulation. The investment is worth every penny, as evidenced by our testimonials.

Can spray foam be sprayed in an existing home?

Yes, depending on the structure and layout of your existing home. We recommend scheduling a free consultation to learn where spray foam can be sprayed in your home.

What is the difference between open cell and closed cell spray foam?

Open Cell Foam is a type of spray foam made up of tiny cells of foam that are not completely closed. The cells in Open Cell foam are broken, which allows air to fill the “open” space inside the material, giving the foam a softer feel. Weighing in 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, Open Cell foam has an R-value of 3.4 to 4.5 per inch.

The denser of the two, Closed Cell Foam, is 2.0 pounds per cubic foot. Its cells are closed and packed tightly together. Closed Cell foam is a greater insulator due to its denser properties, but is also more expensive. Closed Cell foam has an R-value of 5.4 to 7.2 per inch.

Do I need a paint thermal barrier for my spray foam?

According to building code, thermal barriers (to slow combustion in case of fire) are required for any spray foam left exposed on the interior or occupant side. This requirement is normally met by sheetrock. Please see the video “Does spray foam need a thermal barrier?” on this page for more details.