When people need insulation for a new home or business, or when they are looking to replace their current insulation during a renovation project, there are several options contractors might suggest. Chief among the possibilities is blown-in cellulose insulation and spray foam insulation, as each are widely utilized in new and old buildings alike.
But how do these materials differ, and which is the best option? In our post, we review spray foam insulation vs. cellulose insulation to examine their similarities, points of distinction, and overall efficacy for a project.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is an exceptionally popular option for home and business insulation as it can be sprayed into place via a spray gun, with the material (either polyurethane or isocyanate) clinging to and hardening on preexisting surfaces. The end result is a hard foam that fills all the nooks and crannies of a space, preventing unwanted air flow, retaining heat and cold depending on the season, and protecting property.
Two types of spray foam insulation exist: open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam. The two types are determined by the R-value of the given foam, with open-cell foam possessing a lower R-value (R-3.5 per inch) and closed-cell possessing a higher R-value (R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch). R-value denotes the measurement of the insulation’s resistance to heat flow, with materials featuring higher numbers providing better insulation. Open-cell spray foam, with its lower R-value and spongier, air-pocketed design, is therefore somewhat less effective at insulation than the higher R-value closed-cell spray foam – it is, however, the less expensive option of the two.
Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
Blown-in cellulose insulation, also referred to as simply cellulose insulation or loose-fill insulation, is another form of insulation used for buildings, and is comprised of various recycled paper products, especially newsprint, that have been treated with flame-retardant chemicals.
This form of insulation is referred to as “blown-in” because operators working on a site will blow the insulation into a space, spreading it into the areas needed. Installers seek to provide an even layer of the insulation in any space they are working on, and they utilize specialized equipment to aid in this effort.
Though blown-in cellulose insulation has its benefits, and in some ways is preferable to other blown-in insulation like fiberglass and mineral wool, its R-value – and therefore its insulation properties – makes it an inferior choice when compared to spray foam insulation. When comparing blown-in cellulose insulation and spray foam, it can be seen that cellulose has an R-value of approximately R-2.3 to R-3.7, meaning that it can dip below the R-3.5 measurement of open-cell spray foam, and that it is much lower than the R-6.0 to R-7.0 of closed-cell spray foam.
Spray Foam Insulation vs. Cellulose Insulation: Key Comparisons
Efficiency of Materials
As noted above, the insulation properties of open-cell spray foam insulation regularly outperform those of blown-in cellulose insulation, while the properties of closed-cell spray foam insulation are effectively in a class all their own. For the best insulating properties and results, spray foam is the clear winner.
Along with this, spray foam provides better energy efficiency since the material can expand and reach every nook and cranny seen during application. This allows it to decrease energy bills by as much as 40% in some cases, compared to cellulose insulation’s 25% decrease.
Cost
Typically, spray foam insulation tends to cost a little more than blown-in cellulose insulation, which is really no surprise since the former outshines the latter. Spray foam insulation averages around $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, while cellulose insulation comes in at around $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot.
Along with the efficiency of each material in relation to cost, considerations for long-term use have to be taken into account when examining blown-in cellulose insulation and spray foam as well, leading us to our next section.
Lifespan and Maintenance
Another determining factor for cost comparison is how much life you will get out of a given material. Blown-in cellulose insulation can do its job well for a while, but after 10-20 years it can begin to decay, sag, settle, and compress. This makes it less viable long-term, resulting in increased heating and cooling costs. To correct such issues, a homeowner or businessowner would need to undergo a costly renovation project for removal and replacement.
Spray foam insulation, meanwhile, never decays, sags, settles, or compresses, as the material retains its shape virtually forever once hardened. The only time that spray foam would likely need replacement is if a portion was punctured in some way or a fire damaged any areas. In such a case, new spray foam could simply be applied to fill in the gaps and you’d be good as new.
Other Points of Comparison Between Blown-In Cellulose Insulation and Spray Foam Insulation
- Operators working with either form of insulation are encouraged, and at times required, to install a vapor or fire barrier in addition to insulation for safety reasons and adherence to building codes
- The choice of open-cell or closed-cell spray foam can depend on the location it will be applied and the native climate of the area, as open-cell generally isn’t recommended for spaces below ground level or in more humid climates, with closed-cell being preferred
- Cellulose insulation creates a lot of dust during installation, which can be dangerous for workers and anyone coming in contact with the material, making proper ventilation and some cleanup work necessary
- Blown-in cellulose insulation, since it is made from paper products, is susceptible to water absorption and propagating mold growth, both of which can lead to damage and health concerns
Contact SprayWorks Equipment for the Best in Building Insulation
If you’re debating spray foam insulation vs. blown-in cellulose insulation, when all factors are considered, it’s clear that spray foam outperforms and outshines cellulose insulation due to its efficiency, long-term viability, clean installation, and safety.
To get effective spray foam application equipment, open- and closed-cell foam, and assorted accessories, choose SprayWorks Equipment. We also supply training options to help you get your team up to speed.
Contact us today and we can assess your project’s needs and offer suggestions and expertise. We look forward to hearing from you.
