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Spray Foam Insulation vs. Fiberglass: What Are the Differences?

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Blogs, Spray Foam

Key Takeaways for Spray Foam Insulation vs. Fiberglass

Spray Foam Insulation Facts

  • Spray foam provides better insulation than fiberglass
  • Spray foam has a higher R-value than fiberglass
  • Spray foam promotes energy efficiency because it is a better insulator
  • Spray foam is lower maintenance

Fiberglass Insulation Facts

  • Fiberglass insulation is made of environmentally friendly ingredients, but may not be as good at conserving energy since it lacks insulation power
  • Fiberglass insulation can be installed by a homeowner or property owner, especially when batt fiberglass insulation is used
  • Batt fiberglass insulation doesn’t add any structural benefits like spray foam insulation is capable of

Spray Foam Insulation at a Glance

Spray foam insulation is composed of polyurethane and inert gas, usually air or nitrogen. These components mix and expand to form a foam-like material that fills cracks in homes and properties that need to be insulated. After it expands, it hardens to create a strong barrier.

There are two different types of spray foam insulation. The first is open-cell spray foam, which is full of cells that are deliberately left open, resulting in a softer, more flexible material. Closed-cell spray foam is more structured and stable than open-cell, which prevents air and moisture from getting inside the foam and produces a dense final product.

In terms of use, open-cell spray foam is better in applications where you want the foam to expand and reach all nooks and crannies of a space. Closed-cell spray foam is better suited for applications when added structural integrity is desired. 

Fiberglass Insulation at a Glance

Fiberglass insulation is made up of small glass fibers that are spun together into a mat-like material. You will often find it in attics and walls, as it provides thermal protection against heat loss or gain. And while it does insulate, it does not do so as effectively as spray foam.

Just like spray foam, there are different types of fiberglass insulation. Batt insulation is the most common type of insulation because it is pre-cut into flat pieces, making it user-friendly when it comes to installation. A worker would simply remove your batt fiberglass insulation from the package, cut around all obstacles, and complete the installation.

Exploring the Differences Between Fiberglass Insulation and Spray Foam

Now that we’ve defined fiberglass insulation and spray foam insulation, let’s look at some of the distinctive characteristics of each.

Physical Appearance

Spray foam insulation is white or light yellow, and UV rays will change this color into a darker yellow over time. Meanwhile, fiberglass insulation is most often pink, but it can also be white, brown, or yellow.

The texture difference between spray foam insulation and fiberglass insulation is pretty substantial. Spray foam expands after application and solidifies into a permanent, hard texture. Fiberglass is different in that it comes in loose fill or batts and rolls. This material is pliable and soft to the touch.

Maintenance

Both materials have a long lifespan, but their longevity depends on where they are installed, the quality of the insulation itself, and other factors.

You can expect the lifespan of spray foam to last between 80-100 years due to its chemical properties and strength. However, it is susceptible to water and UV damage, so it is important to protect it from these elements. Other than that, spray foam is rather low maintenance.

When looking at spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass batting, it is important to note that fiberglass batting is likely to shift at around the 15-20-year mark, which means it will require more frequent maintenance than spray foam.

Installation Ease

Spray foam installation is more complicated than fiberglass installation, but this is not a negative. Installing spray foam requires specialized equipment and training, which means you can expect a consistent job each time and a more trusted, professional result. This also ensures that hard-to-reach cracks and crevices are filled.

On the other hand, fiberglass installation can be done by almost anyone (as long as precautions are followed, since it can cause harm to the eyes and skin). This provides an element of convenience, but means that a less reliable end result is likely.

R-Value

The R-value measures the thermal resistance of an insulation material, so the higher the R-value, the better it is at protecting against heat transfer. The R-value of spray foam insulation ranges between R-3.5 to R-7 per inch of insulation. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value than open-cell spray foam, which makes closed-cell spray foam more suited for cooler regions. Additionally, it’s worth noting that spray foam does not lose its R-value over time like fiberglass does.

The R-value of fiberglass is lower than the overall R-value of spray foam, which means that it is less effective at preventing heat transfer from inside or outside of the home.

Cost

The cost of spray foam tends to be higher than the cost of fiberglass. Closed-cell spray foam costs the most and is approximately $1.50 to $3 per square foot. Open-cell spray foam costs anywhere between $0.50 and $1.50 per square foot. Fiberglass insulation costs $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot, making it the most cost-efficient. However, the value of spray foam is definitely higher since it provides users with key benefits, such as a firmer seal, better energy efficiency and cost savings, and others outlined above.

Our Conclusion 

We might be a little biased, but when looking at spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass, spray foam is the clear winner. With its ability to cover tiny cracks and crevices, it can better promote energy efficiency by keeping in the air you want and shutting out the air you don’t. Its insulation abilities are due to the high R-value. Additionally, it can be installed by trained professionals who have a license to operate equipment, ensuring a thoroughly professional result. 

SprayWorks Equipment has over 100 years of combined spray foam, polyurea, and construction experience. We have the products, training, and services to help prepare your team for any spray foam installation project.

SprayWorks Equipment Is Your Go-To Destination for All Things Spray Foam

If you’re looking for spray foam expertise, products, or training, be sure to contact SprayWorks Equipment today!

Written by: <a href="https://sprayworksequipment.com/blog/author/sprayworks/" target="_self">SprayWorks Equipment</a>

Written by: SprayWorks Equipment

SprayWorks Equipment is an equipment supply company at the center of polyurethanes and the polyurea industry. Our team has certified experts, trained to help a variety of businesses in single and plural component applications. With well over 100 years of combined spray foam, polyurea, and construction experience in a variety of industries, SprayWorks Equipment’s team brings a wealth of knowledge to our customers.

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