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Why We Chose Spray Foam Insulation

Tara Miller
Feb 5, 2018
2 min read

One of the few products we did not build or install ourselves was the insulation. True, we could have installed our own insulation and if you choose batt (or fiberglass, wool or fabric) insulation then it can be installed by the homeowner. However, we choose spray foam insulation for its R value, economy over the long run and environmental value.

From the front door into living room

R Value:

The R value of spray foam insulation is R 6-7 per inch versus R 3.4-4.3 per inch of fiberglass insulation. Conserving energy is very important to Garrett and I for several reasons. We prefer to save money, like anyone, wherever we can. We don't like to waste energy and like the idea of letting the energy we use do it's job to the fullest instead of leaking out. We have two kids that we want to teach the proper way of running a household and supporting the environment. With spray foam we get more conservation for our dollar and see the savings every month.

The view into the kitchen and back door

Economy:

Since moving in we have noticed how cozy the house stays over the winter months that we've lived in our home. Our few wall heaters keep the home nice and warm with very little temperature variation throughout the day. We do have one small portable heater for very cold days (in Georgia, very cold means in the 20's) and that can knock the chill off first thing in the morning. We have not yet lived in our small house in the summer so I will have to report back on the southern heat. But everyone has been surprised how warm and comfortable our home is with our small heaters and insulation. This allows us to heat the rooms we are using and not the rooms we aren't. Through the coldest months we have spent $150/ month for our electricity and that is our water heater, wall heaters, lights, appliances, etc. We do not have gas.

Before Insulation

After Insulation

Environmental Value:

We chose a spray foam that was recommended as an environmentally friendly choice because it reduces the amount of energy used and green house gas emissions. If we are using less, we are wasting less and less needs to be produced on our behalf. It is a water-blown foam so it doesn't emit harmful gases or VOCs.