If you’re like many people, you don’t give your home’s insulation a whole lot of thought. After all, it’s hidden in your floors, attic, and walls – out of sight, out of mind, right? But your insulation is an absolutely vital part of your home. It’s the air barrier between your home and the air outside. Are you building a new home or renovating an existing one? Then this is the perfect time to think about installing improved insulation. While there are many different types of insulation, such as batt insulation, the best insulation for Florida homes is spray foam insulation. But if you’ve researched insulation types and insulation services, you may be wondering: is spray foam insulation worth it?
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane product that is sprayed into your home’s cavities like your attic. It expands and hardens to fill the empty areas of your walls, floors, and ceilings. This means it fills small gaps and crevices to prevent hot air seeping out or moisture from seeping in. Spray foam insulation is perfect for homes in humid climates, such as Florida, and keeps your air conditioner and HVAC system from working overtime. There are two different kinds of spray foam insulation we have listed below.
Open-cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open cell foam insulation is the most common kind of spray foam insulation for many homeowners. It doesn’t expand as much as closed-cell and is typically used in areas where air infiltration is needed. Open cell spray foam insulation is typically only used on the exterior of buildings because it lets moisture through more easily than closed-cell. Due to its low R-value, you’d need to use a lot of open cell insulation in order to achieve any significant temperature differences within your home. It’s still an excellent option for attic insulation and assisting in creating an energy-efficient home.
Closed-cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell foam insulation is stronger and more durable than open cell. It is typically used for the interior of buildings and has an extremely high R-value. This type of spray foam insulation is much more effective at preventing airflow, but it doesn’t let water through as easily to help prevent mold growth. Closed-cell spray foam typically has a lower applicator setting and takes longer to apply than open cell because it will completely seal the area being insulated.
What is an R-Value?
So we’ve thrown this word out there, but what is it? An R-value is a way to measure the effectiveness of insulation. A higher R-value means better insulation and greater energy efficiency. If you want your home to be as comfortable as possible, then more insulation equals better comfort.
Cost of Spray Foam Insulation in Florida
It’s no secret that insulating your home is a big project, but what is the actual cost of spray foam insulation? The short answer is that it depends on where you live, how big your home is, and how much insulation you need? Spray foam can range in price from $0.35 to $2 per board foot. Across the United States, the typical range is $1,083 to $3,280. However, Floridians don’t need quite as much insulation as other parts of the country because of the warmer climate. Therefore, the typical cost of insulating a home in Florida ranges from $653 to $1,952.
How Much Can You Save?
No matter how you slice it, adding insulation to your home is an expensive process. But just like any work you do on your home, a spray foam insulation product is an investment. When you invest, you expect it to continue to benefit you for years to come.
Spray foam is more expensive than other types of insulation because it has higher insulation ratings, meaning it is more able to resist heat transfer than other insulation materials. When heat can’t travel through your walls, roof deck, or floors, your home stays at the temperature you want it. This means that your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable, making your home more energy-efficient in the long run.
When you install spray foam insulation, you could save hundreds of dollars per year on energy costs. That means you could make back the money you spent on insulation services in just a few years! And even if you don’t plan on living in your home that long, energy efficiency boosts home value, meaning you can sell for a higher price.
Other Benefits
While in Florida, spray foam insulation saves you a bundle on energy costs, it can also save you money on repair costs down the line. The airtight seal created by spray foam does not absorb moisture, protects your walls, bans water damage, and prevents mold. Not only do you spend less on energy, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there is little chance of additional repair costs if harsh weather conditions arise.
Spray foam also keeps your family more comfortable. During hot Florida summers and cooler winters, it’s essential to keep your home at the right temperature. Proper insulation ensures that the air you heat or cool stays in your home, keeping you comfortable without escaping into the rest of your neighborhood. It also keeps out air filled with toxic chemicals or allergens! If you need attic insulation, spray foam is the perfect product to keep your home dry.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Worth It?
No matter your budget, spray foam insulation can help you achieve the three goals of any homeowner or business owner – comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. We’ve seen how it pays for itself in a few years with its low maintenance costs and tremendous long-term benefits. Spray foam may seem like an intimidating investment at first glance, but as we work together to find out more about your needs and what kind of system will suit them best. I think you’ll agree that this is one time when spending a little now on prevention saves money later down the road.
Are you ready to invest in your home’s future? Call for a free estimate from the best insulation company in central Florida. Schedule your spray foam consultation with Wattson Home Solutions today.
