Is Spray Foam Insulation or Fiberglass More Effective?

In North-Central Texas, insulation is just as important in the winter for heating as it is in the summer for air conditioning to maintain comfort and increasing the energy efficiency of your home or business. One question often asked by homeowners planning to add insulation to their home is whether spray foam is more effective and will increase energy efficiency more than fiberglass batting will.

Insulating with Spray Foam

Spray foam comes in several types, but the most common is polyurethane. It works by trapping a low-conducive gas in tiny bubbles within the foam, and it is extremely convenient because it can be injected into small holes wherever needed.

According the U.S. Department of Energy’s Guide to Home Insulation, polyurethane spray foam has an R-rating ranging from 12.6 to 22.75 at 3.5 inches of thickness, but it costs from $1.30 to $2.50 per square foot.

Insulating with Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the most common materials used for insulating homes, and it is very affordable. It is commonly installed in large rolls, or batts, but loose-fill fiberglass may be blown into spaces that are otherwise too small to accommodate batts.

Fiberglass batting 3.5 inches thick has an R-rating that ranges from 13 to 30, which puts it on par with polyurethane, but at $0.20 to $1.00 per square foot, the price is very economical. However, many HVAC contractors state that while both spray foam and fiberglass work very well, the best option for most buildings is often a combination of both.

Insulating Homes in Sherman, TX

If you live in or near Sherman, Texas, and are looking to add some insulation to your home be sure to contact an experienced professional in the local area. Make sure your HVAC system is the most energy efficient it can be by contacting Webb’s Electric Heating & Air at (903) 200-4584.