Is Fiberglass Batt Insulation Outdated? 5 Reasons To Switch To Spray Foam
Just because your parents had fiberglass insulation (and their parents and your great-great grandparents had fiberglass insulation) doesn’t mean you should, too. Batt and roll has become severely outdated since the rise of spray foam insulation, and you would be missing out on a bucketload of benefits by sticking to age-old traditions. Learn all about why you should switch to spray foam insulation before reaching out to your local experts at Foam Bear Orlando!
1. Spray Foam Has a Higher R-Value Than Fiberglass Batt Insulation
The main advantage that spray foam has over fiberglass batt is that it has a much higher R-value. If you’re not familiar with this rating system, it basically determines how well insulation, well, insulates. Fiberglass is notorious for having across-the-board average thermal properties with an R-value of 4, leaving homes rather uncomfortable around times when extreme weather hits (which is basically every day in Florida). Meanwhile, spray foam insulation can reach up to R7 if you go with premium closed-cell products.
2. Fiberglass Batt Can’t Manage Airflow, But Spray Foam Can
Did you know that your insulation can affect your home’s airflow? Controlling the flow of air and limiting drafts are a couple of essential qualities that your insulation should have, and that’s only possible with spray foam which expands on impact. Batt and roll sheets are considered outdated in this aspect because these layers can’t form an air-tight seal no matter how close you put them together. Even when the sheets are practically touching, the material itself isn’t thick enough to completely block out incoming air.
3. You Can Create a Moisture-Free Home With Spray Foam, Unlike Fiberglass
Fiberglass’s main weakness is water. The moment it gets wet, it begins to deteriorate and lose its ability to insulate. Even worse, any moisture it retains can gradually grow into mold over time. Then you’ll have to pay for replacement insulation and the cost of mold removal (and possible repairs). Spray foam has proven to be a valid way of keeping a home water-resistant to avoid the need for replacement insulation and managing any other casualties.
4. While Fiberglass Insulation Settles Over Time, Spray Foam Retains Its Shape For Decades
Yet another fault that makes fiberglass insulation outdated is its tendency to settle over time. Batt and roll sheets can only hold their own for so long before they begin to sag under their own weight. That leaves the top part of the wall exposed while everything settles to the bottom, and that’s just not practical. Spray foam is quickly becoming a better replacement for homeowners who value insulation that holds its shape for decades, lasting as long as 80 years or longer.
5. Spray Foam Limits Harmful Chemical Exposure, Which Is a Common Issue With Fiberglass
Perhaps the worst part about fiberglass insulation is its potential threat to your health. Most people already know that handling batt and roll directly can cause skin and eye irritations, but it gets even worse. As fiberglass deteriorates, it leaves behind particles in the air that can be easily ingested by inhaling. These are called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. Spray foam proves to be a safer alternative by limiting the VOCs that can affect your well-being.
Read more > How Serious Are the Problems Caused By Old Insulation?
Upgrade to Spray Foam Insulation! Call Foam Bear Orlando For Removal and Installation
Foam Bear Orlando is your do-it-all insulation company with reliable vacuum and removal services to get rid of your outdated fiberglass insulation before replacing it with premium spray foam insulation! Reach out to us today at (727) 580-1090 to learn more about what we can do for you and to receive a free estimate.