Spray foam insulation doesn't protect attic spaces from radiant heat, but does protect them from convection and conduction. In the summer, radiant heat is the biggest contributor to heated attic spaces, so spray foam insulation may not be as effective in keeping attics cool.
If you already have insulation in your attic or space, it is easy to install radiant barrier alongside existing insulation. As a bonus, the performance of your insulation will dramatically improve. Spray foam insulation does not offer this same level of flexibility.
Simply put, the biggest possible problem with any kind of radiant barrier is dust. To understand why dust creates issues for all kinds of radiant barriers, it's important to understand how they work: Radiation transfers heat directly outward from an energy source.
Environmental damage (spray foam insulation isn't recyclable, and it can release greenhouse gases that are over 1,000 times more harmful than carbon dioxide) Ventilation issues (spray foam insulation covers all gaps, which can lead to dampness, condensation and wood rot)
Some Buyers May Be Uncertain Of Spray Foam Insulation.
If they don't know the contractor who installed it, they may worry that the foam was installed by people who didn't know what they were doing. Other buyers have heard negative stories about spray foam insulation.
Spray foam insulation can cause bad smells
There's a pretty unfortunate problem associated with spray foam insulation – bad smells, or more specifically, a fishy odour that seems to hang around for months after installation. Whilst unpleasant, the issue is rare, especially if installed correctly by professionals.
Spray foam insulation is one of those many factors that can throw up a red flag to a mortgage lender. For a lender, your insulation matters because it affects crucial metrics such as the home's saleable value and energy efficiency rating.
Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
Mold and mildew can begin growing behind the insulation which can go unnoticed until it's already become a huge problem. This often happens when the spray foam isn't installed correctly and space is left between the insulation and the wall, which allows moisture in and gives mold the perfect place to grow, unfettered.
While both types of insulation are great choices for home insulation, fiberglass insulation is generally considered to be safer than spray foam insulation. This is because spray foam contains a special type of chemical called isocyanate, which is toxic when inhaled.
Installing a radiant barrier costs $1,700 on average, but often ranges between $710 and $2,840 depending on whether your pro uses a foil or spray on type.
With Wi-Fi signals, unless the radiant barrier is between you and the router, there is unlikely to be any impact.
This is because an air gap provides an additional layer of insulation that helps to prevent heat from passing through the barrier and into the living space. If you are installing a radiant barrier, it's recommended to leave an air gap of at least 25mm (1 inch) between the barrier and the surface it's installed on.
Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.
Spray foam insulation does cost more than traditional options, but over time it pays you back in energy savings, and you can't really put a price on the comfort of your family.
The cost to insulate an attic is usually between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. This price can change depending on the attic's size and how easy it is to get to. For a typical 1,500-square-foot attic, you pay $2,250 to $5,250.
Fiberglass insulation is constructed of tiny shards of glass that form pockets to trap air and help restrict the transfer of heat. Its naturally mold resistant in that the material itself is not a food source for mold.
While it is hugely useful, it should not be used to solve all problems. One such example is electrical boxes. Expanding foam shouldn't be used in these locations as it could cause jams that would be expensive to repair. So avoid using it around sockets or light fixtures, or any electrical components in the property.
Spray foam insulation lasts for 80 years to 100 years, but closed-cell spray foam will last a little longer than open-cell spray foam. For many homeowners, this lifespan will extend beyond the entire time they own their house. Closed-cell spray foam lasts longer than open-cell spray foam due to its rigid structure.
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Foam boards -- rigid panels of insulation -- can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. They are very effective in exterior wall sheathing, interior sheathing for basement walls, and special applications such as attic hatches.
The chemical aspect of spray foam makes it very hard for standard insurance companies to provide coverage. Most standard lines insurance carriers want to write the risks with no liability not spray foam contractors that manufacture plastic every day in the field.
Independent chartered building surveyor, Geoff Hunt said due to government initiatives open cell spray foam has gained popularity in recent years. But he called for 'caution and refusals on higher-risk applications' as mortgage lenders struggle to assess spray foam.