The type of insulation material you choose will drastically affect your home's ability to retain, regulate, and disperse heat or cold. It can make a home more energy efficient, affect indoor air quality, and improve the longevity of the interior materials that a home is constructed of. This hidden barrier protects the house and its inhabitants, so it is vital to consider foam insulation vs. fiberglass carefully.
But where does a customer start? We have heard vague warnings about fiberglass insulation being dangerous and foam being finicky to install. By comparing these two insulation options, consumers can better understand the pros and cons of foam vs. fiberglass and find the right professional to install them.
Fiberglass Insulation
Pros
Easy To Install
Fiberglass insulation is straightforward to install. Just buy a bolt, roll it out on site, and cut it to size. In addition, commercial fiberglass insulation comes with user-friendly paper backing, making cutting the fiberglass a breeze.
Cost
In a cost comparison of foam insulation vs. fiberglass, fiberglass wins by a mile. Coming in at a mere $0.40 per square foot, it is less than half the foam insulation price.
Soundproofing
Fiberglass insulation is an excellent alternative if you're looking for soundproofing but aren't ready to invest in acoustic tiles or specialized wall materials. Some DIY enthusiasts even use fiberglass insulation near bedrooms as a temporary fix to construction noise elsewhere in the home.
Cons
Health Risk
The unavoidable risk of using fiberglass insulation is that it produces glass dust, which can be incredibly damaging if inhaled. If your fiberglass is improperly installed, glass dust can enter the home's air supply and circulate unseen. Additionally, fiberglass retains moisture, making mold growth and its associated illnesses possible. The good news is that using fiberglass is entirely safe when experienced professionals install it.
Extra Protection from Vapor
Fiberglass is not a barrier product - it only insulates. As such, a vapor barrier is required when working with fiberglass insulation. A silicone waterproof sealant is therefore required when you decide that fiberglass insulation is right for you.
Foam Insulation
Pros
Thorough
Spray foam is sprayed into the wall cavity and continues to expand after it is applied. This expansion ensures that even the toughest-to-reach places are fully insulated, including around pipes, wires, and corners.
Air and Water Tight
The nature of spray foam ensures that an airtight barrier is formed. The foam expands until it has no more physical space, which creates a super-tight barrier between the structure and the outside climate or weather. Additionally, this water-tight barrier eliminates the need for a primary sealant on the cavity.
Cons
Initial Investment
Foam insulation is more expensive than fiberglass at the outset. Additionally, professionals must mix and apply foam insulation, and their labor costs compound the expense. Fortunately, this cost is mitigated somewhat compared to fiberglass in that foam insulation doesn’t require initial sealing and treatment of the insulated areas.
Health Risk
The chemicals used in spray foam can cause damage to the respiratory system when inhaled. Therefore, professional spray foam installers wear protective gear while installing insulating foam and provide proper ventilation to mitigate the risk of exposure.
Foam and fiberglass insulation are practical, robust choices for insulating your home, office, or other building. To save power and stay comfortable, either insulation material will do the trick. Contact St. Louis Insulation for expert guidance and advice when you are ready to discuss the best option for your insulation needs.