Acoustic Insulation Benefits
Low density Polyurethane Foam Insulation has outstanding sound absorption properties and sound transmission properties. When making a comparison of polyurethane foam to other insulations, there often is a very large difference. As an effective air seal, it gets rid of the air gaps through which sound travels easiest. Low density polyurethane foam Insulation is far greater in controlling mid-range frequencies that include the most common sounds, the human voice and loudstereo music.
Increased Insulation
When typical R3.5 fiberglass batts are field installed using traditional methods, the result is an effective value of only R2.45. Much is lost in inexact fitting, ineffective air barrier and broken vapour barrier. Polyurethane foam howeverdoes not suffer from the same installation challenges of traditional fibreglassbatts.
Superior Air Barrier Properties
Spray foam insulation is able to obstruct air leaks much more effectively than other types of insulation. Traditional insulation materials such as rigid foam board or fibreglass batts may budge out of place over time, leaving places for air to penetrate the living area. In addition, these products infrequently fill the entire wall cavity, which means air can usually find a way into the living area between the sections of insulation, or at the top or bottom of the wall. Polyurethane spray foam fills the whole space, leaving fewer gaps for air leaks. This material is also more dense than many other insulators, and provides a tight, impenetrable barrier to air infiltration and leaks.
Increased Energy Efficiency in the Home
Air barrier sealing and a enhanced under floor insulation material result in greater energy efficiency. This typically means a reduction in the use of heating or cooling systems, this can result in smaller energy bills and fewer carbon emissions. A well insulated under floor may even allow you to select smaller air conditioning and heating systems, which can save both money and space.
Roof Insulation never sags or breaks down
Polyurethane Foam insulation bonds to the surrounding substrates as it is sprayed on. This bond holds the foam in place for the life of the building ensuring its effectiveness lasts offering ongoing savings.
Costs
Even though polyurethane spray foam insulation is more often more expensive than typical batts or rigid insulators, the foams true cost may be far less. Spray foam acts as insulator, vapor barrier, and moisture barrier, removing the need for exterior caulking, building paper, and separate vapor barriers. Not only does the home owner save the cost of these materials, but there is extra installation saving. Rather than buying and installing four or more products, a single application of spray foam can be used instead. When the cost of spray foam is compared to the total cost of batts and related weatherproofing systems, foam actually appears to be the more affordable option. In addition, the higher R-value of foam equals a greater reduction in energy bills is likely, this results in a shorter payback period for this project.
Flexibility
Because polyurethane foam expands to fill a void, it offers many benefits to those requiring a flexible roof insulation. It is at it’s most useful when filling oddly-shaped spaces, or areas subject to some type of obstruction. Spray foam also allows for smaller, thinner walls, which means greater flexibility with living space. Last of all, because foam insulation is so versatile, builders have far greater flexibility when it comes to framing designs. While rigid insulation requires adequate spacing between studs, polyurethane foam can easily be sprayed into any size opening. For more information on spray foam insulation contractors visit www.insulbarrier.com.au
