The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation in Your New Home

With the sizzling Texas heat still upon us, insulation is top of mind for many homeowners. After all, none of us enjoy sky-high electric bills, nor do we like feeling sticky and uncomfortable in our homes.

What’s more, poor insulation can lead to a variety of issues including:

• Excessively hot home during the summer
• Chilly drafts during winter months
• High energy bills
• Fluctuating temperatures between rooms
• Uninvited pests 
• Internal moisture and condensation 
• Excess noise
• Mold growth

The good news is this: spray polyurethane foam insulation, more commonly known as spray foam, can make a tremendous difference in your home’s air seal, overall environment, and energy efficiency.

John Houston Homes understands the exceptional value of spray foam insulation and is proud to offer its homebuilding clients the option of adding this superior insulation product through its partnership with Mesquite, Texas-based DFW Thermal Solutions. 

What exactly is spray foam insulation?

“Spray foam is a chemical product created by two materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, which react when mixed with each other and expand up to 30 to 60 times its liquid volume after it is sprayed in place,” said Chris Swanzy, co-founder of DFW Thermal Solutions. “This expansion makes it useful as a specialty packing material which forms to the shape of the product being packaged and produces a high thermal insulating value with virtually no air infiltration.”

When applied, spray foam insulation sprays on as a liquid then rapidly expands to fill small and irregular spaces. The spray foam acts as an insulation and air barrier, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Swanzy says that all homeowners should consider spray foam insulation due to the product’s performance value.

Most houses that are spray-foamed perform 35 to 50 percent better than they would with traditional insulation, according to Swanzy. Spray foam is typically installed in the walls and attic roof deck and replaces the need for fiberglass insulation.

While it may seem like a new product in the industry, spray foam has been around and used for new home construction for over 40 years. However, in the last decade, it has become a preferred product for savvy homebuilders.

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider spray foam insulation when you are building a new home:

• Greener Living – For environmentally-conscious homeowners, spray foam insulation is a premium option for home insulation because it reduces a home’s energy consumption.

• Moisture Barrier – Spray foam can make your home resistant to moisture which can help prevent wood rot, buckling floors, and mold growth.

• Peace & Quiet – By absorbing sound waves, spray foam can minimize noise from the outside world as well as sounds between interior rooms.

• Save Money – While spray foam does require an up-front investment, rest assured you will reap the financial rewards for years to come in the form of lower energy bills and potential rebates from utility companies and/or government tax incentives.

• Long-Lasting – Spray foam does not sag or settle, will retain its full R-value for the life of the home, and outperforms traditional cellulose and fiberglass insulation.

• Valuable Investment – If you decide to sell your house down the road, having spray foam will likely enhance your home’s value.

• Keeps Critters Out – Spray foam insulation fills gaps and cracks around your home and acts as a natural pest deterrent.

• Healthier Air Quality – Because spray foam acts as a solid barrier, it reduces the amount of dust, pollen, and other pollutants entering your home for cleaner, healthier indoor air. Leave allergies and other respiratory ailments at the door.

All things considered, spray foam is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to ensure optimal home comfort and an airtight seal for their home. By insulating and air sealing at the same time, spray foam insulation has proven its value to residential homeowners time and time again.

Swanzy said that while all insulation stops energy loss in some way or fashion, spray foam insulation stops air movement which is its key benefit. 

“Fiber products work like a filter and still allow air movement while spray foam is a complete air barrier,” said Swanzy. “When there is no air movement, there is very little energy loss. A house spray-foamed is compared quite often to a Yeti cooler.”

And who wouldn’t want to be Yeti-cool during these blazing hot Texas summer days?

To discuss spray foam insulation options for your new home, contact a John Houston Homes New Home Advisor today at 866-237-7803.