Spray Foam Insulation R Value Comparison

Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier.

Spray foam insulation r value comparison.

The cost of spray foam insulation vs fiberglass is higher if you choose closed cell foam. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. The closed cell spray foam stops air infiltration and provides about an r 5 per inch. You can use the small pressurized cans of foam.

R value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another. According to industry publication fine home building the r value for open cell spray foam is between r 3 5 r 3 6 per inch. Insulate rim joists and other large areas with this product meant for big jobs. In comparison an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an r value of 3 1 3 4 and.

Traditional insulation comparison compare spray foam to traditional types of insulation icynene spray foam expands 100 times its original size to fills cracks and crevices stopping air leaks. However there are open cell spray foam insulation products actually offer r 3 7 per inch such as icynene classic and. Eco spray foam insulation. For example closed cell spray foam depending on brand can offer an r 6 or r 7 per inch.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. We ve included those values for the r value comparison of spray foam insulation vs fiberglass insulation. Homes generally try and reach an r value of 38 with their insulation. A higher r value prevents more heat from escaping through the insulation.

Spf insulation is rarely used in thicknesses of 10 or 15 inches. For 6 inches r 15 or r 19 etc. Focusing on spray foam insulation materials there is a difference between the two main types. Compare spray foam vs fiberglass insulation costs summary.

Closed cell spray foam r values. Why spray foam insulation is so effective in meeting code requirements is that it has a higher r value per inch of product used than batts. Products with a higher r value provide greater insulation. Made with plant based products such as soy eco spray foam is more eco friendly.

Quick comparisons and installation tips. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. The common denominator among varieties of insulation is the r value. As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1.