How Spray Foam Outperforms Traditional Insulation Materials
There is no doubt that Canadian winters are frigid and prone to significant snow and ice accumulations. This can lead to drafts, leaks, ice dams and discomfort inside your home, especially if you have an older insulation variety. Nowadays, homeowners are increasingly questioning whether their original fibreglass and cellulose still hold up against modern insulation needs. The truth is that a vast majority of insulations cannot handle Canadian weather conditions; in fact, one of the most effective options is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation in Toronto is dominating the market for both commercial and residential properties because of its durability and performance. Spray foam insulation’s R-value allows it to keep your home warm and comfortable all year long. Get started today with a quote from EcoStar Insulation!
Understanding the Basics of Spray Foam Insulation
As the name suggests, spray foam insulation is a spray-applied material that starts off as a liquid and dries down into a foam. This liquid-to-solid transformation allows the spray foam to create an airtight seal that effectively keeps drafts and water out of your home during the winter months. Spray foam insulation’s R-value is very high, especially if you select closed-cell, giving it excellent thermal resistance.
Spray Foam vs. Traditional Insulations
Fibreglass and cellulose insulation were once the most popular choices on the market. You may likely find one of these varieties throughout your home in Toronto. When comparing either of these varieties to spray foam, the latter wins by a landslide every time. Here are some comparisons that support this:
- R-value: The R-value of spray foam insulation can range from 4 to 7, depending on the type you install. Open-cell is on the lower side, whereas closed-cell is on the higher end of this range. Fibreglass insulation has an R-value between 2 and 3, whereas cellulose has an R-value of 3.5 on average. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at resisting heat transfer. This is what makes spray foam insulation so effective.
- Water Resistance: Spray foam insulation is naturally water resistant, with closed-cell varieties being entirely waterproof. This helps reduce your risk of water damage, leaks and mold. Neither cellulose nor fibreglass insulation is waterproof. In fact, both of these materials can become compromised when exposed to water, resulting in them losing their efficacy. This can increase your risks of mold and leaks.
- Durability and Longevity: Both fibreglass and cellulose insulation last around 30 years without any water exposure. However, their performance can decline after around 15 years. Spray foam insulation can last up to 100 years with minimal performance decline.
Energy Efficiency & Long-Term Savings
Aside from providing increased comfort and a reduced risk of water infiltration, effective insulation can improve energy efficiency and lead to long-term cost savings.
Since cellulose and fibreglass insulation have lower R-values, they do not make the biggest difference in terms of energy efficiency. However, since spray foam insulation’s R-value is on the higher side, you may benefit from reduced energy consumption. Since spray foam offers great thermal resistance, heat cannot escape or enter your home easily. This means that during the winter, your heating system will not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature inside, as very little heat will escape your home. This lowers energy expenditure and your energy bills as a result.
Choose the Top Performer: Spray Foam Insulation in Toronto
If you really want to get the most out of your insulation, it is wise to invest in spray foam insulation in Toronto. Spray foam insulation’s R-value, in combination with its durability, longevity, and airtight seal, makes it the best insulation for harsh Canadian winters. Reach out to EcoStar Insulation today to get started!
