Spray Foam Vs Rigid Foam in Lexington & Georgetown, KY

Best-suited for big jobs. Two-part spray foam provides excellent air sealing and insulation and often is sprayed against open framing, as in this attic installation.

Traditionally, fiberglass batt insulation has been the go-to method of insulating attics, walls, and more. However, today's trend is moving toward foam insulation.

This popular insulation can come in many forms, most notably spray foam and rigid foam. Both types are popular with homeowners, contractors and building scientists who study home-energy performance. The primary difference?

Closed-cell spray foam requires two components to be mixed at the application nozzle. Rigid foam is comprised of insulation boards that come in different thicknesses. Our certified craftsmen from Weatherization Plus can install either type at your home in the Greater Georgetown and Lexington, KY area.

Two-Component Spray Foam

• Provides both insulation and air sealing; air sealing is excellent because the foam expands to fill gaps and cracks.
• High R-value of about R-7 per inch, depending on the formulation.
• Speedy installation. Foaming can be done in a fraction of the time it takes to cut, fit, and seal rigid board insulation.
• Once cured, spray foam insulation stays in place; it won't shift, settle, or fall out of place.

• Messy; overspray can deposit foam where it must be removed.
• Respirators and protective clothing must be worn during installation.
• If the area being insulated cannot be isolated from living space, occupants must vacate premises until foam cures – typically for two hours.
• Temperature sensitive; cold temperatures can cause problems with foaming action or curing.
• R-value can degrade slightly over time.

Rigid Foam Insulation

• Provides both insulation and air sealing, as long as seams between foam panels are sealed with tape.
• Less messy than spray foam.
• Different thicknesses are available to suit different application & R-value requirements.
• Panels are easy to cut and can be installed in any temperature.
• Safe handling; no harmful emissions during installation.
• Best installation for insulating crawl space and basement walls.
• Some rigid foam panels include a radiant barrier for additional energy savings.

• R-value varies based on the type of rigid foam. It can be as low as R-3.8 per inch or as high as R-8 per inch.
• More time-consuming installation than spray foam in some applications.
• Sometimes, single-component spray foam must be applied around the edges of rigid foam to seal and hold the panel in place.