Spray Foam Insulation Alternatives

September 6, 2017

Colder months are coming and with them the annual heating system check. On top of that, it’s important to make sure your home properly retains heat and keeps out the cold. Insulation is just as important, if not more so, than heating systems to maintain a comfortable home.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation

Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation, more commonly known as just Spray Insulation, is a very common insulation method. It functions by mixing chemicals that create foam upon spraying.The foam expands, and then solidifies, forming a seal wherever it is sprayed. Spray foam is used often – particularly in basements and attics.

Unfortunately, despite its simplicity, there are several drawbacks to this form of insulation. It can form too tight a seal, which keeps the home from being able to breathe. The foam itself carries a very faint odor, which in combination will make the air in your home heavy and stale. It’s also more expensive than you would expect. Cheaper kits are available, but you would need a lot to cover your entire home. Not including the price of professional installation.

Insulation Alternatives

Stretch Tape

One insulation alternative is stretch tape. Much like the name suggests, stretch tape is a tape made of acrylic. It can span across large areas, and seal cracks with ease. It can be used against flat surfaces, curves, corners, and sills without difficulty. Even better, you can peel it off and reuse it later! It’s more effective and aesthetically looks much better than blobs of foam around your home will.

Integral OSB Sheathing

Sheathing is another method in which all exterior walls are covered with a sheet to keep the home properly insulated. They work by placing an insulated foam between two structural faces to create a strong and lasting insulation. This sheet can vary from company to company. At Custom Home Group, we use R Sheeting from ZIP System.

There are many options to choose from when deciding on insulation for your home. If you’re not sure which one is the best fit for you, just ask your builder! If you don’t have a builder yet and are still planning out your custom home, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!