- April 23, 2024
Cellulose Insulation vs. Spray Foam
Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Home
As a homeowner in Houston, you should know that proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living space and keeping your energy bills in check. Especially with the city’s humid subtropical climate, it’s essential to choose an insulation material that can withstand moisture and provide long-lasting performance.
In this blog, we’ll compare two popular insulation options, cellulose and spray foam, to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Cellulose Insulation:The Traditional Choice
About Cellulose
Cellulose insulation has been a common choice for many years. Made from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants, cellulose is an eco-friendly and affordable option. When properly installed, it can provide decent thermal resistance and help reduce air leakage.
The Problem with Cellulose
However, there are some drawbacks to using cellulose insulation in Houston’s climate. As experienced insulation contractors, we at EZ Attic Insulation have frequently encountered old cellulose insulation that has become damp, compressed, or simply turned into dust!
This is partly due to Houston’s high humidity levels, which can cause cellulose to absorb moisture, leading to mold growth and reduced insulation effectiveness.
Risks of Cellulose
The presence of mold in your insulation can pose serious health risks to you and your family, as mold spores can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems.
Additionally, when your insulation becomes less effective due to moisture damage or settling, your home’s energy efficiency decreases, leading to higher utility bills as your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Moreover, cellulose can settle over time, creating gaps and decreasing its overall performance. These gaps allow for increased air leakage, further reducing your home’s energy efficiency and driving up your energy costs.
Final Thoughts on Cellulose
In the long run, the initial cost savings of choosing cellulose insulation may be outweighed by the potential health risks and increased utility bills associated with its susceptibility to moisture damage and settling.
Insulate Your Home with the Right Insulation
Don’t sweat insulation uncertainties, go with Houston’s Insulation Experts.
Spray Foam Insulation: The Superior Solution
About Spray Foam
In contrast, spray foam insulation has emerged as a superior choice for Houston homeowners. This innovative material is applied as a liquid and expands to fill every nook and cranny, creating an airtight seal that prevents air leakage and moisture intrusion.
Most spray foam insulation is made from two main components: isocyanate and polyol resin. When these two materials are mixed together and sprayed onto a surface, they react and expand to create a durable, foam-like substance. The technology that enables this superior insulation can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first developed for use in aircraft!
Over time, the technology has been refined and adapted for use in residential and commercial buildings, becoming increasingly popular due to its superior insulating properties and versatility.
The Perks of Spray Foam
One of the biggest advantages of spray foam insulation is its resistance to moisture. Unlike cellulose, spray foam does not absorb water, making it an ideal choice for Houston’s humid climate. It also maintains its shape and insulating properties over time, ensuring consistent performance for years to come.
Moreover, spray foam insulation offers exceptional thermal resistance, with R-values of up to R-6.5 per inch, compared to cellulose’s R-3.5 per inch. This means that spray foam can provide better insulation with less material, saving you valuable space in your attic or walls.
Final Thoughts on Spray Foam
When it comes to insulating your Houston home, spray foam insulation is the clear winner. Its ability to seal air leaks, resist moisture, and provide superior thermal resistance makes it the most effective choice for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient living space.
Take the First Step Towards Insulating Your Home
Don’t let poor insulation compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency! If you’re considering upgrading your insulation, spray foam is the way to go!
Contact EZ Attic Insulation today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert technicians.
We’ll work with you to assess your home’s unique needs and determine what type of insulation your Houston home needs. Our team of Energy Efficient Specialist will guide you through the process, explaining the benefits and various insulation options and how it can help you achieve a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space while keeping your energy bills in check.
When it comes to insulating your home in Houston, trust the experts at EZ Attic Insulation. With our commitment to quality, efficiency, and affordability, we’ll help you create a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Insulate with Houston's Best
Discover the EZ Attic difference from start to finish on your home comfort journey.
