Cellulose vs. Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation

Cellulose is the preferred product for insulating wall cavities of existing homes. When installed with the dense-pack method, settling in wall cavities is negligible and air flow in wall cavities is reduced significantly. It performs very close to its stated R value unlike fiberglass' performance which is affected greatly by the precise fit of the batts in their cavity.

Cellulose insulation is also great for loose fill or open-blown attic applications. When installed at proper depth it creates a continuous blanket of insulation which eliminates loss resulting from the poor R value of timber framing members (thermal bridging).

Noise reduction is also done well with cellulose, achieved in three ways. The first is that cellulose completely fills cavities leaving few air pockets for sound to travel in. The second is the cellulose materials ability to trap air. The significant difference between noise reduction with cellulose and fiberglass is its density. Cellulose is approximately three times denser then fiberglass. This helps deaden the sound through walls and between floor levels.

Spray Polyurethane Foam is an incredible insulation product that has gained significant momentum in the high-end and high performance home industry. Closed cell spray foams have typical R values of 6-7 per inch of material, making them the most potent when space it at a premium. Like dense-packed cellulose, SPF also has incredible advantages in reducing air movement in structures. It is an effective way to tighten the building envelope significantly during new construction.

SPF is great for use in wall cavities of new construction and also on the roof decks of existing or new buildings. Roof-deck application is done between the rafters of your roof assembly, usually sprayed directly onto the sheathing of the roof. Coupled with sealing off soffit and ridge vents as well as gable walls, we create a sealed attic. Sealed to the outside the attic breathes only to the house and will maintain a temperature much closer to the conditioned living space of your home in any season. It is a complete cap on your building and one of the most effective at eliminating the path for warm air rising and escaping from your home.

Not sure which type of insulation is right for your home? Contact NJ Home Energy Solutions - the insulation specialists.

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