Pros and Cons of Spray Foam
Video edited on Kapwing
Once upon a time, in a quaint suburban neighborhood, there lived two neighbors, Emily and John. Both decided it was time to upgrade the insulation in their homes to save on energy bills and keep their houses cozy during the chilly winters and scorching summers. Emily opted for traditional fiberglass insulation, while John went for the newer spray foam insulation. As time went by, they both encountered various pros and cons of their chosen insulation methods.
Emily's Fiberglass Adventure:
Pros:
Pros:
Emily's Fiberglass Adventure:
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Emily appreciated that fiberglass insulation was relatively cheaper upfront compared to spray foam.
- DIY Friendly: She found fiberglass easy to install herself, saving on labor costs.
- Fire Resistant: Fiberglass offered decent fire resistance, giving her a sense of security.
- Limited Sealing: Emily noticed that fiberglass didn't seal air leaks as effectively, leading to some drafts and temperature fluctuations.
- Pest Susceptibility: Over time, she found out that pests like mice could nest in fiberglass, causing some unwelcome surprises.
- Moisture Absorption: Fiberglass tended to absorb moisture, leading to potential mold growth and degradation over time.
Pros:
- Superb Insulation: John marveled at how effectively spray foam insulated his home, sealing every nook and cranny, which led to noticeable energy savings.
- Longevity: He appreciated that spray foam tends to last longer without deteriorating or losing its insulating properties.
- Soundproofing: John discovered that spray foam also provided excellent soundproofing qualities, making his home quieter and more peaceful.
- Costly: John found out the hard way that spray foam insulation was significantly pricier upfront than fiberglass, denting his wallet.
- Professional Installation: He had to hire professionals for installation due to the complexity and potential hazards of working with spray foam, adding to the overall expense.
- Off-Gassing: Initially, John noticed a slight odor from the chemicals used in spray foam, though it dissipated over time, it was still a concern for him and his family's health.