Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

Using spray foam in an attic is a simple way to improve the power efficiency of your home. It is particularly useful for energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes. Most existing homes have many unsealed areas such as drop ceilings and bulkheads, plumbing and electrical service penetrations, leaky ducts, and duct penetrations. Adding conventional wind-permeable insulation alone won’t solve the problem. It is insulated and sealed with a spray foam can.

Spray foam attic insulation can be applied to the underside of the roof deck to encapsulate the space. However, if ductwork and equipment in the attic make it difficult to access areas of the attic floor, or if there are plans to convert the attic into living space, it could make more sense to insulate at the roof deck. Applying spray foam to the underside of the roof deck can create an unvented attic.

 

Traditionally insulated homes use vented attics, allowing wind to move through the garret to control moisture. To meet the code, homeowners and builders insulated the floor of the attic. That may still be the right option for your home, but it must be air sealed to prevent conditioned wind from leaking out of the house. Spray foam attic insulation is an ideal choice for insulating the floor of the attic because it is wind impermeable and a powerful insulator. This will keep conditioned wind in the living area of the home, and the warm or cool air in the garret from entering the home where it can cause condensation, mold, and other problems.

 

In an unvented garret, insulation is applied to the interior side of the roof deck. Spray foam is an ideal choice for unvented attics because it acts as an insulation and air barrier and, most importantly, it sticks to the surface where it is applied. Spray foam expands on application, filling gaps and sealing air leaks in the garret walls and roof. Because it is applied on site as a liquid, it adheres to the roof deck and will not sag or compress with time. Ventilation is not required in attics with spray foam because spray foam can control moisture levels. This protects the roof sheathing and allows the attic to function as a conditioned space.

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Unvented attics keep duct work in conditioned space. This means that conditioned air that leaks from the ducts will not be wasted. In a conventionally insulated attic, duct leakage would have been lost to the exterior because vents provided for moisture control also allow energy to escape. Wind leaks from ducts will remain in conditioned space and can passively condition the wind in the attic and occupied space. Duct wind leakage commonly exceeds 25 percent of conditioned airflow, which results in a significant energy loss when ducts are located in unconditioned spaces like vented attics.

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Unvented attics also help limit loss of conditioned air through the garret. Stack effect is the natural tendency of air to rise up through a building and out through the attic.

Like a hat on a cold winter day, unvented attics help reduce energy loss through a home’s garret. An unvented attic can keep a home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the HVAC load. Unvented attics in most cold climates decrease the heating load by about 10 percent.

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Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation

 

Open cell spray foam insulation is a popular choice for attic insulation due to its numerous benefits. This type of insulation is known for its excellent thermal insulation properties, as it effectively seals and fills all gaps and cracks in the attic, creating an airtight barrier.

 

This helps to prevent the loss of conditioned air and the infiltration of outside air, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. Additionally, open cell spray foam insulation has soundproofing qualities, minimizing noise transfer between rooms and floors.

 

It also acts as a moisture barrier, preventing condensation and the growth of mold and mildew. Another advantage of open cell spray foam insulation is its ability to conform to irregular surfaces and maintain its shape, ensuring long-lasting performance. Overall, open cell foam spray insulation is a smart investment for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

 

Spray foam attic insulation is a popular choice among homeowners for its ability to provide superior insulation and energy efficiency. Closed cell spray foam insulation, in particular, offers numerous benefits. One key advantage is its ability to create a seamless, airtight barrier that prevents air leakage and minimizes heat transfer.

 

This insulation method also provides excellent moisture resistance, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth in the attic. Additionally, closed cell spray foam insulation acts as a sound barrier, minimizing noise transmission from outside and between rooms. Its thermal insulation properties help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

 

Investing in closed cell spray foam insulation for your attic can lead to significant energy savings and improved comfort in your home.

All homeowners have the opportunity to benefit from energy savings of unvented attics. Unvented attics work great in both new and existing construction. In a new building, the unvented attics can be installed during the construction process with spray foam applied directly on the underside of the attic walls and roof, leading to continuous coverage and maximum wind sealing. In an existing building, the spray application for spray foam allows the product to be applied around any existing obstacles and into the hard to reach areas.