If you need to replace the insulation in your commercial building, it may be time to consider spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation has a great R-value, which helps make your building more energy efficient. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation commonly made from polyurethane. You can choose open cell or closed cell spray foam. The cells in open cell foam aren't fully encapsulated, which makes it more flexible and softer than open cell foam insulation.

The insulation is sprayed directly onto the desired surface (such as wall cavities). As it dries, it expands and hardens. If you can't afford spay foam insulation, you can choose foam boards. They do not expand, but since they are pre-made, they are easier to install.

What Are the Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation?

The leading benefit of spray foam insulation: it has a high R-value. The R-value refers to how well the material withstands the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the more energy-efficient the material. On average, polyurethane foam insulation has an R-value of 5.6 to 8.0 per inch. Fiberglass batts only have an R-value of about 2.9 to 3.8 per inch.

Closed cell foam is more energy efficient than open cell. In addition, closed cell spray foam is strong, so it can add structural integrity to the building. Open cell foam expands a lot more, ensuring it seals every nook and cranny.

Spray foam insulation can be added to open wall cavities, but it can also be sprayed into finished walls via small holes. You can also use spray foam to seal up small holes like those around pipes, windows, vents, etc.

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

Spray foam insulation costs about $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot for open cell insulation. Closed cell spray foam costs about $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot. This is more expensive than other options, but you'll need a lot less spray foam to reach the same R-value. Similarly, with such a great R-value, you can save money on your energy bills.

Spray foam insulation is only one type of insulation, but it is incredibly effective and has a high R-value. It's not a DIY project, but when done correctly, it can drastically boost the energy efficiency of your building. If you would like to know more about commercial spray foam insulation, contact a spray foam contractor in your area today.