When deciding to insulate your home or business premises, you can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. The top two contenders are spray foam and batt insulation. Each has its pros and cons.

But which one should you choose? Here, we'll briefly compare spray foam and batt insulation to see which is better.

But first.

What are Spray Foam and Batt Insulation?

Spray-foam insulation is a type of insulation made from a chemical, mainly polyurethane. The chemical solution comes in two types; open-cell and closed-cell. This type of insulation requires specialized equipment and professionals.

Batt is an insulation made from fiberglass (glass wool), Rockwool, or polyester. The material comes pre-cut to the exact walls and ceiling fit. Batt works by trapping air via millions of tiny air pockets that slow heat flow.

Comparing Spray Foam and Batt: Which Is Better?

Thermal Insulation - R-Value

When you're out looking for an insulation material, watch out for terms such as R-Value. It indicates the material's effectiveness in resisting heat transfer. The higher, the better.

When comparing the two in terms of thermal properties, spray foam insulation wins. That's because it has a higher R-Value per inch (or cm). For example, the closed-cell foam variant has an impressive R-Value of up to 7 per inch, which is among the highest available today.

On the other hand, batt insulation provides up to 4.3 per inch in R-Values. This thermal insulation level can be enough for your home, but it drops over time, especially when not professionally installed.

Installation Convenience

The ease of installation is also a factor when choosing insulation for your home or office. Here, batt insulation comes on top. That's because it's available in standard, pre-cut sizes.

That makes it convenient to install in wall studs, ceiling cavities, and attic rafters. If there are irregular-sized spaces, it can allow custom cuts. Basically, batt insulation provides an easy-to-fit solution.

On the other hand, installing spray foam insulation is complex. First, it requires highly specialized and expensive equipment. Secondly, it needs professional handling to ensure quality.

While the installation process is complex, the final product requires minimal maintenance to non-existent. That's not the case with insulation batts.

Moisture/Vapour Barrier

Spray foam insulation provides an air-tight barrier against moisture. That's one of the reasons why it is preferable in basement insulation, where moist air is a big problem. However, not all types have this quality.

Some open-cell variants do not provide the same degree of moisture barrier as closed-cell foam. Ensure you work with a professional to help choose the right foam insulation type that provides a vapour barrier.

On the other hand, insulation batts can not provide a vapour barrier alone. It needs additional backing to achieve this. If you choose this as your preferred method, ensure your contractor knows you need a moisture barrier.

Value & Cost

Batt insulation is undoubtedly much more affordable than spray foam. The main reason being it's pre-cut and less labor-intensive. However, the price goes up if you wish to include the necessary add-ons.

While spray foam is expensive, it's much better. It has more value and last longer. It's also ideal for both commercial and residential properties. 

At All Florida Insulation, we are your one-stop shop for everything insulation. We have decades of experience working on both residential and commercial insulation projects. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free quote. We are privileged to serve Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona Beach Shores, as well as the nearby communities.

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The best season to install spray foam insulation depends on your local climate. For instance, if you live in a warm area, the ideal time would be before the extreme temperatures set. On the other hand, if your location is cold, you will want to get it before the brisk weather hits. 

However, an experienced professional insulation service provider can do it throughout the seasons. In fact, residents of states like Florida can get quality spray foam installation throughout the year.

But why would you need your home insulated? Here we'll go over four benefits of using spray foam insulation.

Reduces Energy Bills

Spray foam is an excellent thermal insulator. It reduces heat loss such that you don't have to blast your HVAC system to the maximum to keep your home warm. As a result, your heating unit won't work more than it should.

With reduced usage, you automatically get your energy bills reduced. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), insulation could save up to 20% of your monthly power bills.

Reduced Noise

Noise from outside can be a bother, especially if you're trying to sleep or concentrate. Spray foam insulation can provide soundproofing abilities that make it difficult for outside noise to get into your home. That way, you and your loved ones can sleep in peace.

The insulation will also reduce noise from room to room. So, if you have noisy electronics in the living room, it won't bother other people trying to relax.

Improved Comfort Levels

Homes often have cold and hot spots due to uneven heat distribution. It's common in rooms with high vaulted ceilings.

With spray foam insulation, the temperature in your home will become more consistent. In turn, you'll enjoy improved comfort levels throughout the house.

Moisture Barrier

Too much moisture in your indoors is a cause of structural concern. It can accelerate wood decay or cause leaks in the ceiling, rooftop, and even inside the walls. While this can be an issue during winter, it will be more prominent during the summer.

Spray foam insulation provides an effective moisture barrier that prevents dampness-related problems in your home. That way, you can keep your home safe from damage.

Insulation, whether in summer or winter, is essential for your home. But it needs an experienced professional to install it correctly.

At All Florida Insulation, we provide quality insulation services all year round. For more information about spray foam insulation, contact us at (407) 410-3626. We are privileged to serve Orlando, Windermere, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Longwood, and Winter Garden, as well as the nearby communities.

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There are many insulating materials available that can keep your home comfortable. But none of them are quite like spray foam. This unique product has lots of merits and is probably the reason it's becoming popular in many households and businesses.

So, what is spray foam made of? How does it work? Read on and find out!

What components make up the spray foam?

The spray foam solution is a combination of isocyanate and polyol resins. These two chemicals form a polyurethane foam in a reaction.

Polyurethane has low conductivity of heat due to its complex chemical structure. It's the reason why the material works best as an insulator.

The foam mixture insulates buildings by sealing cavities and spaces along the walls. These fillings trap air which cushions against the loss of heat through conduction. The spray is often added in attics, crawl spaces, new constructions, and rim joints. It easily takes the shape of the cavity without sagging or settling even after curing.

Polyurethane has been in use for insulation since the 70s. It, thus, has a history of quality, reliability, and success.

Spray foam comes in two forms; open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Each has unique properties and benefits that make it useful in different applications.

Open-cell foam

Open-cell spray foam is a lighter and more pliable form of polyurethane. It has more comprehensive expansion limits than closed-cell spray foam. Hence, an excellent sound barrier and is more flexible in structure.

Open-cell spray foam is more affordable compared to closed-cell spray foam. In addition, it offers insulation and soundproofing benefits. These properties make it ideal in areas with high noise pollution. Think of industrial zones and buildings neighbouring the highways.

Closed-cell spray foam

Closed-cell spray foam is heavier, denser, and thicker than open-cell polyurethane. Its high density offers a better R-value compared to the open-cell foam alternative. The R-value is the resistance of insulation material to heat flow. Due to its low expansion capabilities, closed-cell foam is also an excellent option for smaller structures such as sheds and cargo vans. (​1)

Why should you use the spray foam?

• Reduce Energy Bills. With extreme weather changes, you may be glaring at the prospect of huge energy bills. This often results from inefficient heating systems. Having your Florida house insulated against temperature extremes is, thus, a wise call.
  
  
• Prevent Drafts. Air currents travel through structural spaces such as crevices, vents, and wiring ducts. These movements bring about undesired temperature transfer through conduction and convection. 
  
  

To prevent such heat loss, you need a material that can efficiently fill all the spaces. And this is where spray foam comes in! It quickly expands and fills even the tiniest of spaces.
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• Prevent Moisture Condensation. The insulation also prevents moisture condensation on the walls of your house. Condensation may occur when the external and internal temperature difference is high. It may lead to moisture buildup, fungal growth, and dampening walls and floors. 

Don't let your energy bills give you sleepless nights. Protect your home against the changing seasons by insulating it with spray foam. 

At All Florida Insulation, we offer our clients top-quality spray foam insulation services. We have a team of experts who will help you choose the best option for your needs. We also have the right equipment and experience to do the job quickly and efficiently.

If you're a resident or business in Orlando, Ocoee, Gotha, Apopka, Lake Mary, or Windermere, make sure to contact us for a free quote today.

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Have you ever wondered what those big white trucks are spraying into people's homes? It's insulation! More specifically, it's spray foam insulation.

But what is it, and what is it made of? This article will take a closer look at spray foam insulation and find out what it's made of.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam is a type of insulation sprayed onto walls, ceilings, and floors to insulate and seal a home or building. It prevents air and heat from escaping, making it much more energy-efficient than other types of insulation.

Unlike other insulation materials, spray foam expands to fill gaps or cracks, making it an excellent choice for difficult-to-insulate areas. It also doesn't sag, compress or settle over time like fiberglass or cellulose insulation.

That's not all. Spray foam insulation also:

• Reduces noise pollution
• It's mold and mildew resistant
• Prevents pests from entering your home
• Protects your home from fire

Spray foam comes in two types: closed-cell and open-cell. While both create an effective insulation barrier, they have some key differences.

Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value (resistance to heat flow), meaning it's much more effective at insulating your home in Orlando. It's also denser, making it more durable and resistant to pests and water damage.

On the other hand, open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value, but it's much cheaper than closed-cell foam. It's also more breathable, making it a good choice for areas that need ventilation, like attics.

So, what is spray foam insulation made of?

The main ingredient in spray foam insulation is polyurethane. This polymer is made up of two chemicals, isocyanate and polyol resin. These two ingredients are mixed and sprayed through a nozzle, where they react and expand to create the foam. (1)

Additives are added to the mix to control the foam's density, expansion rate, and other properties. Common additives include:

• Surfactants (to help the foam expand).
• Blowing agents (to create the foam).
• Fire retardants (to make the foam safer).

Now that you know what spray foam insulation is made of, you can see why it's such an effective way to insulate your home in Orlando. Not only does it expand to fill any gaps or cracks, but it also has a high R-value, making it excellent at preventing heat loss. So spray foam is a great option if you're looking for an insulation material that will do a great job at keeping your home warm.

All Florida Insulation services Orlando, Windermere, Gotha, and Winter Garden, and wContacte appreciate the support of our communities. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to request a free quote.

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1. Eliminates Leaks

Identifying and controlling water leaks in metal buildings is difficult and costly due to their irregular surfaces and junctions. 
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Metal roof flashings make it more difficult to detect leaks due to their movements and potentially degrade the metal structure if ignored for extended periods.

Using spray foam in your metal building ensures that a waterproof material protects the existing corners and irregular surfaces to help prevent these leaks. 

2. Regulates Indoor Temperatures

Metal is a conductive material making concerned buildings without insulation vulnerable to irregular temperatures during the seasons.

Temperatures would drop significantly during the winter in Orlando because metal is a poor heat retainer and skyrocket in the summer since the material also conducts heat at incredible rates. 

Structuring spray foam into your building seals all the exposed cracks and small spaces between beams and panels to eliminate thermal bridging and perfectly regulate internal temperatures.

3. Sufficient Energy Saver

Did you know that a building can lose up to 40% of its energy due to air filtration? 

Metal structures are notorious for having gaps and air leaks between beams and panels, which wastes valuable resources, especially if an HVAC system is incorporated.

Spray foam helps fill the gaps, holes, and air leaks in your building, thus, reducing the workload on your HVAC system by an impressive 35%.

This reduction in energy waste translates to a drop in your power bill by incredible proportions saving your home or office a buttload of money.

4. Prevents Mold

Unlike wood structures, metal buildings are safe from termites and rot.

Still, the material is prone to excessive moisture due to condensation, which creates a conducive environment for mildew and mold to prosper.

Mold can pose serious health threats to anyone living or working in the same environment as the fungus and needs dealing with immediately.

Adding spray foam as insulation to your metal structure deters mold because the material expands when it gets wet, leaving no room for mold to grow. After all, moisture can’t get in.

5. Increases Structural Strength

Despite many contradictions, spray foam’s contribution to the structural strength of your building is 100% true, especially for metal structures.

When applied to interior walls, spray foam sticks to the building material whenever the walls shift or are placed under load.

In addition, spray foam hardens and becomes rigid when it comes into contact with air, adding to the structural strength of your metal building.

6. It Is Airtight

The intersections of walls and roofs of metal panels and beams make metal buildings less airtight.

This issue promotes air leaks, increasing the resistance to peel-and-stick membranes used as air sealants.

When spray foam is applied to these gaps, it expands and fills any cracks and voids, preventing air leakage and significantly reducing energy wastage.

If you’re looking to invest in cutting your power bill by a significant percentage, spray foam and injection foam insulation for your building is your better option. We at All Florida Insulation can help get you started.

If you're a resident or business in Orlando, Altamonte, Lake Nona, Lake Mary, Maitland, or Ocoee, make sure to call us today at (407) 410-3626 for a quote. Visit our website at https://www.allfloridainsulation.com/ for more information.

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Can I paint over spray foam insulation? This is probably one of the questions you have in mind if you’re looking for a way to make your newly insulated home aesthetically pleasing. It’s great that you’re doing some research first because the short answer to the question above would be yes, but it depends.

Previously, we wrote about covering insulation in the attic. Painting over spray foam insulation follows similar conditions. You first have to make sure that the paint you use won’t affect the efficiency and integrity of your spray foam insulation.
 
You would also have to check with your local government’s building code to ensure that painting spray foam insulation is allowed. Many times, building codes specifically indicate a required cover or fire barrier over insulation that is exposed to living spaces. Therefore, if you will be covering the insulation material, painting it wouldn’t serve its purpose anymore.

We highly recommend working with an insulation professional if you are going to be painting over spray foam. Spray foam application is not exactly cheap and mishandling it could lead to inefficiency or even irreparable damage. So, make sure you’re consulting with a licensed insulation contractor to get expert advice.
 
If you have already decided to start painting, make sure you wait at least 24 hours or longer after the spray foam has been applied. The insulation material must be fully dried first.
 
Do not use paint brushes or paint rollers. It is best to use spray paint as it is gentler compared to other paint application methods. You may also need to sand the foam material before beginning to paint so that the surface is even.
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Hopefully, the above tips gave you an idea of what you should do when you decide to paint over spray foam insulation at home. For your insulation needs, contact All Florida Insulation for assistance. We install all kinds of insulation materials in Orlando, Maitland, Longwood, Winter Park, and the surrounding areas. Just call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate.

How much does it cost for spray foam insulation application or installation? Many homeowners are already well aware of the numerous benefits of spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is also known to increase the value of one’s home. It is a great investment that pays for itself over the years. However, it does cost quite a bit to install, or so they say.
 
The actual cost of spray foam insulation varies and it depends on several factors. There are two types of spray foam insulation – open-cell and closed-cell spray foam with open-cell spray foam insulation being the cheaper option at around 44 to 65 cents per board foot. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, on the other hand, costs around $1-$1.50. Of course, these prices change over the years and these costs are simply the actual material used.
 
Spray foam insulation installation is not a DIY job. Many times, we’ve seen even the smallest mistakes resulting in expensive and time-consuming problems. Hiring a professional spray foam contractor to do the job for you may bring you to a total cost of about $2,500 on average.

When asking how much it costs for spray foam insulation, more often than not, it is best to reach out to a local contractor directly to get an estimate. Here are the usual factors considered to come up with a price.
 
Type of Spray Foam Insulation – As earlier mentioned, closed-cell spray foam insulation costs a bit more compared to open-cell spray foam.
 
Size of Area to Be Insulated – Since material costs are priced per square foot board, the size of the area that needs to be insulated greatly affects the total cost of the project.
 
Contractor of Choice – Contractors don’t usually have one standard price for all their services. Depending on the company you choose to hire, the total project cost may differ as well.
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Now that you already have an idea of how much does it cost for spray foam insulation, it is time to contact the best company to help you out. For Longwood spray foam insulation, there’s no better company to call than All Florida Insulation. We also serve residential and commercial clients in Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Deltona, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate today!