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Sprayed Fiber Insulation

There are a number of different methods for insulating a home. For many years, the standard was fiberglass batting, which is pressed in to the spaces between floor, ceiling or wall joists and cut to fit around windows and outlets. Later, fiberglass insulation was sprayed or blown in to attics and crawlspaces. More recently, sprayed foam insulation has been gaining popularity as an alternative, due in part to its superior ability to fit in to spaces that would otherwise be difficult to insulate. Sprayed fiber insulation may refer to either blown fiberglass insulation or its newer sprayed-foam alternative.
  1. Open-Cell Sprayed Foam

    • Open-cell sprayed foam insulation is a form of insulation that can be used in homes where forming a vapor barrier is not necessary. Foam insulation is sprayed in a wet form, and quickly dries, expands, and hardens. Once hardened, open-cell sprayed foam insulation provides superior acoustic insulation, and stops drafts and air circulation. It is typically less expensive than its closed-cell counterpart, and thus is a popular choice for any area where a vapor barrier is not necessary, such as attic, ceiling and wall applications.

    Closed Cell Spray Foam

    • Closed-cell spray foam is applied in a way very similar to its open cell counterpart. It is sprayed in a wet form, and it quickly expands and hardens as it dries. Closed-cell spray foam differs from open cell in that it is relatively impermeable, meaning it functions well as a vapor barrier. This makes it the ideal choice for applications in moist areas, such as crawlspaces, basements and around pools. Closed-cell spray foam is not as acoustically insulating as open cell, and is considerably more expensive.

    Blown Fiberglass

    • Blown fiberglass is fiberglass insulation that is not attached to a paper backing or formed in to batting. Blown fiberglass insulation is superior to fiberglass batting in that it can reach areas that would be difficult to cut and fit traditional bats in to. Blown fiberglass is also a better choice when mold and mildew is a concern, as it allows for more airflow around the insulation and prevents the accumulation of moisture.

    Spray Cellulose

    • Spray cellulose insulation is manufactured using recycled cardboard and newspaper, treated to render it flame retardant. Cellulose insulation is often sprayed or blown in to the area between walls to create a uniform barrier to drafts and air flow. Unlike spray foam, cellulose insulation is loose, and does not expand. This makes it suitable for applications where expansion is not necessary, or would be problematic.