Blow In Insulation vs Spray Foam Insulation

Blown-in Insulation: a versatile, cost effective option

Blown-in insulation from LiveGreen consists of loose-fill materials (fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool) that are processed into small particles. Our LiveGreen insulation experts use specialized professional equipment to blow this into cavities in your home or business where air can get in, causing drafts or diminishing the comfort of your space. The benefits of blown-in insulation are that it is:

• Cost-effective: Blown-in insulation tends to cost less than spray foam insulation, which makes it an attractive option for budget conscious customers.
• Easy installation: The application project for blown-in insulation is relatively straightforward, and our LiveGreen team can usually complete your project quickly, especially in open attic spaces or wall cavities. Blown-in is a good option if we’re insulating existing walls as it can be installed without significant demolition- this makes it an ideal choice for retrofitting older homes.
• Filling irregular spaces: The loose-fill nature of blown-in insulation means it can be ideal for filling oddly-shaped cavities, or insulating around obstructions like plumbing and wiring.

Bottom line: Blown-in insulation is best used in attics to insulate floors, existing wall cavities, or for insulating large open areas.

Spray Foam Insulation: superior sealing and R-Value

Spray foam insulation is a liquid polyurethane chemical compound that LiveGreen sprays into place, and that then expands to fill and seal air gaps. Because of how we install it and how it expands-to-fill, spray foam insulation provides:

• Superior air sealing: Spray foam creates an airtight barrier, minimizing air leakage (a major source of energy loss).
• High R-Value: Closed-cell spray foam carries a higher R-value per inch compared to blown-in insulation, so you get excellent thermal resistance.
• Moisture Barrier: Closed-cell foam is impermeable to water, which gives you protection against moisture issues and mold growth.
• Noise reduction: The dense nature of spray foam insulation can reduce sound transmission, an excellent additional benefit when insulating a home.

Bottom line: Spray foam insulation is an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture (basements, crawl spaces), tight spaces, exterior walls and roof decks, and wherever you want a quieter indoor environment.

Ultimately, which product you choose depends on your needs, budget, and the area you want insulated. Reach out to us at LiveGreen today, and we’ll be happy to consult with you, free of charge, for which option will serve your space best!