Spray Foam Insulation Albany, Oregon
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Spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon is becoming a popular choice among both homeowners as well as business owners. It can be installed almost anywhere and will last you a good number of years while at the same time helping you to cut down on energy costs.
However before hiring a contractor to install spray foam insulation, it is always better to have good knowledge about it so that you can make informed decisions about the same. Let’s take a look at what R-value is, the different types of spray foam insulation and where you can use it.
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What is R-value?
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R-value is the ability of a material to resist the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better is the insulating property of the material. R-value depends upon several factors such as the type of insulation that is used, thickness and density. For some types insulation, R-value is affected by temperature, moisture and aging. The R-value of traditional types of insulation like cellulose and fiberglass the R-value will be less per inch compared to the R-value of spray foam insulation per inch. For example the R-value of cellulose is about R-3.5 per inch and the R-value of blown-in fiberglass is R-2.2 to 2.7 per inch and the R-value of fiberglass batts is 4.3 per inch.
The R-value of open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation differ too. Open cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of about 3.6 to 3.9 per inch whereas the R-value of closed cell spray foam insulation is the highest among all types of insulation that is R-6 to R-7 per inch. The R-value for each state differs and it has to be in accordance with the Building Code. For example for attic insulation in Oregon the R-value has to be between R-38 and R-60, so layers of insulation need to be added in order to achieve the recommended R-value. |
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Areas that You Can Use Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon can be used almost anywhere and there are certain advantages of using spray foam insulation in your crawl space and attic that you may not be aware of. If you are considering spray foam insulation for your home or building structure these are some areas that you must have insulated with spray foam insulation.
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WallsA good way to prevent the loss of conditioned air and entry of outside air is to use spray foam insulation in your walls. Using spray foam insulation is a great option for new constructions as it is very easy to install when the building is being constructed. But even if you want to install it at a later stage, any good professional spray foam insulation contractors in Albany, Oregon can take care of that without tearing down the walls. When used in walls open cell spray foam also acts as a sound barrier and significantly reduces noise and sound between rooms as it has sound dampening qualities. Closed cell spray foam adds structural integrity to the building and is often used in pole barns and external walls.
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Basementif your basement is usually cold and damp, it is lacking in proper insulation and needs an upgrade. Spray foam insulation in the basement helps to prevent the formation of mold because it keeps away moisture. Spray foam helps to create a complete air seal and this reduces drafts and improves the quality of indoor air.
If you have experienced flooding in your basement due to external factors, using spray foam insulation will act as a barrier and a flood-resistant material that will protect your basement. |
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AtticWhether you have a vented or unvented attic, your attic should always be properly insulated. Research and studies have proved that insulating the attic with spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon has led to a significant decrease in energy bills. Spray foam insulation creates a complete air seal around the house or building structure, thus creating a building envelope and preventing the escape of conditioned heated air through the roof. Using spray foam insulation on the underside of your roof will also prevent the formation of ice dams if you live in a cold climate.
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CrawlspaceOne of the most overlooked areas in a house is the crawlspace. Most crawlspaces have a lot of moisture that accumulates and rises up to the living area. If you have cold floors, even though your HVAC system is working really hard, you should consider insulating your crawl space with spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon.
This will create an air seal in the crawlspace and prevent moisture or mold. Using cellulose or fiberglass is disadvantageous as it will not completely seal the area like spray foam does and it will not create a complete air seal or prevent the build-up of moisture. |
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Cathedral CeilingsIf your building structure has a cathedral ceiling, you should consider insulating it with spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon. Traditional insulation like cellulose and fiberglass are difficult to use in such ceilings because of its sharp angles and small spaces.
Spray foam insulation when applied expands 30 to 60 times in volume thus ceiling all the gaps and tiny spaces that would otherwise be very difficult to reach. |
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Garage or Additional RoomMost times the garage or extra room is left out of our insulation plans because it is considered as an external part. However, if you have an attached garage or additional room you should definitely consider insulating the walls because it will help to create a complete air seal around the building.
If the wall between your living space and garage or extra room is not insulated well, conditioned air will escape through the walls and cold air will enter from the outside. |
Should You Choose Open Cell or Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation?
By now you know that there are two types of spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon, but you may be confused as to which one you should choose. Both open and closed cell spray foam insulation are great insulators and create an air seal. However each one is used for different purposes and one of the best ways to know which one you should ultimately go with is by knowing the different properties of each type. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses but this does not necessarily mean that one is better than the other. Here are some of the differences between the two:
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Open Cell Spray Foam InsulationAs the term suggests, in open cell spray foam, the cells are not fully encapsulated and have been left open. This makes the spray foam flexible and soft. Open cell spray foam has a lower density which measures around 0.5 pounds per cubic foot. Because of its nature, open cell spray foam expands up to 3 inches after it is sprayed. In most instances it is possible to install only a single layer of open cell spray foam. The R-value is 3.6 to 3.9 per inch.
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Closed Cell Spray Foam InsulationIn closed cell spray foam insulation, the cells are completely closed and no moisture or air can enter the foam. This makes it hard and rigid in nature. The density of closed cell spray foam insulation is much higher than open cell spray foam insulation and measures approximately 1.75 pounds per cubic foot. After it is sprayed, closed cell spray foam expands to a total of 1 inch in thickness and may require several passes in order to obtain the necessary thickness. Closed cell spray foam has an R-value of R-6 to 7 per inch.
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Choosing the correct type of spray foam depends on which purpose you use it for. Hiring a good spray foam insulation contractor in Albany, Oregon is a good idea as a professional will be able to offer valuable advice depending upon your project.
Contact Us
If your house or building structure does not have any insulation at all or you want to replace the old insulation with spray foam insulation in Albany, Oregon, do give us a call today so that we can discuss spray foam insulation plans with you. Our team of specialists will install spray foam insulation for you keeping in mind the building codes, thus helping you to create a complete air seal on your building. This will help you to save on energy and create a healthier environment for your home.