Comparing Insulation Products

Out of the dozen positive features compared between spray foam insulation, fiberglass batts, fiberglass loose-fill, wet-sprayed cellulose, blown-in (dry) cellulose and mineral wool, only the spray foam insulation had the most. They include:

• High to Highest R-Value per inch
• No wind washing effect
• Certified air barrier
• Expands to fill hard-to-reach spaces
• Contains no HCFCs or CFCs
• Does not contain formaldehyde
• Won't shrink or settle over time when properly installed
• Will not absorb significant levels of water
• FEMA approved flood-resistant insulation materials
• Will not distort framing when properly installed
• Efficiently reduces sound transmission through walls

The only feature that Spray Foam Insulation does not have that two of the others provide is the ability to inject it into existing wall cavities without major demolition. Spray Foam Insulation is normally done during the initial building process, while adding on to an existing structure or remodeling.

Source: sprayfoam.com, "Insulation Comparison Chart"