Your current home likely has rolls of fiberglass Batt Insulation on the attic floor above the living area. It may be the same type of insulation you had in your childhood home. It is familiar, seems to do the job and therefor is the obvious choice for a new home, right? We don't think so and here is why Stonegate chose Closed Cell Spray foam as the standard for our attic insulation.
Most insulation types, except one, have a R value (resistance to heat passing through it) of three or less. Closed Cell Spray foam has more than twice the R value per inch at over six.
A couple more notes on Closed Cell Spray Foam:
- It is four times as expensive as Fiberglass Batt insulation
- It is twice as expensive as Open Cell Spray Foam
- It is structurally rigid
- It does not require a vapor or air barrier
Matt Risinger is a builder in Austin Texas with a popular Youtube channel about construction. Here is one of his videos discussing his preference for Closed Cell Spray Foam.
Matt calls out that not only is Closed Cell Spray foam more energy efficient in terms of R value and acts as a vapor/air barrier, it also acts as a bonding agent, adding structural integrity to the home.
Another issue with insulating an attic space is where the insulation is placed. Many older homes, place Fiberglass Batt insulation on the attic floor to provide a barrier between the attic and living areas.
There are a few problems with this approach:
- The attic can reach temperatures over 130 degrees
- Improper sealing can allow air movement between the attic and living areas
- Air systems ductwork travels through unconditioned areas
The result is that the home is less energy efficient and A/C units need to run longer to cool your home as the air passes through the hot attic.
At Stonegate, Closed Cell Spray Foam insulation is applied in the attic at the roof and walls. Due to the insulation's vapor and air sealing qualities, outside heat is more effectively blocked from entering the home. This results in a sturdier roof, more efficient home, AC units being more effective and cost savings in your monthly electric bill. If you would like to learn more about our Closed Cell Spray Foam system or other energy efficient features, stop by or give us a call at 1-352-601-6420.