What Is R-Value?
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value (R-11, R-20, R-38), the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
What Is The Difference Between Insulation And Air Sealing?
Excessive air infiltration and exfiltration are the number one #1 cause for occupant discomfort, high utility bills, potential moisture issues and poor air quality.
Regardless of the type of insulation or the R-value installed, you must have an effective air barrier throughout your building. There are many effective air sealing techniques, but only SPF can provide both a high R value AND effective air sealing.
About Spray Foam
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation, also known as “SPF” or Spray Polyurethane Foam, is a premium, spray-applied foam insulation product that can provide the required R-Value in your home or commercial space where needed, along with reducing energy losses by 30-40% through effective air sealing.
Why Use Spray Foam Insulation?
Made from inert thermoset recycled plastic, SPF will last almost indefinitely and can increase the energy efficiency of your home by 30-40% because of its high R-value and air sealing properties.
The Department of Energy states that 40% of energy loss in an average residential home is attributable to air infiltration and poor air sealing. No other insulation can prevent both of these issues as effectively.
Spray foam also eliminates moisture and condensation problems and inhibits mold growth as well as improves indoor air quality.
What Is The Difference Between Open And Closed Cell Spray Foam?
Open cell foam is a low-density (0.5lb), “semi-rigid” foam that has an open cell structure to it. This product expands to 120 times its liquid volume and is the best option for insulating wood-framed walls and attic roof decks.
The R-value of our open-cell foam is 3.9/inch. It can also be used for soundproofing.
Closed cell foam is a high-density (2.0lb), rigid foam that has a closed cell structure to it. This product expands to 40 times its liquid volume and is the best option for insulating crawlspaces, basement walls, or retro-fit applications where you want to achieve a high R-value in a small amount of space.
The R-value of our closed-cell foam is 6.8/inch. It is also a Class 2 vapor retarder.
How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?
There is a joke of the insulation world: You pay for insulation whether you put it in or not.
SPF insulation is a premium product and is more expensive than traditional insulation; as much as 2-3 times more. This is due to the superior insulating and air sealing properties of SPF and the skill level of the technicians that install SPF.
The average attic project is between $3000 – $5000 and an average crawlspace is between $1800 – $2500. A larger-sized, new construction house will cost between $10,000 – $15,000 to insulate.
However, when factoring spray foam insulation into your budget, consider the following:
- A spray foamed house usually requires a smaller HVAC system – saving on the equipment cost. Additionally, the HVAC life span is increased due to less loading/run time.
- A spray foamed house doesn’t require ventilation of the attic. This means you save on the cost of a ridge, gable, or soffit vent or attic fan.
- The money you save on your utility bill will add up quickly. The typical payback periods from energy savings is 4-5 years, which means your state-of-the-art spray foam insulation will pay for itself in less than 5 years!
Which would you rather pay for: a poorly insulated, inefficient home that’s drafty in the winter and won’t stay cool in the summer? Or the best insulation you can get, which will pay for itself over time?
AGL Project Managers are available to provide a free evaluation and can help you design a cost-effective project. All of our Project Managers have a strong background in Building Science and are certified by the Building Performance Institute.
Does Spray Foam Have Any Odor?
Our products have been extensively and rigorously tested to ensure that there are no toxic gases or VOCs emitted.
All of our foams are GREENGUARD certified and are considered “green” products. The foam reaction creates a byproduct of carbon dioxide and a tertiary amine (in the ammonia family) that has a small odor to it and can be a temporary mild irritant to eyes and lungs in high amounts and in close proximity.
Because of this, our applicators are in full-body, fresh air respirators while applying the foam. During the application, we ventilate the area with high powered exhaust fans and ducts to ensure that all byproducts of the reaction are removed from your home and there is no odor after the application is complete. The foam does not continue to off-gas over time.
It is best to make other plans for the day of the application if you have any chemical sensitivities or asthma/lung issues, due to the chance of irritation from the amine byproduct. However, once the installation is complete and the area is well-ventilated, our technicians will let you know when it is safe to return to your home.
How Long Does Spray Foam Last?
SPF will last almost indefinitely! AGL also provides a limited lifetime warranty along with our product.
Questions About AGL Spray Foam
Is AGL Fully Insured?
Yes! AGL Carries a $5 million liability policy and all of our skilled technicians are full-time employees with full workers comp coverage.
What Areas Does AGL Serve?
AGL Spray Foam is based in Sharon Hill, PA, and serves the Greater Philadelphia area, including all surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. See a full service map here.
