What To Consider When Choosing Insulation

When you’re deciding on insulation for your home or commercial building, don’t fall prey to misinformation. Below are some of the most common misconceptions and misunderstandings—and what you should really consider.

Mistake #1: Focusing Only On R-Value
We see R-value comparisons made time and time again, but they don’t always create an accurate picture.

Measuring insulation performance is much more complex than just comparing R-values. Keep that in mind and make sure to inquire about how well the insulation material performs against air leaks, moisture, mold, and pests.

Mistake #2: Neglecting To Consider System As A Whole
Walls, ceilings, roofs, and crawlspaces make up a very complex system within a building. Adding to the complexity are heating and cooling ducts, returns, air handlers, air conditioners, vapor barriers, air quality, and other considerations not commonly brought to light by vendors and manufacturers.

When choosing insulation, you need to consider all components when making a decision. Be certain to consult an impartial building expert if you need assistance figuring out which solution(s) will best meet your needs.

Mistake #3: Taking “Houses Must Breathe” As Gospel
You’ve probably been told that all houses must breath. Let's think about what this means.

It means that air from outside must come in and air inside must go out. In reality, going through doors, opening windows when the weather’s nice, having vents at your dryer and stove, etc., is enough to let in clean, fresh, breathable air and let out the moisture your body expels.

The only time a building needs to leave enough room in walls for air to travel through is when the building has cheaper, lower quality insulation that absorbs water and will allow moisture to build up unless it can air out.

Air and moisture infiltration can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in excess energy costs and insulation replacements over your lifetime. Spray foam insulation helps you cut those costs, often eliminating them altogether.

Mistake #4: Thinking Insulation Should Be Cheap
You get what you pay for. The cheaper insulations don’t have the same energy efficiency and they often need to be replaced due to absorbing moisture and breeding mold. Invest in doing your insulation right, so you won’t have to do it over and over again.

Mistake #5: Misunderstanding Payback Periods
Some consumers will tell you that two years is too long for a monetary payback on insulation. Thinking this way could result in missing out on a potential 50 percent return on their money.

Investments that return 50 percent every year are EXTREMELY RARE. The S&P used to average an 8 percent return. Homes used to gain 3 percent in value a year.

A 50 percent return on an investment in your building's insulation is possible. But let's also look at some other payback scenarios to put things in perspective:

Even if it takes 10 years for your spray foam insulation to pay for itself, investing in the right insulation outperforms almost any other investment you can make over that same time period.

The standard payback on Barrier Spray Foam insulation is typically between 3 to 4 years—a 25% to 33% rate of return. 

Mistake #6: Not Making A Choice
Many people look at the dizzying options out there and give up before making an informed decision. Take the time to consult with an expert who can advise you on the right type of insulation for your building. And of course, you are always welcome to call our team at Barrier Spray Foam for guidance.

Mistake #7: Basing Your Decision On Price Alone
In a world where R-values are considered king and confusion abounds about available options, most people default to price when choosing insulation.

That can have disastrous consequences. The lowest priced insulations often become the source of the problems people are trying to solve.

Mold, moisture, expensive energy bills, noises, rodents and insects, drafts, and allergies…these won’t get better—and may even become worse—with poor quality insulation.

Investing wisely in insulation that will solve problems rather than create them will always be the smart choice.

Choose Responsibly
Talk with us to learn more about the benefits of spray polyurethane foam. Get a free estimate today—call us at 717-725-8579 or contact us online.