Foam Sheet Insulation Vs Fiberglass

Fiberglass and cellulose can be torn apart by pests and some even use them for nesting.

Foam sheet insulation vs fiberglass. The studs conduct more heat than the insulation between them. Standard fiberglass insulation in the attic provides an insulating r factor of about 3 2 per inch. Multiply the total depth in inches of installed fiberglass batts by 3 2 and compare to the department of energy insulation zone map to determine if you need to add more to reach current minimum standards. For example insulating a 10 square foot wall area to r 15 costs about 3 40 to 4 00 with fiberglass insulation while a comparable r value for rigid foam costs roughly 10.

A thicker application of fiberglass however can prove to be a bit more efficient. Used in roughly 85 of american homes fiberglass insulation is the most common form of home insulation. And you also know that properly insulating a home helps homeowners save money and makes houses more comfortable. Foam insulation whether it s in the form of foam board sheets or spray on insulation requires a smaller amount of material to achieve the same amount of insulation.

Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation. This eliminates thermal bridging which is the energy lost through wall studs. Consider using spray foam insulation as well to seal smaller cracks and gaps. Many spray foams do not provide a source of food for rodents termites or other nasty critters.

You re well aware that heating and cooling account for roughly half of the energy used in the average home. Fiberglass insulation is less than half the price of rigid foam insulation when calculated by r value per square foot. As a home insulation spray foam also doesn t make for good nests. Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered.

Insulating boards are just one of the many types of foam insulation. Compare spray foam vs fiberglass insulation costs summary. The panels provide a continuous energy efficient surface. Fiberglass insulation vs spray foam insulation comparison.

Fiberglass cellulose and foam dominate the conversation but the. For instance a 5 5 inch wall cavity can be filled with 2 inches of foam and an r 13 fiberglass batt as a cost effective system that seals the walls with an r 25 insulation system exceeding u s. Average cost of spray foam vs fiberglass insulation one board foot 12 x 12 x 1 of open cell foam insulation averages 0 45 to 0 80 cents the same amount of closed cell insulation costs between 1 and 2 a square foot of fiberglass costs between 1 30 and 3 50 on average. Building pros of course know better.

Fiberglass insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam insulation but it is also less effective especially in extremely cold conditions.