Foam Sheet Insulation Vs Fiberglass

Insulating boards are just one of the many types of foam insulation.

Foam sheet insulation vs fiberglass.

This eliminates thermal bridging which is the energy lost through wall studs. Standard fiberglass insulation in the attic provides an insulating r factor of about 3 2 per inch. A thicker application of fiberglass however can prove to be a bit more efficient. Consider using spray foam insulation as well to seal smaller cracks and gaps.

Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered. Many spray foams do not provide a source of food for rodents termites or other nasty critters. 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. Fiberglass insulation vs spray foam insulation comparison.

You re well aware that heating and cooling account for roughly half of the energy used in the average home. It comes in standard size 4 8 sheets and smaller sizes in many different thicknesses from 1 4 inch to 2 inches. Few construction topics bore homebuyers more than insulation. Compare spray foam vs fiberglass insulation costs summary.

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. Fiberglass insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam insulation but it is also less effective especially in extremely cold conditions. Used in roughly 85 of american homes fiberglass insulation is the most common form of home insulation. 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.

Most fiberglass contains formaldehyde and may emit formaldehyde fumes into your home. Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation. The panels provide a continuous energy efficient surface. Fiberglass insulation is less than half the price of rigid foam insulation when calculated by r value per square foot.

Building pros of course know better. The studs conduct more heat than the insulation between them. 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.

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