Spray Foam Vs Batt Insulation R Value

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Spray foam vs batt insulation r value.

Batt insulation does not have as high of an r value compared to spray foam. The common denominator among varieties of insulation is the r value. The r value is r 3 5 to r 3 6 per inch so filling a 2 4 cavity yields about an r 13. For example roll insulation suitable for 2 4 wall and ceiling cavities is about 0 35 to 0 40 per square foot.

But if you re looking to replace insulation air barrier water resistant barrier and vapor barrier with one product spray foam tends to be about 10 percent to 15 percent less expensive. Habitat for humanity s study on spray foam. Fiberglass batt insulation is priced by the roll or by the square foot. Open cell spray foam insulation averages between 0 45 and 0 80 per board foot closed cell spray foam insulation averages between 1 and 2 per board foot total cost including installation averages between 3 95 and 7 20 per board foot depending on the quality of the insulation you choose.

Spray foam eliminates this possibility. Foam insulation vs standard insulations over the past 50 years when you thought of insulation it was a no brainer the only considerations were do i use fiberglass or cellulose and what r value did i need in my walls and attic. Homes generally try and reach an r value of 38 with their insulation. The r value of spray foam insulation is approximately 6 per inch so those using spray foam as their insulator will need about 6 3 inches of thickness to reach r 38.

It can sag and compress over time decreasing its thermal performance. It has a lower r value per inch than closed cell foam and is vapor permeable. If you re replacing r value with r value it s the most expensive product duffy admits. R value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another.

As a benchmark one inch of solid wood has an r value of 1. Closed cell spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation offers more r value per inch of thickness than most other insulation products. A higher r value prevents more heat from escaping through the insulation.

Closed cell spray foam insulation cost is 1 25 2 00 per board foot for the material diy. This is the comparison on spray foam vs batts. If it gets wet r value will be decreased. Closed cell spray foam has a far better r value per inch than other less effective insulations like cellulose fiberglass or even open cell foam.

It also takes a lot of energy to manufacture making it less environmentally friendly compared to spray foam.