How To Use Spray Foam for Weatherproofing Your Home

Here in Winnipeg, we get some pretty extreme weather. From our hot summers to brutally cold winters, weatherproofing your home with the right insulation is a necessity. When your home isn't properly insulated, you might notice cold drafts, temperature fluctuations, and moisture issues, along with skyrocketing energy bills. Your house needs to be able to withstand the elements to keep you and your family comfortable. Spray foam insulation is gaining popularity because it's such a highly effective insulator, while also being one of the most energy-efficient insulation materials on the market. Let's talk more about using spray foam to weatherproof your home.

What is spray foam insulation?

Polyurethane spray foam is one of the strongest insulation systems available. It's sprayed onto the desired area with a hose attached to a dynamic machine. When sprayed, two liquid materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, mix and expand, adhering to the surface. Spray foam insulation has a relatively high R-value when compared to other traditional insulation methods, such as fibreglass or cellulose. The higher the R-value, the better a material is at insulating your home.

Why does spray foam make such a good insulator?

Not only does spray foam have a high R-value, but it has the unique ability to create an airtight seal, eliminating any gaps and cracks in your insulation. This sets spray foam apart from other typical insulation materials. Even in well-insulated buildings, air leakage allows outside air to enter, causing cold drafts and fluctuations in temperature. Up to 40% of energy can be lost through gaps in the insulation! Not only will this affect your home comfort, but it has a negative effect on your wallet via your monthly energy bills. Spray foam, on the other hand, reduces virtually all air infiltration and has a built-in moisture and vapour barrier which prevents mould and protects your home from humidity. Spray foam insulation works to keep you and your family comfortable in all seasons while conserving energy and saving you money.

Where can I use spray foam to weatherproof my home?

The Attic – An underinsulated attic is a major source of energy loss in the home, especially during a cold winter. Since hot air rises, it will escape through a poorly insulated attic. In the summer, an uninsulated attic will cause your upper levels to become stuffy and overly warm. Spray foam insulation is a great choice for the attic because it can expand to fill all gaps, crevasses, or irregularly shaped spaces.

The Basement or Crawl Space – Properly insulating the foundation of your home plays a crucial part in preventing moisture from seeping in through the ground. By protecting the exterior walls of your basement, you'll be working to keep the rest of your house dry and comfortable.

Walls – Your walls require proper insulation to regulate the temperature in your home. Spray foam works well to insulate around wires, pipes, or ductwork, filling the nooks and crannies to prevent air leakage.

Joist Ends, Rooftops, Ceilings, Etc. – In addition to the common areas, spray foam can be used to insulate and seal nearly every area in your home.

Whether you're trying to keep cool in the summer or warm in the winter, spray foam is one of the most powerful insulators. Spray foam effectively weatherproofs your home while saving you money on energy bills throughout the year. Call us at Great Canadian Insulation for a free estimate today.