Spray Foam | Cellulose | Fiberglass Insulation

Spray foam works wonders in Arizona’s extreme temperatures.  Spray foam applied in Phoenix will bring your attic into conditioned space so all the ductwork and air handlers no longer need to work against 150 degree attic temperature.  The first 90 seconds the AC is running will actually put out cool air during the summer rather than preheated air from ductwork that has been baking in the attic.  Spray foam also acts as an air barrier, effectively sealing up your home from dust and allergens.  Air sealing can be done manually by removing the insulation and sealing attic penetrations, canned lights and top plates but they are sometimes difficult to find, in hard to reach spots and must be done while balancing from stud-to-stud.

Spray foam insulation has the highest R-value and is more effective at blocking the heat than cellulose and fiberglass.  There are two types of spray foam, open cell and closed cell.  Both types also serve as an air barrier helping to seal up penetrations and keep conditioned air inside your home while keeping dust and pollen out (see article on How to Stop Home Allergens). 

Open cell foam expands much more than closed cell foam and therefore provides better sound blockage than closed cell foam.  However, open cell foam has an R-value of R-3.6 compared to the R-6 of closed cell foam. 

Closed cell foam costs more but is has a higher R-value at R-6 per inch and is useful in tight areas without a lot of space.  The closed cell spray foam does not block outside noise as well as the closed cell but it is much denser and enhances the structural integrity where installed.  Closed cell foam is also an excellent vapor barrier to stop moisture from entering the home.