Insulation: The Value Option

Does blown-in foam insulation justify its high cost?

Yes.  For return on investment, foam insulation is unquestionably a leader.  When Labrador Services performs energy audits, the action item that receives the most attention is foam insulation—and for good reason: blown-in foam can approach three to four times the cost of standard fiberglass insulation.  The additional investment is well worth it.  In fact, foam insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home for the following reasons:

It minimizes air movement and drafts

The “air barrier” properties of blown-in insulation are superior to all other available options. Foam is made up of tightly packed cells making its structure inherently superior to the loose weave of fiberglass.  Since foam sticks directly to the walls and framing, it keeps drafts from migrating through its structure and entering the living space.

Fewer gaps = increased efficiency

Blown-in insulation is essentially injected into the walls of the home, eliminating the cumbersome and inexact process of cutting standard insulation to fit.  No nook, cranny or architectural element is left unprotected.

The U.S. Department of Energy has found that blown-in foam insulation consistently achieves 30% better insulating values than any fiberglass product.  That 30% is a fixed cost that pays immediate dividends and compounds continually.  Properly installed insulation will provide decades of comfort and savings, unlike window and door upgrades, which have a significantly shorter lifespan.

We work with a number of local insulation firms and have had particular luck completing projects with Foam USA (www.foamusainc.com).