Insulation is an important part of any home's building envelope. Proper insulation acts as a barrier between your home's interior and the outside environment to prevent heat transfer. Expanding foam insulation (also referred to as spray foam insulation) has become more prominent in the modern construction market.

You may be questioning whether expanding foam insulation is right for your home if you have been given false information about this product. Correcting common misconceptions will allow you to take advantage of the insulating benefits expanding foam can offer.

1. Expanding Foam Shrinks

One of the more common misconceptions about expanding foam insulation is that the product will shrink over time. Shrinkage would compromise the integrity of your insulation system, allowing heat to move freely between your home's interior and the outdoors.

It's important to recognize that shrinkage is merely a myth. As long as your expanding foam is installed by trained and experienced technicians, you should expect the insulation to offer comprehensive coverage over the course of time.

2. Expanding Foam Smells

You may have had other homeowners tell you that their expanding foam insulation emits an unpleasant odor that lingers for days, weeks, or even years after installation. While it's true that some foam insulation products do have a faint odor, there are numerous products with absolutely no discernible odor.

If smell is an issue that is preventing you from investing in expanding foam insulation, talk to your contractor. You can request an insulation product that will go undetected by even the most delicate nose.

3. Expanding Foam Is Expensive

Cost is usually a concern when homeowners are looking to upgrade the insulation in their homes. If you are worried that the cost of expanding foam insulation will be too high, it's important to consider the entire lifespan of insulation products before making a final decision.

Foam insulation costs 2-3 times more to install than fiberglass or cellulose, but installation is only a small part of the bigger picture. Fiberglass and celluloid must be constantly maintained and replaced in order to preserve their ability to insulate your home.

Foam insulation requires no ongoing maintenance, and the foam itself will provide protection against heat transfer in your home for many years. The cost of continually replacing fiberglass or cellulose insulation will eventually overshadow the one-time installation cost associated with foam insulation.

Don't let misconceptions prevent you from protecting your home with expanding foam insulation.

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