Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass Insulation

About Icynene

When considering investing in effective insulation for your home, you might initially be unsure which insulation is the best choice. If you’re wondering: what is better, spray foam insulation or fiberglass? We’re here to help! At Mass Foam Systems, we are firm believers that spray foam insulation is the number one choice for both old and modern homes. This is purely because of the vast array of benefits that it can bring you and your home, unlike any other insulation material on the market.

Read our full breakdown of how spray foam and fiberglass differ, and why Icynene spray foam insulation is the top solution for your home.

• Airtightness

One of the biggest benefits of spray foam insulation is that it is completely airtight, whereas fiberglass is not. The gaps that occur in fiberglass mean that air can pass through it much more easily, negatively affecting insulating effectiveness. This means that foam insulation has much greater thermal efficiency compared to fiberglass, where no outside air can get in. Consequently, homes remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus, the airtightness can help to protect your home from outdoor dust, pollen and other air pollutants.

• Protection from water

Spray foam insulation is hugely practical due to its ability to repel water. However, fiberglass is not protected from water and cannot drain it once absorbed, which can be problematic to your home’s structure. It can also have a huge impact on how well it insulates your home. Open cell Icynene® spray foam can drain water, with closed cell stopping water from entering completely. So, when it rains, you don’t have to worry!

• Ability to stay in place

A key factor you should look for in an insulation material is its ability to stay in place. With fiberglass, you will likely notice sagging over time. This means that fiberglass is not an effective long-term solution for insulating your home, as sagging can create gaps for air to flow through. Whereas, spray foam insulation stays firmly in place for many years to come, with zero sagging to prevent pollutants from entering your home.

• Eco-friendliness & health benefits

Icynene® spray foam is a much healthier, eco-friendlier alternative to fiberglass. This is because spray foam contains zero harmful toxins that could emit within your home. However, fiberglass often contains a chemical called formaldehyde, which is not favourable for human health.

Plus, foam insulation is not seen as a nesting environment or source of food by pests. Fiberglass is very easy to tear apart, which means it is often used as a nesting material. Torn apart fiberglass would consequently damage it and its ability to effectively insulate your home.

Got more questions about how spray foam differs from fiberglass? Contact our friendly team of specialists at Mass Foam Systems who would be happy to help. Simply call 0800 246 5051 or request a call back.

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