Whenever you think of insulation, you might ask yourself, “Do I really need that?”

Or you might comment to yourself, “’I already have it so no need to mess with it.”

Typical mind thoughts of a homeowner to be sure. But did you know that spray foam insulation, once hardened, can not only save you on energy, but can actually add support and strength to those two by fours?

You’ve probably heard of this popular and modernized insulation product that’s taking this country by storm – no pun intended. Let us provide an overview about how this product really can add to your home’s structural integrity.

Once you’re ready to discuss how these benefits of spray foam insulation can help your Minnesota home, give The Construction Group a call at 651-731-5857.

What Is a Structural Load?

Internal and external forces can act upon any standing structure. The external force is known as a structural load, or to put it technically, the load created upon the structure by the sum of its various components.

Conversely, an internal force is the stress that results from the load. The load is the action, and the stress is the reaction.

Major damage to the structure can result if the structure is not strong or sturdy enough to handle the stress from a structural load. If you see any cracks in your foundations or walls, this means that your home is adjusting to the structural load.

Homeowners might recognize this effect in action in the form of cracks in foundation or walls as homes start to “settle” under the structural load. However, a hairline crack is one thing; A bigger crack requires some professional advice from a foundation expert.

When you understand this brief mini-lesson on physics, you’re ready to read on about how spray foam insulation can help your home’s stability.

Rely on the Structural Bonus of Foam Insulation

One of the most positive things about spray foam insulation in general is that it sticks directly to building materials as soon as it’s applied by a professional installer. You can be sure that fiberglass doesn’t do that!

Once applied, it expands immediately, hardens as it transforms from liquid to a solid, and then becomes part of the home’s structural frame, adding an extra “layer” of stability, if you will.

Understand the Difference Between Closed & Open-Cell

There are two types of spray-foam insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane.

With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. The type of insulation you should choose depends on your budget.

According to energy.gov, closed-cell foam is denser, has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage. But it’s a little more expensive than open-cell.

Overall, this is a better choice for homeowners worried about future moisture or leak damage. Closed-cell also provides better structural integrity than open-cell.

Open-cell insulation foam is composed of many air bubbles held within a polyurethane matrix. It is these trapped air bubbles that lessen the transfer of heat through the foam–making it actually better in warmer climates.

Open foam insulation quickly expands to fill the space, but it’s not as dense, nor does it harden quite the way closed-cell does. Open-cell foam is lighter and cheaper on the wallet.

Discuss Insulation Concerns & Needs With The Construction Group!

Whatever insulation material you end up choosing, contact us first! We know first-hand how spray foam and traditional insulation works from start to finish. Be confident that we will provide you not only our honest advice, but also a free estimate!

We provide expert-level quality that we are proud to produce. We handle most everything in your home from windows to gutters to roofing, so what are you waiting for?

Contact us today!