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Topic:	Roof Insulation
Builder:	Ed Stahl
Company:	R.E.S. Contracting, Inc. PO Box 4198 Prescott, Arizona 86302
Phone:	(800) 565-9165
eMail:	rescon@commspeed.net
Web Site:	http://www.prescottbuilder.com

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Spray Foam Insulation Is The Best Choice For Residential Roofs

When it comes to insulating your home, pink fiberglass isn’t the only option. Spray-on foam insulation is gaining popularity because of its many benefits.

How It Works

Spray-on insulation is made of polyurethane foam – the same kind of insulation appliance manufacturers have used in refrigerators and water heaters for years. The liquid polyurethane is pumped through pressurized spray nozzles – as it lands on the surface of your attic or side walls, it expands to form a continuous insulating barrier.

Benefits

The polyurethane used has the highest R-value for any given thickness compared to other insulation products. Because it provides a higher R-value per inch, homeowners using foam insulation can use 2x4 construction on exterior walls instead of the 2x6 studs required with traditional insulation.  The advantages of Spray-on foam insulation include;

• Lower utility bills
• Air-tight seal eliminates air filtration
• All mechanical ducting in the attic is now within the heated space, eliminating heat loss at the ducts
• Need to ventilate the attic is eliminated
• Moisture resistant, eliminates risk of mold
• Fire and insect resistant
• After initial payback- you save money year after year
  
• Less energy use is good for the environment
  

Drawbacks

Spray foam insulation is not a do-it-yourself project – you’ll need to hire a contractor certified in applying this new technology. It’s also a messy process, so it’s better for new construction rather than existing homes. And using foam insulation in sidewalls may cause difficulties or delays if electrical and plumbing contractors aren’t familiar working around it.

Cost

The initial cost of using spray foam insulation runs about 20 percent higher than traditional materials. But keep in mind that the increase in R-value and air sealing will lower your utility bills by 30 percent - paying back the cost difference in energy savings in five years or less.

Ed Stahl is the founder R.E.S. Contracting, Inc. -- a custom home building company located in Prescott, Arizona which specializes in high quality, energy efficient homes.