For years, SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) contractors have been challenged by building code requirements that call for high R-values in attics, especially in colder climates like Pennsylvania, where R-values of 49 are often mandated. To provide a more accurate assessment of how well different insulation types perform under real-world conditions, the esteemed Oak Ridge National Laboratories, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy, with their advanced attic climate simulator, have been at the forefront of this research.

In July 2005, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) commissioned R&D Services to conduct comprehensive tests within the advanced attic climate simulator. The focus was on comparing the thermal performance of low-density, water-blown SPF and 2lb density HFC 245fa-blown SPF against traditional blown-in fiberglass insulation, ensuring a rigorous and thorough testing process.

The experiments were carried out under both winter and summer conditions in a test section measuring 8×8 ft., totaling an area of 64 sq ft. The configurations tested included:

• Loose-fill fiberglass laid on the attic floor, with a depth of 14 inches.
• Low-density SPF sprayed between rafters on the underside of the roof deck, with a depth of 5.5 inches.
• Medium-density SPF (2 lb) also applied between rafters on the roof deck’s underside, at a depth of 4 inches.

Results:

The testing revealed significant differences in performance:

• Both low—and medium-density SPF maintained much higher effective R-values compared to fiberglass insulation. Specifically, SPF retained 74% and 83% of its reported R-value at low temperatures, dramatically outperforming fiberglass insulation, which held only 46%. At higher temperatures, SPF systems maintained 61% and 67% of their R-value, compared to 51% for fiberglass.
• Attic temperatures with SPF were considerably more stable: low and medium-density SPF maintained average temperatures of 77-78 degrees Fahrenheit in high heat, and 60-61 degrees in cold, versus fiberglass, which fluctuated to 107 degrees at high temperatures and dropped to 7 degrees in the cold.

These findings underscore the superior performance of SPF insulation in maintaining consistent attic temperatures and retaining its insulative properties under various climate conditions. This research from Oak Ridge National Laboratories highlights the effectiveness of SPF over traditional fiberglass, especially in extreme weather, offering a compelling argument for choosing advanced insulation solutions to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in homes.

If you want to see what Spray foam Insulation can do for you, contact us for a free estimate.

As the weather cools down, we often receive calls from customers troubled by extremely cold rooms and floors above their garages. This common issue is exacerbated when these spaces include bathrooms with tile floors, which become uncomfortably cold. The root of the problem lies in the insulation—the same material in your home’s walls and ceilings is used in your garage’s ceiling, but without the necessary modifications for spaces that are walked upon.

Spray Foam Insulators offers an effective solution: injection of open-cell foam into the garage ceiling. This method enhances the existing fiberglass insulation by adding an air seal without the need to remove the existing ceiling drywall. Our process involves drilling a 2.5” hole into each stud bay, spaced every eight feet, to allow for the injection of the foam.

After application, we plug the holes and apply a single coat of spackle. Completing the repair might require another coat of spackle and paint—a service we don’t provide directly, but we can recommend skilled contractors. Some moisture from the foam may cause bleeding in the drywall, but once dry, it’s ready for easy painting.

Interested in a quote? Send us four pictures of your garage, and we’ll get back to you with an estimate. Stay warm and comfortable in your over-garage living spaces this winter with our tailored insulation solutions.

The term “R-value” refers to the resistance to heat flow, with a higher R-value indicating better insulation power. While it’s assumed that insulation with the same R-value should perform equally, this isn’t always the case in practice. The effectiveness of insulation largely depends on its installation. According to the consumer.ftc.gov, perfectly installed insulation can retain most of its R-value, but commonly used materials like fiberglass and cellulose often see about a 50% reduction in effectiveness due to installation issues.

Consider a typical attic scenario: during hot days with temperatures ranging from 85-100°F, the attic can heat up significantly more due to radiant heat build-up and hot air infiltration. This heat can cause attic temperatures to soar to 120-140°F. If the living space below is at 75°F, the temperature difference (Delta T) can reach up to 60°F. This significant Delta T forces air conditioning systems to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures below.

However, by applying spray foam insulation directly to the underside of the roof deck and between the rafters, homeowners can create an unvented attic that significantly reduces this temperature differential to about 10-15°F. This not only makes the living area more comfortable but also enhances the efficiency of air conditioning units by reducing the load and frequency of operation. This adjustment in insulation strategy can lead to significant energy savings and improved indoor comfort.