When you think about insulating your home, it’s important to consider the R-value and air sealing capabilities of different products. Closed-cell spray foam provides superior energy efficiency, but traditional fiberglass batt insulation is a more affordable option for many homeowners. The flash-and-batt insulation technique combines the two to create a high performance wall system. But is it the best option for you? This article weighs the pros and cons of this new technique to help you decide.

The Pros of Fiberglass Batts

Insulation’s main purpose is to resist heat flow in and out of a building, spray foam insulation your warm house comfortable in the winter and your cool house cozy in the summer. Regardless of the type, all insulation must be effective at blocking conduction and convection to effectively provide energy savings. Unlike traditional fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam adheres to surfaces, providing an air seal. That’s why it’s so effective in preventing air leakage, a major cause of poor thermal performance.

While fiberglass is cheap and easy to install, its lack of an air barrier significantly limits performance. Without an air barrier, heat can transfer through the wood studs in your exterior walls and compromise your home’s R-value. The addition of a layer of closed-cell spray foam creates an air barrier to stop this thermal bridging and boost a wall’s R-value.

Another area where spray foam’s superiority over fiberglass stands out is moisture resistance. When water vapor in the air reaches its max capacity, it turns from a gaseous to liquid state and can penetrate your exterior sheathing and interior walls. A layer of 2 inches of spray foam helps maintain a higher temperature in your wall assembly and prevent this condensation from occurring.

TCS Insulation & Coatings
636 7th Ave W, Fargo, ND 58078
218-616-7930