Is spray insulation cheaper than fiberglass?
David Craig
Updated on March 15, 2026
Is spray insulation cheaper than fiberglass?
Fiberglass insulation is significantly cheaper than spray foam insulation, but it is also less effective, especially in extremely cold conditions. Professional installation is required for spray foam insulation, but fiberglass insulation can often be installed by homeowners themselves.
Is spray foam better than fiberglass?
Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass, making it a better insulator. Another difference between them is that spray foam is watertight while fiberglass cracks under moisture. However, installing spray foam requires a professional while fiberglass is easy to install yourself.
Is spray insulation the best?
R-value is a simple “the higher, the better” statistic. On paper, spray foam is the clear winner in this category, as closed cell foam can reach staggering R-value heights of up to 7.0. It also doesn’t sag or settle over time, a side effect that fiberglass insulation suffers from when it’s installed incorrectly.
What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?
List of the Cons of Spray Foam Insulation
- Spray foam insulation does not always fill every possible cavity.
- Spray foam insulation might encourage water damage for some homeowners.
- Spray foam insulation can sometimes shrink.
- Spray foam insulation requires a lot of experience to get it right.
Is spray foam cancerous?
Current spray foam mixtures containing formaldehyde can produce the airborne MDI against which the EPA warns. Such chemicals can cause cancer and contribute to unsafe air quality.
Can I spray foam my own house?
The answer is yes, but drywall needs to be removed before you can install the foam. Spray foam expands rapidly when it is applied to the inside of walls. In our experience, this is the only viable technique for installing insulation in existing walls without first removing the drywall.
What is the R-value of 2 inches of spray foam?
R-Value In 2 Inches Of Spray Foam Open-cell spray foam is vapor-permeable. The R-value ranges from R-3.5 to R-3.6 per inch. The filling of a 2×4 cavity yields about an R-13.
Is spray foam insulation more expensive than fiberglass?
Spray foam insulation is considerably more expensive than fiberglass insulation. In some cases, the price of spray foam insulation can exceed that of fiberglass by three times over. As such, fiberglass is often the insulation material of choice for those searching for an inexpensive insulation solution.
How much does it cost to spray foam a 2000 square foot house?
Spray foam insulation costs $0.44 to $1.50 per board foot. A board foot is one square foot that is one-inch thick, or one square foot that’s covered by one inch of spray foam insulation….Cost of Materials by Size in Square Feet.
| Size in Square Feet | Price* |
|---|---|
| 2,000 | $880 – $3,000 |
| 2,500 | $1,100 – $3,750 |
| 3,000 | $1,320 – $4,500 |
Why is spray foam bad?
According to the US EPA, the dangers of spray foam insulation include exposure to harmful chemicals, lung and eye irritation, shortness of breath, sore throat, and fever. However, you can avoid these adverse effects by using protective equipment when installing spray foam insulation.
Can mold grow on spray foam insulation?
Adding spray foam insulation in potential problem areas is a great way to insulate your home and goes a long way towards mold prevention. It is mold-resistant because it expands when it gets wet, meaning there’s no room for mold or mildew!
Where should you not use spray foam insulation?
When NOT to Use Spray Foam Insulation
- For areas that are too close to electrical boxes:
- For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:
- Open-cell spray foam on your roof:
- For closed-cavity spaces:
- If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems: