Spray foam insulation is the most commonly used form of insulation installed in houses. It is a liquid solution, unlike the traditional fiberglass insulation, which is sprayed onto the crevices in the wall. This effective lather fills the wall cavities and makes sure that the outflow of air is kept to a minimum.
However, it should be noted that this improved form of insulation is more costly than other forms of insulation. Calculating the cost of liquid foam insulation is determined by factors such as the type of insulation, the amount of liquid foam needed to be applied in the region/area where it is needed and the type of property it is being used in.
The Type
There are 2 types of liquid foam insulations;
1) Open-cell Insulation:
Open-cell insulation costs the least amongst all liquid foam insulators. This is because the formula does not require combinations of complex chemicals in massive amounts. This type of insulator has an R-Value of about 4.5, making it an effective barrier to prevent penetration of external energies into a space. A significant reduction in sound and cold can be achieved through its use, but as far as water vapor is concerned, this type of insulation must be avoided.
2) Closed-cell Insulation:
Thicker in consistency, a larger amount of immensely complex chemical elements is used in this liquid foam mixture. This makes the insulator more compact and high water, noise, and cold/heat-resistant. The R-Value of such insulation is approximately 6.5. This makes it even more costly.
Amount You Need
The amount you need is determined by the area of coverage. The larger your wall cavities are, the more liquid insulation you will need. If you choose insulation with a lower R-Value, such as open-cell insulation in a colder region, you will again need a greater amount as such insulation would not be effective unless 2 coats are applied.
A simple mathematical formula allows you to calculate your board length:
The Total Square Footage x Depth in Inches
This formula calculates the total board length or the total area, that needs spray foam insulation. This method allows you to determine the amount of insulation required.
Type of Property
A pre-built property is more costly to insulate, with the wall cavities requiring a thorough inspection before insulation is applied. At times, cavities are located in inaccessible areas of a house, making the process all the more difficult. Labor charges higher rates for such insulations due to the risks and hazards.
A property under construction is less costly to insulate. This is because the insulator contractor can easily pre-insulate the walls. This way, wall cavities are treated beforehand.
If you DIY insulate your house, you will obviously only have to pay for the insulation kit you purchase and the material you need to spray the liquid foam. There will be no labor cost involved.
Rates
An easy way to calculate the overall cost is by multiplying the board foot length with the price of liquid foam per square foot.
Open-cell Insulation: This liquid foam spray costs about $0.54 per board foot.
Closed-cell Insulation: This liquid foam spray costs about $1.5 per board foot.