PHOENIX, ARIZONA – It doesn’t matter where you live, heating and cooling your home can be an expensive convenience. A poorly insulated home makes it even more costly, which is why every home can benefit from some form of foam insulation.

A short-term investment in insulation can result in long-term cost savings, said Paul Kariniemi, co-owner of Retrofoam of Arizona, which specializes in home sound insulation and insulation for walls.

For those considering foam insulation, the Prescott, expert has compiled a list of the top 10 reasons why it is beneficial to retrofit your home with spray foam:

1- Spray foam is not affected by outside elements such as heat, cold and moisture. Once it has dried, it will not expand or contract as the weather changes.

2- Spray foam begins as a liquid, but it hardens as it dries to create a perfect seal.

3- No toxic vapors are emitted during the process and unlike fiberglass, there are no tiny particles that can become airborne and pollute the environment.

4- Spray foam adds strength and value to your home.

5- It will lower your utility bills because your air conditioner and heater are permitted to work more efficiently.

6- Materials in high quality spray foam are naturally fire resistant.

7- Spray foam reduces external noise.

8- Spray foam is waterproof so it eliminates condensation, moisture and mold growth.

9- External pollutants and particles are removed, which results in improved air quality.

10- Bugs and vermin are kept out, which saves on extermination costs.

When considering what type of insulation to install, pay attention to the R-value and air seal.

“There are many products on the market that claim to be energy efficient,” Kariniemi said. “In terms of insulation, the ratings that matter are R-Value and air seal, which refer to a products ability to reduce heat transfer and stop uncontrolled air leaks. The higher the R value the better the thermal resistance. Air seal is a yes or no option, either a product provides an air seal or it doesn’t seal air leaks at all.

The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and its density. The types of insulation available are: rolls of fiberglass; blow-in, loose fill material; mixed fibers sprayed with an adhesive to open wall cavities; radiant barriers; and spray foam.

Spray foam has the ability to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation material.

“The high R-value of the product offers unique benefits in terms of application because it is easier to insulate around obstructions such as pipes and duct work,” said Kariniemi, an Arizona insulation professional. “While its main objective is to reduce heat transfer, it also has the ability to seal out air leaks. When you have air leaks, you let warm air in and cool air out and you might as well be throwing money out the window.”

How It’s Made
Spray foam is made by mixing and reacting chemicals to create a polyurethane foam, which is then pumped into the walls, ceilings and other places where one would need insulation in their new or existing home. As a result, heat is kept in during the winter and hot air is kept out in the summer.

“Because spray foam is not a long piece of fluffy fiberglass, it can seal every tiny gap and crack in the house to provide excellent insulation,” said Kariniemi.

“Spray foam insulations have been inspected on homes 20 years after installation and its ability to hold up through the years is amazing,” Kariniemi said. “Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. Don’t let air, moisture and pests degrade your home, invest in spray foam and enjoy its benefits for years to come.”

Learn More:
To learn more about Retrofoam of Arizona, visit their website at www.retrofoamaz.com or call 602-222-3626.

About Retrofoam:
Serving the state of Arizona since 2010, Retrofoam focuses on using home insulation products to help home and office owners become more energy efficient. They place a priority on being attentive and thorough and giving their customers a maximum return on their investment.

© 2011 Master Google and Retrofoam. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Retrofoam and Master Google, a company that posts articles on the top 10 article submission sites, are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.