Spray foam insulation is one of the best solutions for homeowners who are serious about optimizing home performance; but, insulating the whole house may not be feasible or within the homeowner’s budget.

Don’t rule out the spray foam option just yet.

By concentrating on certain areas of the home that are most susceptible to energy loss or inconsistent temperatures, homeowners can maximize their budget and minimize energy costs. Spray foam insulation manufacturer, Icynene (www.icynene.com), guides home improvers to immediate energy savings – and comfort – with these rewarding insulation upgrades:

Attics: If your energy costs are “through the roof,” consider insulating your attic with a two–in–one spray foam insulation and air barrier. Insulating and air–sealing the attic floor is likely your best option for increasing energy efficiency and getting the best return on your insulation investment.

To improve home performance and comfort without having to spend money all at once, some spray foam contractors recommend insulating in steps, but homeowners will notice results from the very first installation. And the very first recommendation the contractor usually makes is to insulate the attic floor because the energy savings can be considerable.

Additions and/or rooms over garage/porch: Bonus rooms offer desirable additional space, but they are often uncomfortable – either too hot or too cold. In summer temperatures, an extra cooling zone can be required just to cool the space and remove the humidity. In cold weather, it is common to find floors that are 10° cooler than the room.

The cause – Air is leaking through the floor to or from the unconditioned garage below. Unfortunately, the conventional way of insulating the garage ceiling is often inadequate. It is almost impossible to install conventional insulation so that it stays in contact with the floor above. The other challenge is installing it accurately around bracing and bridging between joists. Air gaps usually exist between the floor and the insulation, compromising its R–value and performance.

The cure – Making the bonus room a comfortable space can be easily achieved using spray foam insulation. Spray foam adheres to the construction material for a continuous air–seal and complete protective barrier. It fills and seals all gaps to minimize air leakage, potential condensation problems, and air quality issues. Homeowners can get comfortable in this room without cranking the A/C this summer.

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