What’s the Best Insulation for Tulsa Homes?
Tulsa’s temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, with hot, humid summers and chilly winters. To stay comfortable year-round, homeowners must have proper insulation to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reduce energy bills and improve overall efficiency.
With Tulsa’s climate in mind, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s insulation efficiently prevents heat from escaping during the winter and conditioned air from escaping in the summer. Selecting the right type of insulation — whether it’s spray foam, fiberglass or blown-in — can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, temperature control and home value.
Keep reading to understand the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Comparing Spray Foam, Fiberglass and Blown-In Insulation
Spray foam, fiberglass and blown-in insulation materials can be useful for a range of homes, but it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each to know which best fits your needs.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is sprayed on surfaces and in cracks and gaps in a liquid form that expands, creating an airtight barrier. Its pros and cons include:
Pros:
- Spray foam features the highest R-value per inch, making it the most energy-efficient.
- Spray foam is ideal for its air-sealing properties that help prevent drafts and moisture issues.
- This material is best for attics, crawl spaces and new construction.
Cons:
- Spray foam has a higher initial cost compared to other options.
- This insulation material requires professional installation due to its specialized equipment, complex mixing process and health hazards.
Fiberglass Insulation
Made from fine strands of glass, fiberglass insulation comes in a range of styles for versatility. Its advantages and disadvantages include:
Pros:
- This cost-effective material is also widely available.
- Fiberglass insulation can be installed as batts or rolls, making it easy to work with.
- This insulation is efficient when installed in walls, attics and floors.
Cons:
- Its lower R-value per inch compared to spray foam makes it less efficient.
- It’s not as effective at sealing air leaks, which can lead to potential energy loss and higher utility bills.
Blown-In Insulation (Cellulose & Fiberglass)
Blown-in insulation is a loose-fill insulation material that’s installed using a specialized blowing machine. Some benefits and drawbacks include:
Pros:
- Blown-in insulation is ideal for retrofitting homes, as it can be blown into existing walls and attics.
- This material can be blown into hard-to-reach spaces, providing ample coverage.
- It’s a more affordable option than spray foam while still improving efficiency.
Cons:
- Blown-in insulation settles over time, so more must be added periodically.
- It’s less effective at air sealing compared to spray foam, which can lead to energy loss and costlier upkeep.
Which Insulation Is Right for Your Tulsa Home?
Doing your research is essential when it comes to deciding on the right insulation for your home. While spray foam is costlier upfront and requires a more in-depth installation process, it offers significant energy efficiency and reliability when placed appropriately.
Fiberglass and blown-in insulation may be slightly less efficient and require more upkeep than spray foam, but they’re both ideal for tighter budgets and often offer more versatility and coverage. No matter the option you choose, investing in proper insulation is crucial for reducing energy bills and improving comfort for Tusla homeowners.
Are you not sure which insulation is right for your home? Contact IBP Tulsa for a free consultation today!
Get the Best Insulation for Your Tulsa Home with IBP Tulsa
IBP Tulsa’s team of qualified technicians offers the resources and expertise that few local companies can match. Proudly part of the Installed Building Products Family of Companies, we’re confident in our ability to provide our community with leading insulation services.
Schedule your free insulation consultation with IBP Tulsa today!
