Icynene Vs Fiberglass

I have owned an insulation company for over 20 years and have seen products come and go. Everyone is always reaching for a more energy efficient home and for their efforts I applaud them. First of all the R-values of open cell foam and fiberglass are almost the same, only the close cell foam gives you a higher R-value. Also, check the perm rating on the open cell foam which is installed with no vapor barrier, this would be a concern for me. In some parts of the country this may be acceptable but in most parts of the south a vapor barrier is required. I have always had mixed emotions about the open cell foam because of the high perm rating and the ability to mask leaks and the lack of a vapor barrier. In addition,the foam companies always talk about air infiltration and this is important but there are much cheaper and safe ways to stop air infiltration on a home. If fiberglass is installed correctly and not depressed and installed neatly around pipes and outlets, it is just as effective as high priced foam. Insulation is all about thermal performance, so use less expensive ways to stop air infiltration and let the insulation do what it does best. The bottom line is why spend the extra dollars on high priced open cell foam, when fiberglass can do a great job, if installed correctly. If you want to spend more money on insulation, I would suggest placing higher R-value fiberglass batts and higher R-value blown insulation in the attic and it will still be less expensive than the foam. The jury is still out on closed cell foam, although it has a higher R-value per inch, it is extremely expensive and the payback is many years. I also worry about this product masking leaks. If you want an energy efficient home, hire a certified HERS rater (home energy rater). You can locate these raters on the Energy Star Website. I hope this helps.

Look into airkrete insulation, its 100% enviromentally friendly, doesn’t off gas, is 100% fireproof, and various other great traits. There is installers in the NYC area. I am up in Ontario, and looking at this product myself. I am pretty sure icynene contains fire retardants called Deca BDE’s which is a big problem. US and Canada are looking into banning these fire retardant chemicals as they are toxic and harmful.

Icynene is a brand name for an open cell foam.If it is properly installed any spray foam I know of is much better than fiberglass batts (and a lot more money)It seals air leaks and gives a much better R value. A closed cell foam will give you an even better R value and is very resistant to water leaks, I prefer it. There is a lot of info online. But not many installers in NYC. Also many foams are flammable and must have a fire rated covering like sheetrock.