Spray Foam Vs. Fiberglass: What Contractors Need to Know

Two popular insulation materials stand out when it comes to homes and businesses: spray foam and fiberglass insulation. Understanding the differences between these two materials is important to finding the best type of insulation for each job, showcase the value to your customers, and help them make informed decisions for their home or business. 

When it comes to spray foam versus fiberglass insulation, key things to note are the installation process, energy efficiency, R-value, and sustainability. Let’s dive in.

Key Differences Between Spray Foam and Fiberglass Insulation

Installation 

Spray foam: Applied as a liquid, spray foam expands to fill gaps tightly and hardens into place. Open-cell and closed-cell foam easily conforms to the shape of the space and creates an airtight seal, allowing for precise application in tight areas like attics and crawl spaces. Quick cure times reduce downtime so your crew can move on to the next task or job faster.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation typically comes in batts or rolls. Installation involves cutting to fit the space between wall studs, ceiling joists, and floor joists and securing it in place with staples or wire supports. It’s more time-consuming to install, especially in irregular or narrow spaces, and can lead to gaps that affect the overall performance.

Flexibility of Application

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation offers greater flexibility in application, allowing you to use it in unconventional spaces or areas with irregular shapes. You can rely on spray foam for consistent, high-quality results in hard-to-reach areas.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation may be more challenging to install in areas with obstacles or obstructions. It requires careful cutting and fitting to ensure proper coverage, which can be time-consuming and impact your business’s overall efficiency and profitability.

Necessary Equipment

Spray Foam: Spray foam requires specialized parts and equipment, including plural component spray foam in a mobile rig, spray gun, hoses, transfer pumps, generator, air compressor and air dryer. While worth the investment, the upfront costs can be a barrier for new spray foam insulation businesses. 

Fiberglass: Minimal special equipment is needed to install fiberglass — mainly cutting tools and supports like staples or wire. The initial investment and overhead costs are lower. 

Energy Efficiency

Spray Foam: The foam’s ability to create a seamless barrier against air leakage significantly reduces energy loss and lowers utility bills. Our spray foam has been shown to reduce monthly heating and cooling costs by 40-50%, which is a huge incentive for your customers. 

Fiberglass: While effective, fiberglass insulation may leave gaps and seams that allow air to pass through, compromising its efficiency.

R-Value

R-value measures the thermal resistance of insulation—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Let’s look at the R-Value of spray foam vs. fiberglass. 

Spray Foam: With an average of 7 R-value per inch, spray foam typically boasts a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass. You can install thinner layers while still achieving top-notch energy efficiency, saving time and money on both installation and materials.

Fiberglass: The average 3 R-value of fiberglass is, which is suitable for most homes and businesses. However, it still doesn’t match spray foam’s efficiency, which can lead to increased material costs in certain installations.

Moisture Resistance

Spray Foam: Closed-cell spray foam repels water, making it ideal for humid environments or areas prone to moisture buildup, like basements and attics. This opens up many doors for your business as you look to serve a variety of different customers and spaces. It can reduce callbacks and negative reviews from customers related to moisture-related issues or damage. 

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation can absorb moisture, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth over time if not properly installed or maintained.

Environmental Considerations

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is made from chemicals (isocyanate and polyol resin) that can have negative environmental impacts if not properly handled.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is made from recycled glass and sand, rendering it a relatively eco-friendly option. However, the manufacturing process is known to be energy-intensive. 

Consider environmental regulations and ordinances for various projects to ensure you’re meeting necessary standards. As environmental awareness grows, weigh the pros and cons with your customers and discuss their sustainability goals.

Sound Insulation

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation can help your customers reduce noise transmission through walls and floors due to its dense structure. 

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation can also help with sound insulation but may not be as effective as spray foam in blocking out noise.

Pest Resistance

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation can act as a barrier against pests due to its solid, sealed structure. It prevents rodents and insects from entering the home through small openings.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation may leave gaps or openings that can serve as entry points for pests, potentially leading to infestations.

Cost

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation generally has a higher upfront material cost, which passes along to your customers. However, faster installation and fewer maintenance callbacks mean that upfront cost usually balances out with lower labor costs. You can position it as a premium product, justifying higher bids.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation is less expensive initially, but installation can be more time-intensive. Gaps and sagging over time may lead to additional costs for repairs or energy inefficiencies, impacting long-term customer satisfaction and product costs.

Bottom Line: Is Spray Foam Insulation Better Than Fiberglass?

Spray foam’s versatility and high profit margins makes it a smart choice for contractors and property owners. 

• Higher Profit Margins: The long-term value spray foam provides your customers — including energy savings and durability — justifies a higher price point and increases your profitability.
• Faster Installation Times: Spray foam is relatively easy to install, shortening the process. This saves labor hours and minimizes callbacks so you can complete jobs faster and handle more projects.
• Meeting Customer Demand: Property owners are looking for energy-efficient solutions. Spray foam’s superior performance is a great selling point for your business and increases overall customers satisfaction.

That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in the battle of spray foam vs. fiberglass insulation. The best choice always depends on your customer’s specific needs and preferences. 

Contractor FAQs 

Is Spray Foam Insulation Cheaper Than Fiberglass​?

Spray foam insulation is generally more expensive upfront than fiberglass due to specialized equipment needs (like a mobile spray foam rig) and higher material costs. However, its faster installation and higher energy savings allow you to charge premium prices and offer long-term value to your customers, making it the more profitable option over time.

Can You Put Fiberglass Insulation Over Spray Foam​?

Yes, you can install fiberglass insulation over spray foam. However, it’s typically unnecessary because spray foam already provides an airtight seal and high R-value, making it highly effective on its own. Adding fiberglass may not enhance the insulation’s performance and could lead to inefficiencies or wasted material.

How Should You Market Spray Foam vs. Fiberglass to Customers​?

As a business owner and trusted resource, customers rely on your expertise to help them make smart long-term decisions. Emphasize the long-term benefits of spray foam insulation compared to traditional insulation options like fiberglass, such as significant energy savings, superior air sealing, and moisture resistance. Highlight value adds such as lower utility bills, improved comfort, and quick installation times that allow for less disruption and downtime. 

Oak Ridge Is Here to Help With All Your Spray Foam Needs

Let’s chat if you’re curious to learn more about spray foam insulation and how it compares to other options like fiberglass and cellulose insulation. 

Updated December 12, 2024