Blog

Spray Foam vs. Blown-In Cellulose: What’s the Difference?

Both spray foam and blown-in cellulose insulate your home. But they work differently and have different strengths. Here’s the honest comparison.

How Blown-In Cellulose Works

Blown-in insulation is shredded paper sprayed into cavities using a machine.

• Cost: $0.80–$1.50 per sq ft (cheaper than spray foam)
• R-value: ~3.6 per inch (better than fiberglass, less than spray foam)
• Installation: Relatively fast, less invasive than spray foam
• Air sealing: Better than batts but not as good as spray foam
• Moisture resistance: Poor. Cellulose absorbs water readily.
• Fire rating: Most cellulose is treated but burns easier than foam
• Settling: Can settle 15–20% over time, reducing effectiveness
• Lifespan: 20–30 years (shorter than spray foam)

Advantages of Blown-In Cellulose

• Lower cost: 30–50% cheaper than spray foam
• Eco-friendly: Made from recycled paper
• Fills cavities well: Better air sealing than batts
• Easy to add more later: Can blow in additional insulation in existing spaces
• Vapor-permeable: Allows moisture to dry out (in dry climates)

Disadvantages of Blown-In Cellulose

• Settles over time: R-value drops 15–20% after a few years
• Moisture problems: Absorbs water easily; mold risk in humid areas
• Air leaks: Doesn’t seal around penetrations as well as spray foam
• Shorter lifespan: 20–30 years vs. spray foam’s 40–50 years
• Pest issues: Mice nest more easily in loose cellulose than in firm foam
• Requires ventilation: In humid Peoria summers, cellulose needs attic ventilation to dry out

How Spray Foam Works (Recap)

• Cost: $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft
• R-value: 3.5–7 per inch (varies by type)
• Installation: Professional-only, equipment-intensive
• Air sealing: Excellent. Complete seal.
• Moisture resistance: Closed-cell is a vapor barrier; open-cell allows drying
• Durability: 40–50+ years, doesn’t settle
• Lifespan: Longest of all options

The Direct Comparison

Factor	Blown-In Cellulose	Spray Foam
Cost	$0.80–$1.50/sq ft	$1.50–$3.00/sq ft
R-value (per inch)	3.6	3.5–7
Air sealing	Good	Excellent
Settling	Yes (15–20%)	No
Moisture resistance	Poor	Good–Excellent
Lifespan	20–30 years	40–50+ years
Pest resistance	Poor	Good
Effective in humid climates	Not ideal	Yes

When to Choose Blown-In Cellulose

Blown-in makes sense if:

• Budget is the priority
• You have a dry attic with good ventilation
• You don’t plan to stay in the home 15+ years
• You prefer eco-friendly materials and accept lower performance
• You’re adding insulation to existing spaces (easier than foam)

When to Choose Spray Foam

Spray foam is better if:

• You want superior air sealing and energy performance
• You live in a humid climate (Peoria summers are humid)
• You want 40–50 year durability
• You want no settling or R-value loss over time
• You want pest prevention
• You plan to stay in your home 10+ years

Peoria Recommendation: Spray Foam Wins

Peoria’s climate—cold winters, hot humid summers—isn’t ideal for cellulose. Spray foam’s superior moisture resistance and air sealing make it the better long-term choice. Yes, it costs more, but it performs better and lasts longer.

Call now for a free comparison quote: 309-491-4457

Your Spray Foam Questions Answered

Spray foam insulation raises questions. Here are the most common ones we hear in Peoria—and honest answers.

Is spray foam safe?

Yes, when installed correctly. Professional installers follow strict safety protocols. Once cured (24 hours), spray foam is inert and safe. If you’re concerned about off-gassing, request a post-installation ventilation period. Quality foam has minimal VOCs.

How long does spray foam last?

30–50+ years. Spray foam is extremely stable. It doesn’t degrade, settle, or lose effectiveness over time like fiberglass. We’ve seen 40-year-old spray foam in perfect condition.

Will spray foam attract mice or bugs?

No. Once hardened, spray foam is impervious to pests. Mice can’t chew through it like they can fiberglass. It’s actually superior for pest prevention.

Can I DIY spray foam?

Not recommended. Spray foam requires specialized equipment, training, and safety gear. A bad DIY job can trap moisture or create health hazards. Professional installation is safer and more effective.

What’s the best type of spray foam for an attic?

Open-cell for most attics. It’s cheaper, provides good air sealing, and allows moisture to dry out if needed. Closed-cell is overkill for attics but required for basements or crawl spaces where moisture is a concern.

How much does it really cost?

Typically $6,000–$12,000 for a 1,500 sq ft attic. That sounds expensive, but factor in energy savings ($800–$1,600/year), federal tax credits (up to $3,200), and utility rebates. Your actual out-of-pocket might be 40–50% less.

Will spray foam increase my home value?

Yes, modestly. Energy-efficient upgrades like spray foam appeal to buyers. You won’t get dollar-for-dollar ROI, but buyers definitely prefer a well-insulated home.

Is spray foam better in Peoria’s climate?

Yes. Peoria has cold winters and hot, humid summers. Spray foam excels at both heating and cooling performance and handles humidity better than fiberglass.

Can I still have ventilation with closed-cell foam?

Sometimes—it depends. Closed-cell foam creates a moisture barrier, which changes how your attic ventilates. We assess your specific situation and ensure proper ventilation is maintained or adjusted.

What if I have mold or water damage?

Address it first. Spray foam won’t fix mold or water leaks. We can help identify leaks and recommend solutions before installing foam. Sometimes we install closed-cell foam as part of the repair strategy.

How long does installation take?

1–3 days depending on size. Small projects (1–2 days), large attics (2–3 days). After installation, wait 24 hours before entering the attic fully. Full cure takes about a week, but you can live in the home immediately.

Do I need to remove my old insulation first?

Often yes. Old fiberglass or cellulose should be removed before spray foam to avoid moisture issues. Some situations allow foam over old insulation, but removal is safer. We’ll assess and recommend the best approach.

What’s the warranty?

Most spray foam has a 10-year warranty; 25–50 year warranties are available. We stand behind our work. If something fails within warranty, we repair it.

Can spray foam be removed or adjusted?

Removal is difficult and expensive. But you rarely need to remove it. If you want to upgrade or modify (e.g., adding a ceiling), we work around it or carefully remove specific sections if needed.

Still Have Questions?

Call us for a free consultation. We’ll assess your home, answer all your questions, and provide a detailed estimate.

Call now: 309-491-4457

Spray Foam vs. Fiberglass: Which Insulation Is Better?

Both spray foam and fiberglass insulate your home. But they work differently. Here’s the truth about both, and why spray foam is worth the extra cost for most Peoria homes.

How Fiberglass Insulation Works

Fiberglass batts are sheets of fluffy pink or yellow insulation that fit between studs and joists.

• Cost: $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft (cheap)
• R-value: ~3.2 per inch
• Installation: Fast, DIY-friendly
• Air sealing: Minimal. Air leaks around edges and penetrations.
• Durability: 80+ years if dry, but degrades if wet
• Moisture resistance: Poor. Can absorb water and lose effectiveness.
• Soundproofing: Moderate

The Problem with Fiberglass

Fiberglass has major limitations:

• Air leaks: Gaps around batts allow cold/hot air to bypass insulation completely
• Settling: Over time, fiberglass compresses and loses R-value
• Moisture issues: In basements or humid spaces, fiberglass absorbs water and fails
• Rodent access: Mice love nesting in fiberglass
• Installation quality: Poorly installed fiberglass performs way worse than specifications claim

How Spray Foam Insulation Works

Spray foam is liquid that expands to fill cavities completely.

• Cost: $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft (expensive)
• R-value: Open-cell ~3.5/inch, Closed-cell ~6–7/inch
• Installation: Professional-only, requires special equipment
• Air sealing: Excellent. Creates a continuous seal across all penetrations.
• Durability: 80+ years, extremely stable
• Moisture resistance: Closed-cell is a moisture barrier; open-cell allows vapor permeability
• Soundproofing: Excellent

The Advantage of Spray Foam

• Complete sealing: No gaps, no air leaks. Every cavity is filled.
• No settling: Foam hardens immediately. R-value stays constant.
• Moisture barrier option: Closed-cell foam prevents water damage in basements.
• Rodent prevention: Hard foam is difficult for mice to penetrate.
• Consistent performance: Professional installation = guaranteed R-value.
• Structural benefit: Spray foam adds slight rigidity to walls and roofs.

The Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Fiberglass	Spray Foam
Cost (per sq ft)	$0.50–$1.00	$1.50–$3.00
R-value (per inch)	3.2	3.5–7
Air sealing	Poor	Excellent
Moisture resistance	Poor	Good–Excellent
Installation	DIY possible	Professional only
Durability	Good (if dry)	Excellent
Settling over time	Yes	No
Effective lifespan	15–30 years	30–50+ years

When to Choose Fiberglass

Fiberglass makes sense if:

• You’re on a tight budget and can accept lower R-value
• You’re insulating a dry attic with good ventilation
• You want to DIY (saves labor cost)
• You don’t care about air sealing perfection

When to Choose Spray Foam

Spray foam is better if:

• You want the best thermal performance and energy savings (most people)
• You’re insulating a basement or crawl space (moisture risk)
• You want superior air sealing and no drafts
• You’re renovating and want maximum performance
• You plan to stay in your home 10+ years (payback period)
• Energy efficiency tax credits offset some cost

Real-World Energy Savings

Peoria home with old fiberglass attic insulation + air leaks:

• Current energy loss: 30–40% of heating/cooling escapes through attic
• Heating bill: $2,000–$3,000/winter
• AC bill: $1,500–$2,000/summer

After spray foam retrofit:

• Energy loss reduced to: 5–10%
• Heating bill: $1,400–$2,100 (25–30% savings)
• AC bill: $1,200–$1,600 (15–20% savings)
• Annual savings: $800–$1,600
• Payback period: 5–8 years

Our Recommendation

For most Peoria homes, spray foam is the smarter investment. Yes, it costs more upfront. But the energy savings, comfort improvement, and durability make it worth it, especially if you’re planning to stay long-term.

Call now for a free energy assessment: 309-491-4457

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost in Peoria, IL?

Spray foam is one of the best insulation options—but it’s not the cheapest. Here’s what you’ll pay in Peoria and why the investment pays back.

Typical Spray Foam Costs in Peoria

• Open-cell foam: $1–$1.50 per board foot (typical attic: $3,000–$8,000)
• Closed-cell foam: $2–$3 per board foot (typical attic: $6,000–$15,000+)
• Rim joist sealing: $500–$2,000 per basement
• Crawl space encapsulation: $1,500–$4,000

Average Peoria home: 1,500 sq ft attic with 6″ spray foam = $6,000–$12,000 depending on type.

Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell: Which Do You Need?

• Open-Cell: Lower cost, softer, air-permeable, R-value ~3.5 per inch. Good for interior walls and attics with proper ventilation.
• Closed-Cell: Higher cost, rigid, moisture barrier, R-value ~6–7 per inch. Best for basements, crawl spaces, and exterior applications.

For attics in Peoria: Open-cell is usually the better value. For basements: Closed-cell is worth the extra cost.

What Affects Your Spray Foam Cost

• Square footage: Larger jobs = lower per-sq-ft cost
• Foam type: Open-cell is cheaper; closed-cell costs more
• Thickness: 4″–6″ is standard. Thicker = more cost but better R-value
• Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas take more labor
• Framing prep: If the attic is cluttered, prep work adds cost
• Removal of old insulation: Might be needed before new foam

Comparing Spray Foam to Other Insulation

• Fiberglass Batts: $0.50–$1.00/sq ft, but air leaks reduce effectiveness
• Blown Cellulose: $0.80–$1.50/sq ft, decent air sealing, less effective than spray foam
• Spray Foam: $1.50–$3.00/sq ft, superior air sealing, highest R-value per inch

Spray foam costs more upfront but performs better and lasts longer.

Energy Savings: The ROI

Spray foam typically saves Peoria homeowners:

• Winter heating: 15–30% reduction in heating costs
• Summer cooling: 10–20% reduction in AC costs
• Payback period: 5–10 years through energy savings
• Comfort improvement: Fewer drafts, more even temperatures

Over 20 years, spray foam insulation can save $10,000–$20,000+ in energy costs.

Hidden Costs to Anticipate

• Old insulation removal: $500–$2,000 to haul out old fiberglass or cellulose
• Air sealing work: Additional $1,000–$3,000 for sealing penetrations and gaps
• Ventilation adjustments: New foam may require soffit vent evaluation (~$500–$1,500)
• Warranty & warranty extensions: Most foam comes with 10-year; extended is available

Financing & Tax Incentives

• Federal Tax Credit: Up to $3,200 for energy-efficient insulation improvements (check current rules)
• Energy audit rebates: Ameren and Alliant offer rebates in Peoria
• Financing: Many contractors offer 0% financing for 24–60 months

Your actual out-of-pocket cost may be 30–50% less after incentives.

Get Your Quote

Call for a free energy assessment and quote. We’ll evaluate your attic, recommend the right type of foam, and calculate your actual ROI.

Call now: 309-491-4457

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!