Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam: Pros, Cons & Best Fit for You
Feeling confused about choosing between Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam insulation for your home? Don’t worry, you’re in the right spot to learn what’s their difference. Each type of insulation has its own magic to control your home’s temperature. While radiant barriers reflect heat, spray foam provides a tight, noise-reducing seal for all-year insulation.
This blog will help you navigate their definitions, plus and minus points, especially detailed comparisons to help you make an informed choice. Read till the end to find a perfect solution that best fits your space.
What is Foam Insulation?
Foam insulation appears in two types: rigid and spray. Made from closed-cell polystyrene, rigid foam boards are big sheets with typical dimensions of 4'x8'. They are used for walls, subfloors, and sheathing. Their thickness often ranges from 0.5" to 5", with thicker sheets indicating higher R-values. This insulation works for new and upgraded buildings.
What is Spray Foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a mix of resin and polyurethane applied with a spray gun. For hard surfaces like plywood sheathing and concrete, it can expand to fill wall cavities. After expanding, the foam is cut to be flush with the wall studs. Gaps will definitely be sealed after spraying foam insulation to give the best result.
What is Spray Foam insulation?
What are the Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation?
Everything has two sides to consider. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of spray foam insulation before coming to the comparison of spray foam vs radiant barrier:
Pros
- Spray foam insulation is known for easy installation. Once applied, it will immediately provide a strong air barrier with an airtight seal.
- Two main materials, polystyrene and polyurethane, limit the growth of mold and mildew by preventing water infiltration.
- With a high R-value, spray foam reduces energy loss and can last 20+ years.
- While rigid boards are used for hard surfaces, spray foam is a perfect solution for convex areas.
Cons
- Spray foam is made from flammable plastic. Therefore, your home must be equipped with sufficient firefighting equipment.
- If you’re installing it yourself, do not forget to wear protective gear to avoid chemical exposure. It's very dangerous if you breathe or touch it.
- Spray foam is also more expensive than other types when used for bigger spaces.
What is Radiant Barrier?
Made from aluminum foil, radiant barrier insulation can reflect heat away rather than absorbing it. Hence, it can keep the home cozy if installed in attics or on roofs. This insulation can be especially beneficial in warmer climates where households have to bear the burden of conditioning costs.
What is Radiant Barrier?
What are the Pros and Cons of Radiant Barrier?
Pros
Radiant barriers can reflect 97% of heat shining on the house. According to Dave Lewis from West Fraser, around 30°F of attic temperatures can be reduced using a radiant barrier. As a homeowner, it's good news for you that energy costs might be saved with payback in as little as 1-2 years.
Moreover, the cost savings can escalate up to 17%, making radiant barriers an ideal choice for an affordable and energy-efficiency solution.
Cons
In cold areas, radiant barriers are not as valuable as they are in hot climates, as we do not have to reflect heat away anymore. Besides, while other insulation can have noise reduction and dust prevention features along with it, radiant barriers do not. It may be easy to install but lacks versatility and is useful for attics and roofs only.
Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam Comparison Table
The table below will help you have a thorough comparison between Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam under many aspects:
| Factor | Radiant Barrier Insulation | Spray Foam Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Reflective material, usually aluminum foil | Liquid foam that expands and hardens |
| Coverage | Reflects radiant heat | Creates an airtight seal |
| Effectiveness | Reduces cooling costs by up to 10-15% | Reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 50% |
| Application | Mostly used in attics and roofs | Can be used in walls, floors, and other areas |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than spray foam | Generally more expensive than radiant barrier |
| Versatility | Limited in application | Can be used in a wider range of applications |
| Noise reduction | Does not provide noise reduction | Provides noise reduction |
| Indoor air quality | Does not improve indoor air quality | Can improve indoor air quality |
Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam: Which is Best for Your Project?
It depends on your needs, budget, and the climate where you live, so you can choose Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam for your home. For hot weather like Florida, which has high cooling costs, it couldn’t be a better fit with radian barriers. However, you may turn to spray foam in cooler areas.
If you want to have other features, such as noise reduction or air sealing, choose spray foam. However, if your priority problem is just to keep your home cool during hot weather, a radiant barrier will give you the best experience within any budget.
Foam Core Reflective Insulation: The Best of Both Worlds
For a smart, effective insulation solution, Insulation MarketPlace’s Radiant Barrier-Reflective Insulation, SmartSHIELD, combines the best of radiant barrier vs spray foam insulation. Made with double-sided 99% aluminum foil and closed-cell polyethylene foam, it’s designed to reflect heat waves away from areas like your attic or on top of joist insulation. SmartSHIELD reflects up to 97% of radiant energy and resists conductive and convective heat transfer.
SmartSHIELD’s versatility allows you to protect your home without choosing between radiant barriers and foam insulation—it offers both in one product. Each product is non-toxic and durable, helping to lower energy costs throughout your home. Explore our full range of Foam Core Reflective Insulation and learn more about the benefits of SmartSHIELD in our store at Insulation MarketPlace.
You can definitely make a big impact on your home simply with the right insulation. While radiant barriers are perfect for hot weather due to their heat-reflective ability, spray foam gives you good sealing and noise reduction.
For a unique solution, Foam Core Reflective Insulation combines heat reflection with insulating power in a single product. Explore the comparison of Radiant Barrier vs Spray Foam above to find the best fit for your home. A suitable insulation will bring enormous benefits for your living space.
For any inquiries about our reflective insulation and radiant barrier products, call us at (786) 202 - 0704 or send us an email. Our experts are here to help!
