Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation outperforms fiberglass in Chicago: Insights from Oak Ridge National Laboratories
Spray Foam insulation has long been a subject of discussion among Chicago contractors, particularly due to the stringent building codes that demand high R-values in attics, especially in colder climates like the Midwest, where an R-value of 49 is often required and now R60 (March 31, 2024) is being enforced around most of Illinois. To provide a clearer picture of how various insulation materials perform under actual conditions, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Energy, developed an innovative attic climate simulator.In July 2005, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) commissioned R&D Services to compare the performance of different insulation types using this simulator. The study evaluated the thermal efficiency of low-density, open cell SPF and 2lb closed cell SPF against traditional blown-in fiberglass insulation.
The tests were conducted under both winter and summer scenarios within a controlled section measuring 8×8 ft., covering an area of 64 sq ft. The insulation configurations tested included:
1. Loose-fill fiberglass laid on the attic floor, with a depth of 14 inches, R49.
2. Open Cell SPF sprayed between rafters on the underside of the roof deck, with a depth of 7 inches R-26.6.
3. Medium-density SPF (2 lb) was also applied between rafters on the underside of the roof deck at a depth of 4 inches R-28.
Key Findings for Chicago’s Climate
The results revealed stark contrasts in performance:
- Both Open and Closed Cell SPF maintained significantly higher effective R-values than fiberglass insulation. Specifically, SPF retained 74% and 83% of its reported R-value at low temperatures, significantly outperforming fiberglass, which retained only 46%. At higher temperatures, SPF systems maintained 61% and 67% of their R-value, compared to 51% for fiberglass.
- Attic temperatures with SPF insulation were far more stable: low and medium-density SPF maintained average temperatures of 77-78 degrees Fahrenheit in high heat, and 60-61 degrees in cold, whereas fiberglass insulation saw temperatures spike to 107 degrees in heat and plummet to 7 degrees in the cold.
These findings emphasize the superior performance of SPF insulation in maintaining stable attic temperatures and preserving its insulating capabilities across various climate conditions. The research from Oak Ridge National Laboratories, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, highlights SPF’s effectiveness over traditional fiberglass, particularly in extreme Chicago weather, making it a compelling choice for those looking to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in their homes.
With ten years of experience selling spray foam insulation in Chicago, Tom Decker is THE person to call and the Chicago Green Insulation is the organization to hire when you are looking for top notch quality and performance as well as someone who can deal with the needs of code officials, home owners and general contractors. Call the others in Chicago, if you are interested in the cheapest price, call Chicago Green Insulation if you are interested in using your dollars to make Chicago a better city for all of us!
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation