If you’re looking to sell your home sooner rather than later, investing in home improvements that will give you the greatest return on investment is key. It can also help you compete with other homes on the market and set yours apart from the competition.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked and underrated home renovations is spray foam insulation. But as it turns out, this simple and affordable project can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
what is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a broad term that describes a number of different types of insulation installed by a professional contractor. Many types of insulation fall into the category of “spray foam,” including cellulose, open-cell spray foam, closed-cell spray foam, and polyurethane foam.
Spray foam insulation is created when two components are mixed together and then forced through a piping system. Once inside your walls or roof, the foam expands, filling any empty space and creating a barrier that prevents air infiltration.
Spray foam insulation is ideal for heavily-insulated homes because it seals all air leaks and penetrations, including your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical wiring. It’s also a good choice for extreme climates, as spray foam insulation is one of the best insulators in cold weather and hot, humid climates.
Is spray foam insulation flammable? Spray foam insulation is non-flammable, which makes it a very safe and reliable option for all homes. Some other types of insulation can pose a fire risk, including fiberglass. While fiberglass insulation is highly effective and very affordable, it can also be very dangerous.
Increase the value of your home
The biggest benefit of spray foam insulation is the improved value it adds to your home. The biggest reasons for this are energy efficiency and the reduction of noise, rodents, and pests. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, these benefits will make your life much more comfortable.
Additionally, they help you save money on energy bills, which means more capital over the long term. A survey conducted by RER Associates found that homeowners who install spray foam insulation before selling their homes receive a 7% higher offer on average than those who don’t.
Another study conducted by RER Associates shows that the average home value with spray foam is $32,000 higher than without it. Obviously, those numbers alone should convince you to invest in spray foam insulation.
Protect against condensation and rot
Spray foam insulation helps protect your home from harmful condensation. The vapors produced by everyday activities, like showering, cooking, and washing clothes, can condense and turn into water inside your walls.
This is especially problematic in areas that experience extreme weather, like the south. Eventually, this water can turn into mold, rot your walls, and lead to structural damage. With spray foam insulation, you can reduce the amount of water in your walls, which makes it less likely for condensation to occur.
Rot and termites are also much more likely to occur in wall cavities where there is little to no insulation. If a house is uninsulated, rodents can chew through the walls, making holes for termites to get inside.
Once inside, they can eat away at the wood, destroying the integrity of the structure. Spray foam insulation prevents rats, termites, and other pests from damaging your walls, which saves you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Boost your home’s energy efficiency
Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The foam expands inside your walls and fills any empty space, which creates a barrier that prevents air infiltration.
This means you have less work to do to heat and cool your home, which saves you money on energy bills. In fact, not only does spray foam insulation boost the energy efficiency of your home, but it also extends the life of your HVAC system.
Since polyurethane foam creates a tight seal, it inhibits airflow and reduces the amount of dust and debris from getting inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. This extends the life of your system by at least 10 years and prevents the need for costly maintenance.
Recoups your investment
Not only will spray foam insulation increase the value of your home, but it will also help you recoup your investment. Once you sell your home, the buyer will pay a percentage of the home’s appraised value.
Once they finish the inspection, they will provide you with an offer, usually based on the purchase contract terms. If you’ve already invested in spray foam insulation, the buyer will likely offer you a higher price because the home is more valuable.
Spray foam insulation not only adds value to your home and helps you recoup your investment, but it also provides a slew of benefits for your health and well-being.
It will keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year long, no matter what time of year it is. This makes it easier for you to maintain a regular schedule, promote better sleep, and reduce your risk of allergies.
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation is a great investment for homeowners of all types, whether you’re looking to sell your home or not. While the upfront costs may seem high, the long-term benefits make it well worth the money.
Spray foam insulation not only adds value to your home, but also protects against condensation and rot, boosts your home’s energy efficiency, and provides numerous health benefits. If you’re thinking about investing in spray foam insulation, talk to a contractor to get an estimate on how much it would cost.
