InstaBidsis spray foam insulation worth it
Spray foam insulation is one option the U.S. Department of Energy names for spots with little room for thickness. Its home energy guide, read in 2026, advises: “Use higher R-value insulation, such as spray foam, on exterior walls and in cathedral ceilings to get more insulation with less thickness.” The same guide suggests hiring a professional to install foam insulation.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026. Updated 2026-11-09
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Where the guide places spray foam
A U.S. Department of Energy home energy guide names spray foam as a higher R-value insulation for exterior walls and cathedral ceilings, where the aim is more insulation with less thickness. The same guide describes foam-in-place insulation as blown into walls, on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. (U.S. Department of Energy guide, read 2026-11-09.)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026.
What else do homeowners ask about spray foam insulation?
Can I do spray foam insulation myself?
The U.S. Department of Energy guide lists personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation as requirements for installing foam insulation, and suggests hiring a professional to install it. Separately, it describes small pressurized cans of foam for air leakage in holes and cracks around window and door frames and electrical and plumbing penetrations. (DOE guide, read 2026-11-09.)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026.
What is spray foam insulation?
The guide's nearest description is foam-in-place insulation, which can be blown into walls, on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. It names spray foam among the higher R-value choices for exterior walls and cathedral ceilings. (DOE guide, read 2026-11-09.)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026.
What is closed cell spray foam?
The guide lists closed-cell and open-cell as the types of foam-in-place insulation, both typically made with polyurethane. It gives no further comparison of the two, so a written proposal should name the type it uses. (DOE guide, read 2026-11-09.)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026.
Check the attic and air sealing first
The guide starts with the attic: when the attic already has enough insulation and proper air sealing and the home still feels drafty and cold in winter or too warm in summer, the heating or cooling system may not be working properly, or the exterior walls may need insulation. It advises consulting a home energy professional to tell those apart. (DOE guide, read 2026-11-09.)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 9 November 2026.
Before requesting bids, list the areas in question: exterior walls, a cathedral ceiling, the attic or under floors, and where you notice drafts. Ask each contractor to state in writing whether the proposal uses closed-cell or open-cell foam, which areas it covers, and whether air sealing is part of the scope. Compare those inclusions rather than the product name alone.
Same job: the related lifespan guide
Sources for this decision
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver Guide, read 9 November 2026. U.S. government work, public domain.