The Pros & Cons Of Using Soybean Foam To Insulate Your Home

15 January 2015
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

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If you are a homeowner looking to insulate your home, then you're making a very wise decision. Not only will proper insulation keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, but your energy bills will be reduced, as well. However, in order to reap the full benefits of insulation, the product must be installed correctly. This can vary in level of difficulty, depending on the type of insulation that you choose. You may be aware of the different types of insulation, and in an effort to choose a more eco-friendly choice, you might be wondering if soybean-based insulation is a good idea. Here are the pros and cons of this type of this material:

Pros:

  • Blow in insulation made from soybeans has the ability to expand. This enables it to reach even the smallest areas inside your walls, leaving no cracks or holes unfilled. Your home will be comfortable year-round, for a much lower energy cost.
  • If your home isn't very soundproof, then one unexpected benefit of soybean insulation is that it creates a very effective sound barrier. This is great if your family seeks more privacy.
  • Air quality will improve, as potential allergens like pollen and other airborne particles will be blocked out by tight-fitting soy foam.

Cons

  • You will likely need a professional to perform the installation (like Early Times Home Solutions). Of course this will be more expensive, but professional installation will ensure that your insulation is blown in properly.
  • If your home is older and you haven't updated your wiring, then you won't be able to blow in the insulation over exposed wires. However, professional contractors are specially–trained and can easily apply the insulation whether your wires are exposed or not. They are aware of the necessary precaution that must be taken.
  • Soy insulation is more expensive than the traditional types. This means that you must be willing to pay more upfront in order to enjoy savings in the future.
  • In order to keep all the materials used as environmentally-friendly as possible, you might opt to have your contractors use water to blow in the materials. Chemicals are typically used in this process, but if you request water, then you will have to pay a higher cost.

So if you're willing to make a higher out-of-pocket investment initially, then you will likely be very happy with your decision to insulate your home with blow in insulation derived from soy. Not only will you reap a number of money-saving benefits, but your home will also be more sound proof, which can definitely be considered an added bonus.