"Why is Spray Foam so expensive?"
This is a question I get from people on almost a daily basis when dealing with insulation inquiries.
It is true that 2lb polyurethane foam (closed-cell) is very expensive compared with other types of insulation (batts, cellulose, rigid foam-board). Why is that?
It's mostly because the chemicals involved are expensive, the equipment involved is expensive, and keeping qualified, professional installers on staff is...you guessed it...expensive.
I just finished up pricing a job for a homeowner who we did some insulation for a year ago. He was quite happy with our work, and called to add-on a small portion of his basement (a cold room) that he didn't want spray-foamed before. He was surprised, and slightly shocked at our minimum charge for a small job.
I explained that small jobs are not subject to a "price per sq ft" that so many in the foam industry refer to. I also pointed out that he could go and purchase a 'froth pack' of similar foam for personal use at his local hardware store, but that would also cost him $400-650 and not cover the area he wanted sprayed. He understood my position, and regretted leaving his cold-room out of last years project.
There will always be companies that will do small jobs for cash, or corrupt installers that might bring their employers foam truck to your place some weekend. Those practices are not sustainable, not under warranty, and not wise for the homeowner or contractor because of the toxicity of the product involved.
It is true that 2lb polyurethane foam (closed-cell) is very expensive compared with other types of insulation (batts, cellulose, rigid foam-board). Why is that?
It's mostly because the chemicals involved are expensive, the equipment involved is expensive, and keeping qualified, professional installers on staff is...you guessed it...expensive.
I just finished up pricing a job for a homeowner who we did some insulation for a year ago. He was quite happy with our work, and called to add-on a small portion of his basement (a cold room) that he didn't want spray-foamed before. He was surprised, and slightly shocked at our minimum charge for a small job.
I explained that small jobs are not subject to a "price per sq ft" that so many in the foam industry refer to. I also pointed out that he could go and purchase a 'froth pack' of similar foam for personal use at his local hardware store, but that would also cost him $400-650 and not cover the area he wanted sprayed. He understood my position, and regretted leaving his cold-room out of last years project.
There will always be companies that will do small jobs for cash, or corrupt installers that might bring their employers foam truck to your place some weekend. Those practices are not sustainable, not under warranty, and not wise for the homeowner or contractor because of the toxicity of the product involved.
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