Foam Wall Insulation: Applications, Pros, Cons & Costs

Homes with uninsulated walls risk losing up to 33% of their internal heat, leading to soaring energy bills, a huge domestic carbon footprint and a living environment that is damp, cold and unhealthy to live in.

That’s why insulating walls with a durable and effective insulation material is a home upgrade everyone can benefit from. Spray foam insulation for walls in this regard is one of the more popular materials, especially for cavity walls. Its high performance, long lifespan, and quick application have made it a popular choice, but is it right for you?

This guide by GreenMatch UK will give you everything you need to know about wall foam insulation, the pros and cons, as well as costs so that you can make an informed decision. 

Ready to insulate your walls? Don’t look further than GreenMatch UK for all your needs. By filling out our 30-second online form, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our nationwide network of trusted installers. Simply click the button below to begin! 

Spray foam insulation is a versatile material suitable for most wall insulation applications. Most commonly, spray foam is used in cavity wall insulation, but can also be used for external wall insulation. It’s not recommended for interior walls as there are far more affordable and effective options for internal wall insulation.

Additionally, extension walls such as garages and kitchens, or basement ceilings are also suitable locations to apply spray foam for insulation. 

In any case, it’s very important to work with a professional installer who is trained to handle spray foam. The process requires protective gear and industry equipment that should not be handled as a DIY process. 

Spray insulation may be one of the most thermally effective materials on the market, but it’s often a controversial choice that is up for debate. The near-impenetrable nature of spray foam comes with its pros and cons.

Let’s have a look at all the benefits and drawbacks that come with foam insulation for walls, to make an informed decision.

As can be seen, there are plenty of arguments for and against the use of wall insulation foam that is worth filtering into your decision-making process.

Spray insulation materials are commonly split into two main categories; closed-cell and open-cell spray foam. Both these types have their own intended purposes, qualities, and price ranges that are worth considering when choosing insulation for your home.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a form of spray foam more commonly used with commercial properties. It’s a slowly expanding, sprayed polymer that with a high density and durability. When applied, closed-cell spray foam becomes very rigid and tough. In turn, this gives it excellent heat resistance and creates an airtight barrier that eliminates the draft.

Open-cell spray foam on the other hand is far more common for domestic homes. It’s a more lightweight foam that is spongy and relatively soft after application. It’s commonly used for open wall cavities, lofts, and ceilings. The softer nature helps to make removal and replacement a bit easier than closed-cell foam, while still providing exceptional thermal insulation.

On average, spray foam insulation costs around £21.5 per m2, assuming the use of industry-standard polyurethane expanding foam.

However, your final cost hinges on a range of factors such as type of foam, manufacturer, insulation complexity, and much more. Additionally, insulation that needs to be removed, home damage, or complications that need addressing can further add to this investment. 

We’ve compiled a breakdown of what you could expect to pay for 100mm thickness of standard spray foam insulation based on your type of home and average area size:

To get the most accurate price estimates, it’s highly advised to contact professional installers for multiple quote prices. That way, you can be well informed on the average market value and decide on a bargain that serves your interests, and your pockets.

Spray foam insulation for walls is all in all a tricky home insulation material to give a definitive answer on. A good option for your home will depend on factors such as your budget, existing insulation, installation complexity, and personal preferences.

In terms of thermal efficiency, spray foam insulation is one of the most successful materials you can opt for, bringing your home up to a century of comfort. 

In terms of cost or sustainability, spray foam insulation is one of the worst choices out of all insulation materials as it is completely unrecyclable and very expensive to install and remove. 

Contacting professional installers can help you make a better-informed decision, as well as get multiple quote prices to understand market value better. Sadly, not everyone has endless hours to spend on researching and vetting installers online. That’s where GreenMatch UK comes in.

By filling out our 30-second simple form, we can send you up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from trusted installers in our network, saving you time, effort and money all while delivering the bargains right to your doorstep. The best part? Our services are completely free of charge. Click the button below to begin!