Spray foam can boost value of home, cut energy bills

The housing industry in the U.S. all but collapsed during the financial crisis that started in 2008. Since that time, it has been loath to recover as the mortgage industry lags and consumers are reluctant to spend on new homes - especially ones they would struggle to pay for.

Nonetheless, many homeowners are beginning to feel the effects of the economic recovery as the job market continues to post solid growth and consumer spending inches up as confidence grows. Though many people are still reluctant to look for a new home, they are starting to perform remodeling projects on their own.

The uptick in consumer demand for home products has prompted the Home Depot to hire an 60,000 workers this year to meet the increased demand for its products and has been a bone for home renovators and contractors who are seeing additional work as homeowners choose to redo kitchens, bathrooms and other neglected areas of their houses.

Home renovators affirm that they are witnessing renewed demand from homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades as they look to invest some money in the short-term and benefit in the medium- and long-term from the energy efficiency retrofits. With consumers still wary of spending huge amounts of money, however, contractors have been using spray foam insulation and other tools that provide quick results and are relatively inexpensive.

According to industry experts, some of the biggest causes of higher energy bills are hot and cold air escaping through cracks and leaks around doors and windows and throughout a home's foundation and frame. 

Proper insulation is the most important factor in helping to control the energy efficiency of a home, according to a recent report, and spray foam is a tool that reinforces a home's standard insulation. In fact, many homeowners would likely be shocked to find out that 50 percent of a home's hot and cold air escapes through walls, windows, the floors and through the roof.

Spray foam can help prevent air leaks and can be applied by a professional. By using expanding spray foam insulation, homeowners are not only cutting their energy bills, but also improving the value of their home if they do choose to sell in the future.