The prevalent focus of consumers on boosting their energy savings has created a lucrative environment for the growth of spray polyurethane foam market, particularly with the burgeoning demand for electricity in residential settings. Additionally, technological advancements have given buyers access to more need-specific products that meet their requirements, which has further boosted product penetration in recent years.
Insulation in homes has been known to lower cooling and heating costs and provide resistance to heat flow. Apart from this, proper insulation also improves comfort in the space. Rising awareness pertaining to the advantages of spray polyurethane foam in this regard has increased product uptake in key regions.
The spray polyurethane foam market size is projected to surpass $2.5 billion in revenue by 2028, as per a report by Global Market Insights Inc.
Why is the adoption of spray polyurethane foam increasing?
When choosing insulation for a new building or retrofitting a home, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation is considered an ideal solution. It is a unique sealing and insulation product that is applied on site, so it sticks to the surface.
The application process results in a tight building envelope, which enhances energy efficacy. Spray polyurethane foams are used to seal wall cavities, crawlspace, exterior walls, small gaps, attics, and cracks throughout a house. In houses, these foams can limit air infiltration as well as air movement, which allows for decreased energy usage, and restricts the entry of pollutants and allergens, enhancing comfort.
Due to their versatility, these foams can be used virtually anywhere for the purposes of heat and acoustic insulation, including attics, ceilings, roofs, facades, basements, cellars, foundations, floors, internal walls, inner sections, storerooms, and so on. They are also used on vehicle bodies, structural elements of complexes, boats, container sheds, container carriers, vehicle trailers, parking lots & garages, yachts, and other areas.
Moreover, as they do not require any adhesive, dowel, or drill, as well as offer other attributes like easy transport not being a voluminous material, and high insulation value, these foams allow for the fastest heat insulation.
What are the two main types of polyurethane spray foams?
The two main types of spray polyurethane foams are open-cell polyurethane foam (OCPF) and closed-cell polyurethane foam (CCPF). An open-cell polyurethane foam (OCPF) is flexible, soft, and sponge-like insulation with broken cell walls that allow air to fill them. These foams typically have a significantly lower density and R-value per inch than closed-cell insulation, although they still possess excellent air-barrier and thermal-insulating properties.
Closed-cell polyurethane foam (CCPF) comprises tiny cells with unbroken and solid cell walls that are akin to inflated balloons tightly bound together. Closed-cell spray foam, when applied in wall cavities, makes the wall system stronger as it can conform and adhere to the applied surface.
Benefits of spray polyurethane foam that are aiding its increased adoption:
Some major benefits of SPF that are fostering spray polyurethane foam market outlook through the forecast period have been discussed hereunder.
- Increased energy efficiency
Nearly 40% of energy in a building is lost owing to air infiltration. Energy bills increase unnecessarily due to holes, gaps, and air leaks. In such instances, spray foam serves as both an air barrier and insulation, sealing gaps that can let air escape and add to the monthly energy bills.
As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), almost 50% of the energy consumption of a home is allotted to cooling and heating. Thus, an optimal HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system can propel the energy efficiency of homes. Notably, spray foam can reduce HVAC sizing by about 35%, which has impelled product adoption.
2 . Better strength and durability
Using spray polyurethane foams during construction can make homes and commercial structures more resilient and stronger as well as mitigate repair costs resulting from natural or climate disasters. A spray foam roofing system can enhance a structure’s strength, effectively increasing the building’s lifespan to more than 30 years.
Since spray foams conform and adhere to the applied surface, the bond between the layers can protect the roof. These foam layers are also seamless and self-flashing, which prevents water from seeping through weak spots like seams and fasteners.
3 . Improved indoor environment
SPF possesses the ability to make the home or building more comfortable in various ways. Spray foams can lower airborne sound transmission. Additionally, sealing a building’s air leaks can prevent drafts, improve the indoor environment, and provide better temperature control.
Specifically, closed-cell spray polyurethane foam creates a barrier against vapor and water, preventing water intrusion and condensation. Spray foams can also serve as a barrier to dust, pollen, and insects, which can help people who are allergic to these elements.
4 . Reduced energy spending
Spray polyurethane foam offers several cost benefits, including lower energy bills, by improving energy efficiency and reducing air loss. Therefore, these foams are an effective solution for saving money.
Consumers can reduce energy expenditure primarily through the installation of smaller HVAC systems. Moreover, using fewer roofing and framing materials and applying one product that supports multiple functions viz., insulation and air & moisture barrier can decrease construction costs. Consequently, SPFs are preferred by buyers for their ability to lower energy spending.
Final Thoughts
With the high prominence of insulation, SPFs are gaining massive popularity. Increased consumer focus on optimizing the comfort of homes, especially since they were forced to stay indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, has driven the need for efficient heating and cooling solutions.
Furthermore, the soaring volatility of energy prices has also bolstered the need for ways to improve the energy savings of consumers. As energy demands increase and the necessity to reduce energy costs becomes more prominent, spray polyurethane foam market is expected to depict considerable progress through the forthcoming period.
