Insulation Can Lower Commercial Construction Costs

June 30, 2016

Throughout the building and construction industry, it's not uncommon to hear from some of the professionals that Spray Foam Insulation is one of the more costly building materials. However, when architects, designers, and builders learn more about the cost/benefit relationship of SFI, it becomes apparent that commercial construction costs can actually benefit. Simply put, when the overall performance of Spray Foam Insulation is factored in, the installed cost impressive. Industry statistics readily show that insulating with closed cell spray foam (continuous insulation application) is a faster, less expensive approach, and with superior project benefits. This is even more relevant when a high quality SFI product is applied. Indeed, when comparing rigid foam insulation with closed cell spray foam, there are significant savings to be realized when installing SFI. Here again, a quality approach to both product and installation will make a big difference. Beyond superior product performance, Spray Foam Insulation allows for design flexibilities that contribute to savings on construction costs. Just by example, a continuous application of SFI on a curved or abnormal surface can reduce labor costs and material costs at the same time. When compared to other insulation products, this contributes substantially to reducing building costs, while satisfying strict building code requirements and delivering better product performance. Spray Foam Insulation also reduces the need for added air sealing. Professionally installed, closed cell spray foam seals the building envelope tight, serving as an insulation barrier and air barrier simultaneously. This reduces the need for additional air sealing, once again saving on labour and material costs. And where construction compliances require air-tightness testing, SFI satisfies even the most stringent requirements, saving time and money on potential repairs and fixes. For new builds or retrofits, Spray Foam Insulation significantly reduces construction times when installed into hard-to-reach locations. One application will do it all, and without the need to make additional construction modifications. As for energy efficiency, most building codes are already endorsing (or mandating) higher efficiency requirements. Here, SFI will generally exceed defined requisites, while offering building owners measurable energy savings for many years to come. In commercial applications, whether an office high-rise, a strip plaza, or a smaller freestanding building, SFI ensures building envelope performance, enhanced energy efficiencies, and annual energy savings. In many situations, the savings on heating and air conditioning alone can offset the cost of product and installation. This is where a farsighted cost/benefit analysis can show without doubt that Spray Foam Insulation can be very competitive with other approaches. At Great Northern Insulation, in-house professionals actively recommend Spray Foam Insulation (Spray Polyurethane Foam) to architects, designers, and builders alike. For GNI, doing it right the first time is essential to project success. Installers are highly trained professionals - they always abide by established construction standards; they install everything according to code; and they follow the manufacturer's specifications on every project. In addition, GNI also offers 3rd party warrantees to ensure complete customer satisfaction on every job, regardless of size or scope.