Spray Foam vs. Fiberglass: Which Insulation Is Best for Your Project?

September 5, 2025
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Choosing the right insulation for your home or building project is one of the most important decisions you can make for long-term comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. Two of the most common materials—spray foam and fiberglass—are often compared side by side. Homeowners and contractors alike ask the same question: spray foam vs fiberglass—what’s the better option?


At SDI Insulation, we’ve been serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 47 years, and we’ve seen first-hand how insulation choices affect a building’s performance. Our motto, The Most Sustainable Energy Is Saved Energy, reminds us daily that the right insulation saves money, conserves resources, and creates healthier living environments. Let’s take a deeper look at spray foam or fiberglass insulation, and how to decide which is best for your project.


Understanding the Basics

Fiberglass Insulation


Fiberglass is one of the most widely used insulation materials. It typically comes in batts, rolls, or blown-in form and is made from fine glass fibers.


Key Features of Fiberglass:

  • Affordable and widely available.
  • Easy to install in open wall cavities, attics, and crawlspaces.
  • Provides good thermal resistance (R-value per inch).
  • Resistant to moisture but less effective at sealing air leaks.


Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a liquid-applied insulation that expands into a solid, filling cracks, gaps, and irregular spaces. It comes in two main types: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam.


Key Features of Spray Foam:

  • Creates an air-tight seal by expanding into gaps.
  • Higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass.
  • Provides moisture resistance (closed-cell foam also adds structural strength).
  • Excellent for hard-to-reach spaces and retrofitting older homes.


Understanding these basics is the first step in evaluating spray foam insulation vs fiberglass for your specific needs.


Comparing Spray Foam vs Fiberglass

When debating spray foam vs fiberglass, it’s important to look beyond cost and consider performance, durability, and long-term benefits.


1. Energy Efficiency

Spray Foam: Offers superior air sealing, reducing drafts and minimizing energy loss. It helps maintain even indoor temperatures and lowers heating and cooling bills.


Fiberglass: Provides good thermal resistance but does not stop air movement. Without proper sealing, fiberglass may allow conditioned air to escape.


Winner: Spray Foam for energy efficiency.


2. Moisture and Mold Resistance

Spray Foam: Closed-cell spray foam is highly resistant to moisture infiltration, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.


Fiberglass: While not a food source for mold, fiberglass can trap moisture, especially in damp crawlspaces or around leaks.


Winner: Spray Foam, particularly for damp or coastal climates like San Francisco.


3. Installation

Spray Foam: Requires professional application by trained contractors. The process is quick but specialized equipment and safety measures are necessary.


Fiberglass: Easier to install and can be a DIY-friendly material, though professional installation ensures proper coverage and performance.


Winner: Fiberglass, if you’re considering ease of installation.


4. Cost

Spray Foam: Typically more expensive upfront, but offers long-term savings through reduced utility bills and potential rebates.


Fiberglass: More budget-friendly, making it appealing for large projects or homeowners seeking an affordable option.


Winner: Fiberglass, when immediate cost is the priority.


5. Longevity and Performance

Spray Foam: Does not sag or settle over time, maintaining its R-value and effectiveness for decades.


Fiberglass: Can settle or shift, reducing performance if not properly installed or maintained.


Winner: Spray Foam for long-term reliability.


When to Choose Spray Foam or Fiberglass

So, when it comes to spray foam or fiberglass, how do you decide?


Choose Spray Foam If:

  • Your home has irregular spaces, cracks, or gaps.
  • You’re aiming for maximum energy efficiency.
  • Moisture control is a major concern.
  • You want insulation that will last decades with little maintenance.


Choose Fiberglass If:

  • You’re on a tighter budget.
  • Your project is straightforward (attics, open walls, crawlspaces).
  • You want a tried-and-true insulation material with wide availability.


Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass in San Francisco’s Climate


Living in the Bay Area comes with unique environmental challenges—fog, salty air, and fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. This makes the spray foam insulation vs fiberglass debate even more important.


Spray foam’s superior air-sealing properties make it an excellent choice for San Francisco’s older homes, which often struggle with drafts and leaks.


Fiberglass remains a cost-effective solution for new construction projects or spaces with accessible cavities, particularly when paired with proper air sealing.


At SDI Insulation, we often recommend a hybrid approach—using spray foam in critical areas (like crawlspaces, rim joists, or irregular cavities) and fiberglass in more straightforward areas to balance cost and performance.


The Bottom Line

The debate of spray foam vs fiberglass doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Both materials offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your project goals, budget, and building type.


At SDI Insulation, our experienced team of estimators and installers helps homeowners and contractors navigate these choices with confidence. Whether you’re considering spray foam or fiberglass, our commitment remains the same: Building Efficiency, Every Day.


For over 47 years, we’ve been San Francisco’s trusted insulation experts, simplifying compliance with Title 24, delivering sustainable energy solutions, and ensuring comfort in every home.


Ready to decide between spray foam insulation vs fiberglass? Contact SDI Insulation today to schedule a consultation and discover the best solution for your project.


September 5, 2025
When you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you quickly learn that the climate has a character all its own. Cool, foggy mornings often give way to warm afternoons, only to roll back into chilly evenings. This microclimate effect, combined with the city’s older housing stock, means homeowners need to pay close attention to how their homes conserve energy and maintain comfort. One of the most effective ways to do this is through proper home insulation. At SDI Insulation, we’ve been helping Bay Area residents for over 47 years to build homes that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and compliant with today’s stringent building codes. As trusted house insulation contractors, we understand that the right insulation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about creating a sustainable future. Our philosophy is simple: The Most Sustainable Energy Is Saved Energy. Let’s explore why proper insulation matters so much in San Francisco’s climate and how working with experienced insulation companies can transform your home. Why Insulation Matters in San Francisco San Francisco’s Mediterranean climate can trick homeowners into thinking insulation isn’t as important here as it is in regions with harsher winters or summers. The truth is, insulation plays a critical role in every home—no matter the climate. Temperature Regulation: With the Bay Area’s wide daily temperature swings, good insulation ensures that your home stays warmer in the cool mornings and evenings, and cooler during the warmer afternoons. Moisture Control: San Francisco’s famous fog brings not only cooler air but also added moisture. Proper insulation combined with air sealing reduces the risk of condensation, mold, and structural damage. Energy Efficiency: Even if you don’t rely on heavy heating or cooling, energy can slip through cracks and poorly insulated spaces. Insulation reduces unnecessary energy loss and keeps utility bills manageable. Noise Reduction: Urban living comes with its share of traffic, construction, and city noise. Quality insulation helps buffer these outside sounds, giving you a quieter, more peaceful home. The Benefits of Working With Experienced House Insulation Contractors Not all insulation projects are created equal. That’s why choosing seasoned house insulation contractors in the San Francisco area is critical. At SDI Insulation, we bring decades of expertise to every project, ensuring the right products and methods are used for your specific home. Tailored Solutions: San Francisco’s housing stock ranges from classic Victorians to modern builds. Each home requires a customized approach based on its age, construction, and existing energy systems. Compliance Made Easy: California’s Title 24 energy standards are some of the most rigorous in the nation. Our in-house estimators make navigating these requirements seamless, ensuring your project complies without unnecessary stress. Sustainable Practices: As one of the Bay Area’s trusted insulation companies, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and methods. A well-insulated home reduces your carbon footprint while keeping your living space comfortable. Long-Term Savings: While insulation is an upfront investment, it pays dividends in reduced energy bills, increased property value, and fewer repairs related to moisture or temperature fluctuations. How Proper Insulation Saves Energy Energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity in today’s world. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs simply by upgrading insulation and sealing air leaks. In San Francisco, these savings come in several forms: Reduced Heating Costs: Many Bay Area homes rely on gas furnaces or electric heaters for chilly mornings and evenings. Insulation minimizes heat loss, allowing your system to run less often. Lower Cooling Needs: Even though summers are mild, insulation keeps hot afternoon air from seeping into your home, reducing the need for fans or air conditioning. Sustainable Energy Use: With California leading the way in green building initiatives, insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to meet new environmental goals while reducing household emissions. When homeowners search for insulation companies near me, they’re often looking for these exact savings—and SDI Insulation has been delivering them for nearly five decades. Types of Insulation Best Suited for San Francisco Different homes require different insulation strategies. Some of the most effective options we use in the Bay Area include: Fiberglass Batt and Blown-In Insulation: Popular and cost-effective, fiberglass works well in attics, walls, and crawlspaces. It resists moisture and helps control indoor temperatures. Spray Foam Insulation: Ideal for sealing air leaks, spray foam expands to fill cracks and crevices, making it perfect for older San Francisco homes with irregular framing. Cellulose Insulation: Made from recycled materials, cellulose offers excellent thermal performance and sustainability. Choosing the right material depends on your home’s structure, budget, and efficiency goals. That’s why consulting experienced house insulation contractors is essential. The Connection Between Insulation and Indoor Comfort San Francisco homes are unique not just in architecture but in how they interact with the climate. Proper insulation directly influences your family’s comfort. Even Temperatures: No more freezing mornings in the living room while the kitchen feels like a greenhouse. Insulation balances indoor temperatures across rooms. Better Air Quality: Insulation combined with proper sealing keeps out pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture from foggy air. Cozy Living: Nothing enhances comfort like a warm, draft-free space during the winter months or a cool retreat in the afternoon sun. When you type “insulation companies near me” into a search engine, you’re not just looking for energy savings—you’re looking for a better quality of life inside your home. The Role of Title 24 in Bay Area Homes California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards set high benchmarks for construction and remodeling projects. These regulations ensure that homes and businesses operate efficiently and sustainably. For homeowners, this can feel overwhelming. That’s where SDI Insulation makes a difference. Our experienced team simplifies compliance by: Assessing your home’s current insulation levels. Recommending upgrades that meet or exceed Title 24 standards. Providing documentation and support for permitting processes. This expertise is what makes us one of the most trusted insulation companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Why Choose SDI Insulation For more than 47 years, SDI Insulation has been committed to Building Efficiency, Every Day. Our longevity and reputation are built on a foundation of quality work, expert knowledge, and dedication to sustainability. Experience: Few house insulation contractors in the Bay Area can match our decades of service. Green Focus: We believe the most sustainable energy is saved energy, and we design every project with this in mind. Customer Service: From initial estimates to project completion, we provide clear communication, transparency, and respect for your home. Local Knowledge: With deep roots in the San Francisco community, we understand the unique challenges our climate poses and know how to solve them effectively. San Francisco’s climate is beautiful but unpredictable, making proper insulation a must for every homeowner. Whether you’re trying to lower energy bills, comply with Title 24, or simply make your home more comfortable, the right insulation makes all the difference. If you’re searching for insulation companies near me in the Bay Area, SDI Insulation is here to help. With over 47 years of expertise, a passion for sustainability, and a team of dedicated professionals, we’re your trusted partner in creating a more efficient and comfortable home. The most sustainable energy is saved energy. Let’s make your home a model of efficiency, comfort, and sustainability—together.
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