---
title: Is spray foam insulation worth it? | House Tite
url: https://housetite.com/insulation-questions/is-spray-foam-worth-it/
description: When spray foam is worth the cost (rim joists, block walls, roof decks, metal buildings) and when blown in is the better value, with DOE and ENERGY STAR sources.
updated: 2026-11-06
---

*Home > Insulation questions > Is spray foam worth it?*

Insulation questions

# Is spray foam insulation worth it?

**Short answer:** Sometimes. Spray foam is an excellent air barrier, but the DOE lists it as expensive [1]. It earns its cost on rim joists, block walls, roof decks, pole barns and metal buildings. For a typical vented attic floor, blown in fiberglass or cellulose is usually the better value.

## Where foam earns it

The DOE rates sprayed foam an “excellent air barrier” that “can eliminate the need for separate air-tightness detailing”, and lists its best uses: the perimeter of vented attics, roof decks of cathedralized attics, vaulted ceilings, flat roofs, basement walls, and walls with siding removed [1]. On rim joists the DOE says the best moisture control comes from filling the joist cavities with spray foam [1].

## Where it usually does not

An open, vented attic floor with room for 14 or more inches of blown insulation. There, blown fiberglass or cellulose gets you to R-49 or R-60 for far less. ENERGY STAR also rates spray foam an advanced job that needs a certified installer [2], and the DOE notes foam installation calls for protective equipment and ventilation [3].

## Closed cell or open cell

Closed cell is about R-6 per inch and more costly; open cell is vapor-permeable, lower R-value and less expensive [4]. Around here we usually recommend closed cell. The full comparison, with the DOE's table, is on our [insulation questions page](https://housetite.com/insulation-questions/).

[Our spray foam work.](https://housetite.com/spray-foam-insulation/)

## More questions

### Is closed cell better than open cell?

Closed cell is about R-6 per inch, a vapor retarder and more costly; open cell is vapor-permeable, lower R-value and less expensive. For most jobs in Ohio we recommend closed cell.

### Get a price

Call or text a photo of your attic hatch or crawl space. We come out, measure, and give you one written price for the whole job.

Get a price

Call 740-590-5352

### Related

- [Spray foam](https://housetite.com/spray-foam-insulation/)
- [Rim joists](https://housetite.com/rim-joist-insulation/)
- [Pole barns and shops](https://housetite.com/pole-barn-insulation/)

## Sources

1. U.S. Department of Energy, Building America (PNNL and ORNL). [Energy Renovations: Insulation, A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners (2012)](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/11/f5/insulation_guide.pdf).
2. ENERGY STAR. [Choosing the Appropriate Insulation Type](https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/certified_insulation).
3. U.S. Department of Energy. [Energy Saver Guide: Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home (2022)](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/energy-saver-guide-2022.pdf).
4. North Dakota State University Extension. [Insulating to Reduce Heating Costs](https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/insulating-reduce-heating-costs-0).

[All insulation questions](https://housetite.com/insulation-questions/)

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**House Tite** · insulation contractor · Nelsonville, Ohio · call or text 740-590-5352 · sprayfoam@housetite.com · Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Weekends by appointment. Get a price: https://housetite.com/quote/ (or text a photo of the attic or crawl space to 740-590-5352).