Choosing the right insulation for your home or building isn’t just about comfort—it affects your energy bills, indoor air quality, long-term durability, and even the structural strength of your property. At Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking, we’ve served Illinois homeowners and builders throughout Champaign Urbana, Bloomington Normal, Peoria, Kankakee and surrounding areas since 2004, and we’ve watched spray foam insulation consistently outperform every traditional alternative.
If you’re comparing fiberglass, cellulose, or other batt/loose-fill options to spray foam, here’s what you need to know.
1. Spray Foam Creates an Airtight Seal — Traditional Insulation Can’t
Fiberglass and cellulose slow heat transfer, but they do not stop air movement. Gaps, cracks, outlets, and rim joists all allow air to move freely, which means:
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Drafts
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Higher heating and cooling costs
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Temperature swings between rooms
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Added strain on HVAC systems
Spray foam expands on contact and seals every gap—even in hard-to-reach spaces. That continuous air barrier is what makes the biggest difference in energy efficiency and comfort.
2. Higher R-Value and Better Real-World Performance
Traditional insulation lists an R-value on the packaging, but real-world results typically fall short due to:
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sagging batts
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compression during installation
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settling over time
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air leaks around the insulation
Spray foam not only provides a higher R-value per inch, but more importantly, it performs at its full potential because the air seal eliminates the main cause of R-value loss.
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Highest R-value per inch
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Adds structural strength
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Works as a vapor retarder
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Excellent air seal
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Superior sound dampening
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Cost-effective and great for interior walls and attics
3. Moisture Control and Mold Prevention
Illinois weather brings humidity in the summer and condensation risks in the winter. Traditional insulation like fiberglass can absorb moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and reducing insulation effectiveness.
Spray foam helps:
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Reduce condensation
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Protect against mold growth
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Maintain full insulating value even in high-humidity spaces
Closed cell spray foam is also frequently used in basements, crawl spaces, and pole barns for this exact reason.
4. Spray Foam Improves Indoor Air Quality
Traditional insulation can trap dust, pollen, and allergens. It also does nothing to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering through cracks.
Spray foam’s air-sealing ability makes a noticeable difference by reducing:
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allergens
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airborne pollutants
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outside odors
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infiltration from crawl spaces and attics
A tighter home means a healthier home—especially for families with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
5. Long-Term Savings: Lower Energy Bills for Decades
While spray foam may have a higher upfront cost compared to fiberglass or cellulose, it more than pays for itself through:
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Up to 50% lower energy bills
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reduced HVAC run time
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fewer drafts and hot/cold spots
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long-lasting performance with no settling or sagging
Spray foam doesn’t deteriorate over time, so you aren’t paying for the same insulation twice.
6. Superior Performance in Illinois Homes and Pole Barns
Our Central Illinois customers consistently see the biggest gains in:
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older farmhouses with drafty walls
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new residential builds
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pole barns and agricultural buildings
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bonus rooms and additions
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basements, attics, and crawl spaces
Because of our harsh winters and humid summers, spray foam offers year-round benefits that traditional insulation simply can’t match.
Why Homeowners Choose Sealtite
At Sealtite, our team is committed to raising the standard of efficiency and workmanship on every project we do. We stand behind our work 100% and we use premium polyurethane products manufactured in the USA.
Since 2004, we’ve helped thousands of Illinois homeowners improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and build homes that are sealed, safe, and built to last.
Ready to Upgrade Your Insulation?
Whether you’re building new or remodeling, spray foam insulation delivers unmatched performance. Our team is happy to evaluate your home or building and recommend the right type of foam for your project.
Contact Sealtite Insulation & Slabjacking today to schedule your free estimate.