Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass Insulation
Alaska’s winters can hit hard, and if your insulation can’t handle the deep freeze, neither can your home. The right insulation keeps you warm, protects indoor air quality, and delivers real long-term value. Spray foam insulation and fiberglass insulation are two of the most common options, but only one is built Alaska-tough to take on extreme conditions.
Understanding Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a high-performance insulation solution created by combining two chemicals: a polyol resin and isocyanate. When these substances meet, a chemical reaction occurs. They react and expand, forming a durable foam that fills gaps, cracks, and crevices before hardening into a solid layer of insulation.
This expansion process allows spray foam to form a continuous, airtight seal, which is one of its biggest advantages for energy efficiency. Depending on the needs of your home, spray foam insulation comes in two types: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell spray foam is softer, lighter, and offers excellent sound dampening, while closed-cell spray foam is denser, resists moisture, and has a higher R-value — a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs. In cold climates, that level of performance makes a big difference you can notice.
The Basics of Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is made from extremely fine glass fibers and is commonly sold in batts (pre-cut panels) or loose-fill form. It’s been a go-to insulation choice for decades, particularly in older homes or budget-conscious builds.
Fiberglass works by trapping pockets of air to slow the flow of conductive heat. While this can provide a basic level of thermal resistance, it doesn’t seal out air movement. Fiberglass insulation requires perfect installation to perform optimally. Even small gaps or compression can lead to air leaks and moisture problems. And in a climate where winter doesn’t play nice, that’s a limitation that cannot be overlooked.
Differences Between Spray Foam and Fiberglass Insulation
Both spray foam and fiberglass have been around for years, but when Alaska turns up the cold, one holds strong while the other taps out. Let’s take a closer look at the differences that impact everything from your comfort to your energy bills.
Thermal Performance
Spray foam insulation easily outpaces fiberglass insulation when it comes to thermal performance. A closer look reveals why spray foam insulation outperforms fiberglass where it matters most:
Higher R-Value Per Inch: Spray foam insulation delivers maximum efficiency with less material, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Superior Performance in Extreme Cold: In Alaska’s subzero temperatures, spray foam insulation holds its R-value and prevents the heat loss that fiberglass can’t stop.
Seals Air Leaks for Better Energy Savings: Real-world performance shows that spray foam creates an airtight seal, dramatically improving energy savings and indoor comfort.
Air Sealing and Draft Protection
Spray foam serves as both insulation and an air barrier, stopping drafts that raise heating costs. Fiberglass, on the other hand, doesn’t seal air leaks. Unless installed with painstaking precision and paired with additional air barriers, fiberglass insulation leaves plenty of room for cold air to sneak into your home
Moisture Resistance
Closed-cell spray foam insulation also acts like a moisture barrier, protecting your home from the damp conditions that often lead to mold, mildew, and rot. Fiberglass insulation doesn't prevent water from getting into the spaces between the fibers. Once wet, it loses its insulating power and can foster dreaded mold growth which can lead to costly problems down the road.
Installation Complexity
Spray foam insulation requires professional installation using specialized equipment to ensure a safe, effective application. But there’s good news! A skilled spray insulation installer can complete projects quickly and efficiently.
It’s true that fiberglass insulation is more DIY-friendly. The catch is that improper handling or minor mistakes during installation — like leaving gaps, compressing batts, or failing to seal edges — can significantly reduce its performance.
Cost Considerations
Fiberglass is cheaper to install, which sounds perfect for those on a tight budget. Yet when you factor in long-term energy savings, fewer maintenance issues, and a longer lifespan, spray foam insulation delivers a far greater return on investment. Spray foam pays for itself over time, and adds lasting value to your home’s comfort, efficiency and durability.
Spray Foam Insulation is the Smart Choice
When it comes to protecting your home and keeping heating bills low, spray foam insulation checks every box. Around here, we know tough conditions call for tough solutions, and spray foam delivers every time. Sprayable insulation continues to be the gold standard for smart homeowners who want the best long-term performance:
Superior Energy Efficiency: Lower heating bills and better indoor comfort year-round
High R-Value Per Inch: Get maximum performance even in thinner walls or tight spaces
Airtight Seal for Ultimate Draft Control: No more chilly drafts creeping through walls and floors
Long Lifespan and Structural Strength: Reinforces walls and maintains performance for decades
Sound Dampening Qualities: A quieter, more peaceful indoor environment
Spray Foam Insulation Offers the Best Value for Homes in Alaska
When you stack up spray foam insulation against traditional fiberglass, the difference is clear. Spray foam delivers better energy efficiency, a higher R-value per inch, superior moisture resistance, and long-lasting performance — all critical in Alaska’s tough, unpredictable climates. While fiberglass insulation has its uses, it can't compete with the total protection and savings that sprayable insulation provides.
Choosing spray foam insulation means investing in long-term durability and lower energy bills, not to mention greater comfort year-round. It seals out drafts, strengthens your structure, and resists the moisture that often plagues homes. When you want real value, spray foam delivers.
Get Proven Spray Foam Insulation Results with Chinook Foam & Coating
Chinook Foam & Coating is proud to be one of the most trusted spray foam insulation companies serving all of Alaska, including even the most remote areas of the state. Our professional spray insulation installers bring expert service, quality workmanship, and dependable results to every project. Whether you're upgrading an existing home or insulating a new build, we deliver spray foam insulation in Alaska that’s built to perform in the harshest conditions.
Ready to experience the difference the right insulation can make? Contact us today for a free quote and see how we can help you create a warmer, stronger, more energy-efficient home.
