Spray Foam vs. Blown-In Insulation: Which Is Best for Texas?

Side-by-Side Comparison

R-Value per inch: Spray foam R-6 to R-7 vs. blown fiberglass R-2.5 and blown cellulose R-3.5.

Cost per sq ft installed: Spray foam $2–$5 vs. blown $0.60–$1.80.

Air sealing: Spray foam seals leaks by expanding into gaps; blown-in does not — you need separate air sealing.

Lifespan: Both last 20+ years. Spray foam is moisture-resistant; blown cellulose can settle 15% over time.

When to Choose Spray Foam

New construction, cathedral ceilings, rim joists, garage conversions, and homes with severe attic air leaks. Also ideal when converting an unfinished attic to conditioned space.

Closed-cell spray foam adds structural strength and is the best choice for hurricane and hail-prone regions.

When to Choose Blown-In

Standard attic top-ups, budget-conscious retrofits, and rental properties. Blown cellulose is treated for fire and pest resistance and is the most cost-effective way to hit code-required R-38+.

For Texas homes, we typically combine blown insulation with a radiant barrier for the best cost-to-savings ratio.