Government Grants for Spray Foam Insulation

Improvements to your home safeguard your investment from damage and provide significant energy cost savings over a long-term period. Any improvements to your home can also lead to a larger return if you sell your property in the future. Government grants for spray foam insulation are one way to pay for this specific improvement. Discover the benefits of spray foam insulation and how to offset the cost.

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How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?

Available in either open-cell or closed-cell formulas, spray foam insulation is an effective alternative to fiberglass insulation. Spray foam insulation may be installed in nearly any area that has a leak or crack where air or water can seep through. Spray foam insulation helps seal gaps in between walls and foundation, door or window frames, cable line holes, baseboards, pipe passageways and gaps in a garage.

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

The cost of installing spray foam insulation varies and is based on multiple factors, including whether you plan to DIY the job or hire a professional and how much space you need to cover. Even the type of spray foam insulation chosen affects the overall price. Take a look at some of your options.

Professional Spray Foam Insulation

Hiring a professional to install spray foam insulation can save you time and provide peace of mind. As with most services, hiring a professional may cost more than attempting to apply spray foam insulation yourself. In addition to supplies and equipment, the cost of a professional is driven by the price of labor. Hiring a professional is often the quickest way to get the job done.

DIY Spray Foam Insulation

If you don’t need to retrofit your entire home with spray foam insulation, you may consider doing the work yourself. Local hardware stores are a good resource for the materials you will need, such as the foam itself, equipment used to apply it evenly and safety equipment. There are other considerations when DIYing foam insulation, however, including the possibility of damage and the length of time it will take for the project to be completed.

Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

There are two main types of commercially available spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. Both foam types seal air leaks and you may need both types, depending on where you plan to install it. Keep the differences of each in mind before you start your project. Open-cell spray foam offers the following:

Cheaper than closed-cell
Expands 100x its original density to fill holes
Allows water to pass through without promoting mold growth
Helps with noise reduction

Closed-cell spray foam has the following characteristics:

Minimal expansion
Dense composition
Costly compared to open-cell foam
Requires a chemical blowing agent

The Best Funding Sources and Government Grants for Spray Foam Insulation

Government grants for spray foam insulation should be your first stop if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency without reaching into your savings account. However, government grants aren’t the only way homeowners can offset the cost of this home improvement expense.

Government Grants for Spray Foam Insulation

The most popular government grants for spray foam insulation come from home improvement and weatherization grants offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers assistance to homeowners who meet certain qualifications and need to make home improvements that enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, HUD offers a variety of grants available to individuals and organizations.

Private Grants for Spray Foam Insulation

If you’re unable to access government grants for spray foam insulation, you may qualify for private grants. There are a variety of grants, discount programs and special loans searchable through the National Residential Improvement Association that may help pay for home improvements, including insulation.

State Incentives

State and local government and non-government organizations have access to funds available to local residents. Search for your state through DSIRE’s database to discover loan, rebate and financial incentive programs that may help offset the cost of spray foam insulation.

Tax Credits

Homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit of 10% (up to $500) or a fixed amount of up to $300 for qualified energy efficiency improvements. This tax credit can help pay for spray foam itself, but does not cover the cost of installation. The credit also applies to other improvements, such as weather stripping and caulk when used as an air sealant.

Is Spray Foam Insulation Worth the Investment?

The Department of Energy reports that weatherizing your home can even provide health and household savings of up to $14,000. This is because when homes are more livable and energy costs take up less of a household’s budget, out-of-pocket medical expenses decrease, and there are generally fewer missed workdays.

Homeowners who have had their homes insulated with spray foam have peace of mind knowing the foam will not crack or settle over time, which ensures long-term protection from the elements. If you’re able to fully or partially fund home improvements through government grants, tax credits or community programs, spray foam insulation is well worth the investment.