Icynene Insulation: What Is It, Pros and Cons & Costs (2024)

Icynene spray foam insulation is becoming popular among homeowners and businesses looking to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Unlike traditional insulation materials, Icynene prevents heat loss and creates an airtight seal that minimises drafts, reduces energy bills, and improves indoor comfort throughout the year. What truly sets Icynene apart is its eco-friendly, water-blown technology, which avoids harmful chemicals and provides a safer, more sustainable insulation solution.

Icynene offers versatile options for various applications, whether you’re insulating your roof, loft, or walls. Open-cell and closed-cell varieties can provide soundproofing and breathability or superior thermal efficiency and moisture resistance, depending on your project needs. While its innovative properties offer significant benefits, it is essential to understand its costs and pros and cons to determine if this insulation is right for you.

This article will explore what makes Icynene insulation unique. We will also break down the costs, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Whether you plan to upgrade your home’s insulation or start a new project, this guide will provide the necessary insights. Keep reading to learn more!

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Icynene is a spray foam insulation made from polyurethane, much like traditional spray foam. However, it distinguishes itself as a safer and more environmentally friendly option. Its water-blown application process eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. Offering a non-toxic alternative that allows you to return to your property within two hours. This is significantly faster than the 12 to 24 hours required for traditional spray foam. Some Icynene formulations also incorporate low-VOC (volatile organic compound) technologies, enhancing indoor air quality.

It is renowned for its thermal performance and eco-friendly attributes. Icynene is designed to create a seamless air barrier to boots energy efficiency which can last up to 30 years. Applied as a liquid, it rapidly expands to fill gaps, cracks, and hard-to-reach spaces, offering a more effective solution compared to traditional materials like fibreglass or rigid foam boards.

Icynene expands up to 100 times its original volume upon application, forming a flexible foam that tightly adheres to surfaces. This property can seal even the smallest crevices, reducing air leakage and enhancing insulation performance. The foam is available in two types: open-cell, which provides breathability and soundproofing, and closed-cell, which offers higher R-values and moisture resistance. 

Its ability to improve energy efficiency, prevent drafts, and maintain consistent indoor temperatures, combined with its sustainable, water-blown technology, has earned Icynene prestigious certifications such as BBA, IAB, and ETA, making it a top choice for modern insulation needs.

Icynene foam insulation is available in two types of insulation: open-cell and closed-cell, each with unique benefits and limitations. Understanding their differences is key to selecting the right option for your project.

Open-cell Icynene spray foam is a popular choice for residential projects, particularly insulation for roofs, lofts, and walls. Its flexibility allows it to expand and conform to irregular surfaces, enabling air and water vapour to pass through. This breathability helps reduce the risk of moisture-related issues like trapped condensation or mould. While its R-value is lower, around 3.7 per inch, it still provides effective insulation when applied in sufficient thickness. Open-cell foam is also more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners. However, it is not water-resistant and is unsuitable for areas prone to high moisture or flooding.

Closed-cell Icynene spray foam features a denser, more rigid structure, making it ideal for demanding applications such as insulation for roofs, walls, and commercial buildings. With an R-value of 6 to 7 per inch, it delivers superior thermal insulation, reducing energy costs and enhancing indoor comfort. Its rigid nature creates a vapour barrier, offering excellent protection against water infiltration, mould, and mildew. Additionally, it reinforces structural integrity, making it perfect for basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Though more expensive and less flexible than open-cell foam, closed-cell foam excels in durability and performance, making it the best choice for heavy-duty insulation areas.

Icynene spray foam insulation is a versatile solution widely used in residential and commercial applications. It is particularly effective for lofts and roof insulation, creating an airtight seal that reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency. You typically apply this material to walls, crawl spaces, and attics in your home, as its expanding nature allows it to fill gaps and hard-to-reach spaces, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Closed-cell icynene is preferred for areas with high moisture exposure, such as basements or exterior walls, due to its water resistance and vapour barrier properties. In contrast, open-cell Icynene is well-suited for interior walls and ceilings, offering excellent soundproofing and breathability.

In commercial buildings, Icynene spray foam is often applied to roof structures, warehouse walls, and storage facilities, where its durability, thermal efficiency, and ability to reinforce structural integrity provide long-term performance benefits. 

Understanding the pros and cons of Icynene insulation is essential to determine if this material suits your needs. You can make an informed decision by weighing out the pros against icynene insulation problems. Here are the pros and cons of Icynene insulation:

Working with qualified professionals is crucial to ensure a smooth and problem-free installation of your Icynene spray foam insulation. Comparing multiple quotes is a great way to find the best insulation installer in your area. However, this process can be time-consuming and may yield limited results. 

At GreenMatch, we simplify the search by offering up to four free quotes from trusted local Icynene insulation installers. Fill out our quick 30-second form to receive your quotes promptly. Click below to learn more!

Understanding the cost of Icynene insulation in the UK is crucial in determining whether it’s the right choice for your needs. On average, Icynene insulation costs range from £20 to £70 per m², depending on the thickness and size of the insulated space. The type of Icynene foam you select also influences the price, with average costs as follows:

Typically, spray foam insulation for a standard three-bedroom property costs between £2,500 and £4,075. While the upfront investment is significant compared to other insulation, according to EcoExperts, it can result in up to 50% savings on heating bills, helping to offset the initial cost over time.

It’s essential to note that qualified professionals must install Icynene insulation. Installers usually charge around £250 per person daily, which can vary based on location. Prices are often higher in major cities, so consider this when budgeting for your project. To get the most accurate pricing and avoid unexpected costs, always work with experienced, certified insulation specialists.

Finding the right insulation specialist can be challenging and time-consuming, often requiring hours of comparing quotes from various professionals. To save you time and effort, GreenMatch offers a simple solution by providing up to four free quotes from top-rated local insulation installers. Just fill out our quick 30-second form, and we’ll promptly deliver these quotes to you. Click below to learn more!