Spray foam insulation seals air leaks by expanding to fill gaps where traditional insulation fails. In Hot Springs, where humidity and temperature shifts are common, this airtight seal prevents drafts from moving through walls, floors, and attics. Unlike batts or blown-in materials, spray foam bonds directly to surfaces, reducing heat loss and eliminating unintended airflow.
Open-cell and closed-cell spray foams offer different benefits, but both outperform fiberglass or cellulose in draft control. This article explains how spray foam stops drafts in Hot Springs homes, supported by technical data, comparisons, and practical experience.
LMC Insulation, LLC brings years of direct application experience across Arkansas residential and commercial projects. The insights below are drawn from field performance under real Hot Springs climate conditions.
Drafts are unconditioned air movements entering the home through:
Homes in Hot Springs often face seasonal shifts with winter lows near 30°F and summer highs over 90°F (NOAA Climate Data). Without a consistent air barrier, conditioned air escapes while outdoor air leaks in. Traditional insulation like fiberglass slows heat but doesn’t stop airflow.
Spray foam insulation addresses air infiltration at its source. Upon application, the material expands and adheres to irregular framing, sealing joints, cracks, and penetrations that allow air movement.
| Property | Closed-Cell Spray Foam | Open-Cell Spray Foam | Fiberglass Batt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Seal Rating | <0.02 L/s/m² @ 75 Pa | <0.02 L/s/m² @ 75 Pa | Not air-sealing rated |
| R-Value per Inch | R-6.5 to R-7.0 | R-3.6 to R-3.9 | R-3.2 to R-3.8 |
| Expansion Rate | ~1x original volume | ~100x original volume | N/A |
| Vapor Barrier | Yes | No | No |
| Common Use Areas | Crawlspaces, exteriors | Walls, attics, ceilings | Walls, ceilings |
Apply closed-cell spray foam in rim joists to block drafts and improve structural rigidity in older homes common to Hot Springs neighborhoods.
Humidity and seasonal temperature extremes increase the likelihood of condensation and airflow-driven energy loss. Spray foam performs better in these conditions because:
According to Energy Star, air leaks can account for up to 30% of heating and cooling energy use. Local clients in Hot Springs have seen consistent HVAC performance improvements following spray foam retrofits.
| Application Area | Spray Foam Result | Traditional Insulation Result |
|---|---|---|
| Attic Kneewalls | Fully sealed, no air movement | Open joints, noticeable airflow |
| Rim Joists | Airtight seal, moisture control | Persistent drafts |
| Crawlspace Ceiling | Vapor barrier + air barrier | Gaps around plumbing penetrations |
| Electrical Outlets | Fully encapsulated boxes | Drafts felt during wind events |
Use open-cell spray foam in cathedral ceilings for cost-effective coverage and added sound dampening.
Spray foam typically lasts the lifetime of the structure without degrading or shifting, unlike fiberglass.
Yes. Specific areas like rim joists or attics can be addressed first to resolve major air leaks.
No, provided the home is properly ventilated and exterior moisture issues are addressed before installation.
Spray foam significantly reduces air infiltration, which decreases HVAC demand. Results vary depending on existing leakage and HVAC system efficiency.
Spray foam stops drafts by sealing gaps traditional insulation cannot. It creates a continuous thermal and air barrier suited to Hot Springs’ variable climate. Open-cell foam is ideal for interior cavities, while closed-cell is suited for areas exposed to moisture or structural stress.
Addressing ventilation and moisture issues beforehand ensures long-term performance. Verify installation quality through visual inspection or thermal imaging. Spray foam improves comfort, air quality, and energy performance across seasons.
Draft issues in Hot Springs homes require precise solutions. LMC Insulation, LLC applies spray foam using proven techniques developed through years of residential experience. Contact [email protected] or call (479) 351-6175 to discuss specific project needs or schedule an inspection.
Look for full cavity fill, consistent texture, and no pull-away from framing. Infrared imaging can verify coverage.
No routine maintenance is needed unless physical damage occurs.
Spray foam does not attract pests, and closed-cell is especially resistant to nesting.
Plan for foam removal in affected areas. Partial removal is possible with proper tools.
Open-cell provides better acoustic insulation. Closed-cell offers limited soundproofing.