In any home, new or old, it’s not unusual to notice the presence of rodents and other pests (mice are particularly common). In winter, the cold weather will often drive rodents into warm cavities like the attic and roof. And while rodents may infiltrate other areas of the house, attics present the ideal habitat. Beyond a contaminated environment, rodents can also be destructive. They will chew through wires, rigid foam insulation, and even fiberglass batts. Worst of all, the presence of rodents in any part of the house may be problematic when selling the home.
With rodents, prevention is key. It is much easier to stop them from entering the house than to get them to leave. Spray foam insulation achieves the goal of prevention by sealing the home effectively. Spray foam is preventive. it won’t be effective when rodents are already inhabited. And while totally sealing the house from top to bottom may be prohibitive, sealing areas like the attic, garage, and parts of the basement will make a big difference. Generally, rodents are not attracted to spray foam, as it doesn’t resemble food. It’s not something that they will chew on or eat, as opposed to other forms of insulation that is more easily penetrable.
The thing is, spray foam is an insulation product. But because it seals any area in a home or commercial building so effectively, one of the benefits is keeping out rodents and pests. For homeowners who decide to install spray foam insulation, most of the benefits come from enhanced home insulation, better moisture control, and improved comfort. The added advantage, of course, is a sealed space that stops rodents and pests from entering. All things considered, spray foam insulation is an application that is best handled by a professional. This will ensure the best installation and the best long-term outcomes.