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Spray foam insulation doesn’t do well around heat sources. Therefore, You can use spray foam insulation to seal around HVAC boots that penetrate through the drywalls or around where wrapped ducts connect to the boots, but we don’t recommend using spray foam insulation to encapsulate your air ducts. Spray foam insulation on air ducts is also less effective compared to duct wraps.

STC (Sound Transmission Class) is a rating that describes how well a building material or assembly blocks airborne sound. A higher STC rating means less noise will pass through the material, providing better sound reduction. This rating system applies to various building components, including windows, doors, flooring, drywall, and insulation.

For context, a typical single-pane window has an STC rating of around 25 (where normal conversations are audible), while a well-sealed, double-pane window can exceed STC 45 (blocking loud speech and most music). It is important to note that for some products, like soundproofing drywall, the STC rating refers to the entire wall system, not just the individual panel.

Additionally, STC ratings are most effective for measuring sound reduction at mid-to-high frequencies, such as human speech, and may not accurately reflect how well a material blocks low-frequency sounds like bass music or thunder. Because of these factors, it is recommended to consult a professional to determine the right STC-rated materials for your specific soundproofing needs.

The most obvious con of injection foam is the cost. It’s much more expensive to install than fiberglass or spray foam, but it may be your only option (unless you want to remove entire walls around the home). Another con is that it involves drilling into existing material, which has to be repaired after the foam is injected. Some injection foams are made from products that aren’t environmentally friendly, and improper installation can lead to trapped moisture, which can lead to expensive mold remediation down the road. 

The amount and type of insulation your home needs depends on your location, climate, and the specific installation area (attic, walls, or floors). Your local building code will typically determine the minimum required R-value. For specific recommendations, Energy Star suggests the following R-values: homes in the Southern U.S. should have R30 to R60 in attics and R13 to R25 in floors and walls; homes in moderate climates need R38 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls; and homes in northern states require R49 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls.