Spray Foam Insulation

An energy-efficient living space can provide you with many benefits. It will help you save money and decrease your carbon footprint by reducing the energy you spend to heat your home. Insulating your home is a perfect way to provide energy efficiency in your living area. Among the types of insulation, spray foam insulation offers you many advantages.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a versatile alternative to traditional ways of building insulation. It is comprised of blending isocyanate and polyol resin. It is foam in liquid form. After spraying it to the place you want to fill in, it can expand to 30-60 times larger than its liquid form.

What is Spray Foam Insulation Used for?

Spray foam is used to insulate your walls, ceiling, loft, floors, and more. It is sprayed off in cavities and expands to constitute a seal over any cracks that cause unwanted airflow.

Spray Foam Insulation for Attic

Problems of air infiltration in the attic may result in a loss in heating or cooling and increase the energy expense. Or attic hatch doors and heating and air conditioning pipes penetrating the living areas may cause unwanted airflow. Spray foam attic insulation can seal the gaps caused by hatch doors or pipes.

Spray Insulation for Walls

Insulating the walls of your house is a way to decrease utility expenses. It is possible to add spray foam to your walls by drilling some small holes in your walls are not been insulated before. If there is already insulation in your walls, you must be more careful while adding spray foam to your walls.

Spray Insulation for Crawl Space

The crawl space is the most humid area in your home. Therefore, you should choose a non-water-sensitive insulation type such as spray foam insulation to insulate it. The insulation avoids mold growth by preventing interior air from getting in touch with the cold surfaces. Besides, foam spray insulation becomes the barrier between the crawl space and your living area above.

Spray Insulation for Metal Buildings

Most people think that metal buildings cannot be insulated with spray foam insulation since it will cause metal rust. However, that depends on the foam quality you prefer to use. If you use premium quality foam, it will not cause any rust with the metals.

Spray Insulation for Basement Walls

Insulating the basement walls will allow you to keep your house warmer. Since closed-cell spray foam is better at avoiding vapor and moisture, spray foam wall insulation is more recommended for the basement.

Spray Insulation for Soundproofing

Just as the air flows in your house, so does the sound. If there are any gaps and cracks that let unwanted air flow in, they will allow noise through your home. You may want to prevent the noise a hundred percent or only to reduce it. If decreasing it is enough for you, foam insulation can be your choice. If you want to prevent the noise entirely, you may need to look for other options. Click for more information about Spray Foam Soundproofing.

Spray Insulation for Windows

To stop air from coming to your house via gaps and cracks around your windows, you can prefer to use spray foam for insulation. However, ensure that you choose minimal expanding foam; if you use a high expanding type of foam, it will cause functional problems with your windows.

Spray Insulation for Garage

If you plan to heat your garage, insulating it will pay off. Even if you tend not to add a heater to the garage, insulating it will provide benefits such as being a thermal buffer between the exterior walls of the house and the outdoors. Spray foam insulation will work well while insulating your garage since it is energy efficient, prevents unwanted airflow, and is resistant to mold and insects. Click for more information about Spray Foam Garage Insulation.

Spray Insulation in the Basement

Basements can be the reason for heat loss up to a considerable percentage. Spray foam insulation can solve the problem effectively. If the basement has not been insulated before, it will be easier to do interior insulation than exterior insulation. In interior basement insulation, closed-cell spray foam works better. Click for more information about Spray Foam Basement Insulation.

Where Not to Use Spray Foam Insulation?

• Cold weather can influence the expansion rate of the spray foam; hence, you should be careful when insulating in cold weather.
• If the area you will insulate is near electrical boxes, spray foam insulation should not be among the options.
• Spray foam expands immediately and may cause pressure. Therefore, it is better not to choose spray foam insulation in closed cavity spaces.
• Insulating spaces near recessed ceiling canister lights with spray foam can be risky.
• If you have health issues with breathing or skin, spray foam insulation can be inappropriate.

What are the Advantages of Using Spray Foam Insulation?

• It helps you save money by improving energy efficiency and increasing property value.
• It blocks heat, cold, air, and water.
• It significantly reduces noise, especially with open-cell foam.
• It acts as a barrier against pollens, allergens, and insects.
• It deters moisture and mold growth.
• It dries quickly and is easy to apply.
• It reduces your carbon footprint.
• It is long-lasting and retains shape.
• It strengthens building structure thanks to its adhesive properties.

What is the R-Value?

The primary function of the insulation materials is to reduce the conductive heat flow. How effectively the insulation resists conductive heat flow is measured by its R-Value. More effective insulation types have higher R values. All insulation substances have an R-value, but their efficiency level changes depending on some factors.

What is the R-Value of Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation R-value is the highest per inch. Closed-cell spray foam features an R-value of around 6.5 – 7 per inch. Open-cell spray foam has an R-value of around 3.8 per inch.

How to Remove Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam is easy to apply, but removal can be challenging if misapplied. Includes steps for removing from materials, clothes, and skin. Click for more information about how to safely remove spray foam from your skin and hands.

How Much Does Insulate a House Cost with Spray Foam?

The cost depends on spray foam type (closed vs. open-cell), area size, and application method. Closed-cell is more expensive but more effective.

Can You Do Spray Foam Insulation Yourself?

Yes, with a DIY spray foam insulation kit. But professional installation is often safer and more effective.

FAQs About Spray Foam Insulation

Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?

Spray foam is chemical-based. When fully cured and properly applied, it is considered safe.

Is Spray Foam Insulation Flammable?

Yes, but it has fire-resistant properties and can resist fire for up to an hour.

Is Spray Foam Insulation Waterproof?

Closed-cell spray foam is water-resistant; open-cell is not. Read our blog post for more information.

Can Spray Foam Insulation Get Wet?

Yes, and it will dry out without retaining moisture.