Spray foam insulation is a liquid-based material that helps to seal walls, floors, and ceiling cavities against air and water leaks. Insulation has a lot of benefits for properties. It will save money from utility bills due to the better retention of internal temperature. It reduces noise pollution. The spray foam barrier’s density halts air, which is the primary transport medium of sound waves.
The types of Spray Foam Insulation
Product innovation over the years has seen the introduction of several different types of spray foam insulation. Open-cell sprayed-in foam insulation, a soft low-density material, is typically used for interior applications such as wall cavities, the underside of roof decks, attics, basement walls, and crawl spaces.
Closed-cell spray insulation, a rigid medium-density material, can be used in exterior applications such as continuous insulation applications, as well as interior applications. This type of foam insulation has a higher R-value per inch making it also suitable for small areas that require the highest possible R-value to meet building code requirements.
The benefits of open-cell spray foam
- Allows for bi-directional drying
- Can accommodate long-term creep and seasonal movement
- Can be installed at a significantly lower cost and target the same specified R-value*
- Is not considered a food source for mold
- Provides sound dampening qualities, ideal for use media or theater rooms
- Lower installed cost, per square foot
The benefits of closed-cell insulation foam
- Ability to reject bulk water
- Can be applied at very low temperatures
- Adds wall racking strength as well as impact resistance
- Higher R-value* per inch – easier to accommodate high R-value* requirements in narrow spaces
- Lower vapor permeance
- Higher tensile and bond strength
How Do They Work?
Once you spray the foam insulation material into a crack or crevice, the liquid-based material rapidly expands up to 100 times its original size and fills the gap. Its expansion halts once it has covered every cavity.
Polyurethane foam insulation is made up of two components, isocyanates, which are highly-reactive and dense, and a compound of polyol, flame retardants, and amine catalysts.
Down here you can find some of the benefits of using Spray Foam
Improved Indoor Humidity control. The foam has the ability to expand and to fill the smallest crack or crevice. This seal along with the proper AC equipment will give you the ability to maintain a comfortable humidity level within your home. Now with the advancements of spray foam, hot air and cold air will never meet and you can now maximize newer ac systems customizing what humidity level is most comfortable for you regardless of exterior conditions.
No more hotter and colder rooms. If you have rooms in your house that are not equally hot or cold, this problem now is resolved with spray foam. There are two reasons why. One is the foam’s incredible resistance to heat gain stopping radiant heat from penetrating walls and secondly the air barrier that creates a consistent temperature throughout the building.
Eliminates Drafts and air leakage. Even if you live in a cold climate or a hot climate, a drafty home is an uncomfortable home and one of the reasons for higher energy cost today. Spray foam has the ability to seal all penetrations and to make the attic a conditioned space. This allows the heating and cooling to be in the right place at the right time and makes your living a comfortable place and very cozy.
Improved Indoor Air Quality. The installation of spray foam insulation can help to reduce the symptoms of somebody that suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory condition.
Cooling and Heating Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation. One of the most amazing abilities of spray foams is getting into small cracks and crevices. Once the foam is applied directly into the cracks, it expands and dries quickly while blocking air and water. Foam insulation does not block the air and water, but for heat and cold as well. Depending on where you live, foam insulation can lower your heating and cooling bills. Even though foam insulation is more expensive than other types of insulation, it saves you money on bills in the long-term.
Noise Reduction. Everybody wants a quiet neighborhood and sometimes this thing doesn’t happen. Open cell spray foam has the ability to reduce noise. They can minimize the noise more than other types of insulation.
Prevents Bugs, Insects, and Small Rodents from Getting Into Your Home. Those tiny holes in your building structure are an open invitation to ants, bugs, and small rodents. Filling them with spray foam is the best choice. Closed cell spray foam is the best thing to create a barrier against the tiny intruders. In this way, you can save your house and your health.
Prevents the Growth of Mold and Mildew. Both open cell and closed cell foam insulation prevent moisture from entering through the walls of your building. Even though both types of foam reduce the buildup of condensation, the closed cell spray foam works like a barrier against large quantities of water. The less water gets through your walls, the smaller the risk of developing health issues due to mold and mildew.
Increases the Sturdiness of Your Walls. Closed cell is known for its density and hardness so they can actually strengthen the structure of your walls. Strong winds, heavy snow, and earthquakes can be quite a challenge. One of the benefits of spray foam insulation is that it gets everywhere and it holds everything together as a strong glue. Insulating your attic with closed foam might save your roof during storms.
It Lasts Longer. Fiberglass and Styrofoam insulation aren’t long-term solutions. Fiberglass sags and bunch, while Styrofoam breaks over the years. These types of insulation need to be replaced after a while. On the other hand, spray foam insulation lasts for a long time and it will cost more than the other types of insulation, but you will see a lot of advantages using spray foam in the long terms.
Eco-friendly. Insulating the building with spray foam is 100% eco friendly. Spray foam reduces energy consumption and protects your building against mold and mildew growth. Since it’s longer lasting than any other type of insulation, it consumes less materials.
Wrapping up. The benefits of spray foam insulation should make everyone consider it, no matter if you have a new or old house. Even though the initial investment is bigger than other types of insulation, it will save you money on your bills. During the winter, it protects your home from the cold and moisture. During the summer, it protects it from heat. It’s also a good option for those of us who value privacy. The open cell spray foam insulation blocks noise better than any other type of insulation. Your building structure will love it too. It will keep you safe during strong winds, heavy snow, and earthquakes.
Prevent your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to a pipe burst and flooding, which spells disaster for your home. Always have your heat on in the winter, even if you’re away. When you do have the heat on, don’t set it below 55 degrees. You may have heard of temporary fixes like leaving cabinet doors open or letting your faucets drip. For a permanent solution, have a professional install more insulation near your pipes, especially in crawlspaces and attics. You can also have your pipes themselves fitted with insulation sleeves.
