Frequently Asked Questions
Is spray foam a green product?
Compared to fiber insulations like fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam is more affordable over time and environmentally friendly. When you understand how R-values and air barriers can affect your monthly energy savings, other insulation systems may appear less expensive at first glance, but they can't match spray foam insulation's superior energy efficiency. Another advantage is that homeowners and builders can save money on equipment costs by using smaller HVAC units to provide the same level of comfort when heating or cooling residential or commercial buildings.
How does spray foam insulation save me money?
When you have a home that is not properly insulated, outside air leaks in and your air conditioning and heat leak out. So, your home won't stay at a constant temperature, and your rooms will be uncomfortable.
The air seal that spray foam insulation creates keeps the interior air inside and the outside elements outside, where they belong. This is where spray foam insulation really shines.
The average loss of energy in a building is 40% because of air leaks and gaps that let air in and out, costing you lots of money while negatively impacting the environment with heavy energy use.
Foam insulation is the only type that can offer a complete air seal throughout the entire house when compared to traditional insulation.
How much money will spray foam insulation save me on my energy bill?
You can save up to 50 percent on your monthly energy bills, depending on how many areas of your home have spray foam insulation installed.
Spray foam insulation: is it mold-proof?
Insulation made of spray foam does not support the growth of mold. Additionally, spray foam does not rot, rust, or degrade like wood or metal do. This means that a properly foam-insulated space will never serve as a source of food or a comfortable setting for a mold colony.
Can rodents destroy spray foam like they do with fiberglass or cellulose insulation?
The answer is, in most cases, no; rodents do not like to chew through spray foam insulation. Because spray foam fills all the little cracks and crevices in your home, it is also a great way to prevent mice and other rodents from entering your home or building.
Can you stay in the house while spray foam is being installed?
Various spray foam manufacturers and installers will ask people to leave their homes for anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to let the foam fully cure and off-gas.
Is it possible for a building owner to rent the equipment and install spray polyurethane foam himself?
It's a great question, as we hear it a lot. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) equipment is not available for rent to DIYers. A well-trained installer is required to install SPF. The process isn't as simple as it seems. Many small kits are available on the market, but they are designed for very small projects like sealing cracks and joints.
Can open-cell spray foam insulation be used to insulate the ceiling of my crawlspace? There are times when the crawlspace floods with a few inches of water.
You should not use open-cell spray foam insulation in a crawlspace. In flood-prone areas, it is recommended to use closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Closed-cell SPF has been classified as a Class 5 flood-resistant material by FEMA.
How does spray foam work?
Trained experts apply a two-part mixture to the surface that needs to be insulated. The spray mixture quickly expands and fills all holes, cracks, and voids. It sticks well to most building materials, like wood, brick, metal, and concrete, and permanently adheres to these surfaces.
Is closed-cell spray foam insulation good for soundproofing my home from exterior noises?
Both open-cell and closed-cell foam create a barrier to exterior noises. But open-cell foam is the best at reducing noise, but it doesn't have a vapor barrier, so it is not recommended to be used in a crawl space under your home. So, for exterior walls, a combination of closed-cell and open-cell insulation can be used to provide better soundproofing.
What areas of my home can I insulate with spray foam?
The best places to make your home more comfortable and use less energy are the attic, exterior walls, overhangs, crawl space(s), and interior walls (soundproofing open-cell insulation).
What is spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF)?
Simply put, it's an insulation made from two materials that are mixed together and then sprayed through a hose or gun at high pressure.