Spray foam insulation is a highly effective solution to reduce unwanted air infiltration, which is a major cause of higher energy bills. The specialized polyurethane foam seals cracks and gaps and prevents unwanted heat transfer, allowing homeowners to cut energy costs dramatically.
The spray foam insulation industry has been working to combat this problem with a series of educational programs and meetings. These meetings have included new construction builders, local code officials, and spray foam applicators. Educating these groups on the challenges that SPF can pose for termite prevention is an important step in stopping this trend. In addition, pest control companies are reaching out to their clients and encouraging them to call their termite company if they're planning on having spray foam insulation installed.
Spray foam can seal the nooks and crannies where moisture, mold and pests can make themselves at home. It doesn’t just fill cracks and crevices, it also prevents water from entering a structure through small gaps in walls and ceilings. Mold spores and other bacteria can take up residence in these spaces, creating serious problems for homeowners. Spray foam contains an inert polymer that does not provide a food source for these contaminants, so they can’t thrive in homes and buildings insulated with this material.
Moisture is a serious issue that can cause structural damage to homes and businesses, as well as lower indoor air quality. Spray foam is an excellent solution to this problem, as it is highly effective at reducing moisture and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, spray foam can also reduce energy bills due to reduced HVAC system use, as it prevents air from escaping through leaky areas of a building’s structure.
Closed-cell spray foams, like the type we use at Ecotelligent Homes, are now available with a low-GWP blowing agent. This is a major advancement for the spray foam industry and demonstrates that companies are working hard to make their products more environmentally friendly.
Rodents aren’t the only critters that you want to keep out of your home, as mosquitoes, bats, and other insects can find their way inside your building through these tiny cracks and holes. These critters also love the warm temperatures of temperature-controlled homes and can create a nest there. Spray foam insulation can stop these pests and the property damage that comes along with them.
Spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal around walls and floor joists, which prevents pests like mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents from entering your home. These critters are attracted to warm homes and will often enter through the crawl space, gaps in attic vents, or at the rim joists of your home. These rodents can cause a wide range of problems including health issues, property damage, and electrical fire hazards.
Spray foam insulation has a closed-cell structure that makes it resistant to mold and mildew growth because it does not provide a food source for these organisms. This is an advantage over other types of insulation, especially cellulose, which can be affected by mold and mildew if it becomes wet.
It has an R-value per inch that is higher than any other insulating material on the market. Its ability to resist radiant heat, seal air leakage and create a consistent room temperature makes it an important part of any construction project. In fact, a spray foam system can reduce energy and utility costs by 30 percent or more.
Although the upfront cost of installing spray foam is a bit more than traditional insulation materials, the long-term savings and energy efficiency make it a smart and worthwhile investment. In addition, some homeowners may be able to qualify for rebates, incentives or tax credits that can further increase the return on investment.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
The chemicals in spray foam are sprayed in separate containers and they react on-site to form a foam. These chemicals are usually made of polyol resin, isocyanate and blowing agents. The most common blowing agent is HFCs. These have a global warming potential over 3,400 times greater than carbon dioxide.
However, spray foam is not a replacement for termite treatment. While it does block many of the entry points that termites may use to get into your house, it is not a substitute for a full termite treatment or other preventative measures. It is always best to have a professional exterminator treat your home for an existing infestation before using spray foam to prevent future ones.
Closed-cell spray foam is an extremely durable material that can resist moisture. This is because it is sprayed in place monolithically, which helps to create an air barrier in roof, floor, and wall assemblies. This allows the spray foam to stop moisture, as well as prevent heat and cool air from leaking out through framing. Closed-cell spray foam can also act as a class II vapor retarder, which is an important feature in certain climate zones.
Mold and bacteria thrive in moist and humid environments, but spray foam acts as an air barrier to prevent moisture from entering walls. This helps protect your home from mold growth and other bacterial infestations that can cause serious health issues for homeowners. In addition, spray foam provides a tight seal that prevents unwanted odors from lingering in the home.
Many homeowners wonder why their home has excess moisture, especially during the rainy seasons. While there are several factors that can contribute to this, one of the most common is inadequate insulation. Traditional pink fiberglass insulation can be easily saturated with water, which will then cause it to lose its insulating properties. Spray foam insulation has an advantage over other types of insulation in this regard, as it is highly moisture resistant and will retain its R-value even when wet.
Environmentally Friendly
Spray foam creates an air barrier, which helps cut energy costs by reducing heat transfer and improving the home’s temperature regulation. It can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment.
Reduces Energy
A professional spray contractor will use top-of-the-line, high-volume spray equipment that is capable of filling even the smallest holes, cracks, and spaces in a wall or attic. This ensures that you are getting the best possible results. Professional installers will also be trained in proper chemical handling, safety, and other essentials. They will have access to the right tools to reach hard-to-reach areas and can properly install the foam so that it reaches its maximum R-value.
When correctly applied, open-cell spray foam is highly effective at reducing noises. Its density is higher than blown in cellulose and it fills more space, making it better at controlling both high-frequency and low-frequency sounds. The application and spray equipment used also play a crucial role in how effectively it works.
Expanding foam was poured into crevices and onto materials, which, for upright applications, proved tricky. Spray foam insulation is a form of expanding foam that can be sprayed onto any surface at any angle, and at a much faster rate.
In addition to building temperature and moisture control, spray foam insulation is often used to reduce noise. Foam insulation serves as a barrier to airborne sounds, and reduces airborne sound transfer through a building's roof, floor and walls compared an uninsulated structure.
Expanding Foam Polyfilla is ideal for filling and sealing awkward gaps, hollows and cavities. It shoots liquid foam deep into cavities, creating a long lasting seal, which insulates against heat, sound and moisture.
Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home.
Spray foam is a highly effective form of home insulation that can reduce your carbon footprint along with your energy bills. It costs more than other types of insulation, but it will last longer—up to 80 years.
Expanding foam is often found in the form of spray foam insulation as it is the easiest method to apply the reactive, two-component mixture that expands once blown. Expanding foam insulation can be applied to any surface to prevent draughts and enhance structural integrity, thus making it ideal for cavity walls.