Why Spray Foam Insulation is a Top Choice for Energy Efficiency

The usage of spray foam insulation is widely preferred for improving the performance of a building especially in terms of energy conservation. Considered as one of the best insulating materials in the market and can be installed in commercial and residential areas to act as the barrier to heat flow and moisture. Here is the full list of information discussing about spray foam insulation; its advantages if any, classifications and most importantly how to apply it. 

 What’s Spray Foam Insulation? 

 Spray foam insulation is an insulation material which is sprayed in liquid form and foams up on application of air. Especially, this type of foam covers irregularities including spaces, cracks, and gaps in walls, roofs and other structures to provide coherent insulation. There are two types when it comes to the foam they are the open-cell foam and the closed-cell foam. 

 Different Kinds of Spray Foam Insulation 

 Open-Cell Foam: This type of foam has minimum density, it is comparatively softer and much more flexible than other types of foam. Log Cabins are less costly and also have good heat insulating properties as well as being sound proof. It is often used in interior applications to areas where one can afford the product for moderate resistance to moisture. 

 Closed-Cell Foam: It is also known as stiff foam or sheathing foam; its characteristics includes; closed cell structure; hence it is denser and more rigid; it provides better insulation and is more resistant to water. It is better in excluding the airflow of air and water, it is ideal for application which is external or area that comes into contact with moisture. 

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

 Excellent Thermal Insulation: It is useful to note that spray foam has a high R-value per inch, therefore; it has superior thermal resistance. This also assists in maintaining the temperatures of buildings specious and conducive for human habitation especially in controlling the freezing temperatures especially in the winter seasons as well as controlling the high temperatures mostly eminent in the summer seasons hence cutting short the energy bills. 

 Air Sealing: Spray foam’s nature of expansion gets into all the cracks and gaps that other types of insulation might not reach, thus eliminating drafts and creating better indoor environment. 

 Moisture Barrier: Closed cell foam spray accomplishes a moisture barrier thus ensuring that water does not penetrate hence preventing formation of mold. This makes it particular suitable for the regions that experience high levels of humidity or water presence. 

 Soundproofing: Closed-cell spray foam is barriers against sound both of the rooms and from sources outside making the house quiet. 

 Durability: The spray foam insulation is long-lasting and does not settle or degrade over time and therefore will serve the building for its whole life-time. And most importantly it lasts long without compromising its insulating ability.

Application Process 

 Preparation: The area to be sprayed with foam insulation must first be prepared in the right manner if at all the end result is to be satisfactory. This also encompasses washing down and scraping surfaces, surface preparation or removal of old insulation, and curing of any moisture problem. In application, proper ventilation is also necessary so that exhaust may not be a problem. 

 Application: The two types of foam that can be sprayed are known as spray foam and the equipment used to apply both forms of foam involves the mixing of the foam. It is normally in liquid state and once it is applied to surfaces it expands and hardens into a sufficiently insulating material. 

 Curing: Another disadvantage with polyurethane foam is that after application it requires some time to cure. This process normally takes a few hours, the foam sets, and any agents involved bond to surfaces covering them. After the foam has been properly cured, they can either be cut or completely covered by any desired fabric of the beholder. 

 Inspection: Again, once the foam has set, one needs to make sure that the insulation has a proper coverage and there may be some areas that may be requiring more attention. 

 Considerations and Costs 

 Cost: If compared to other types of insulation such as fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam insulation can be purchasing at a higher cost. Nevertheless, saving energy costs over the long run and the other benefits arising there from, offer compensation for the initial investment. 

 Professional Installation: To achieve the desired outcomes of spraying foam insulation, equipment that is specialized should be used together with qualified professionals. However, it is advised to seek professional help of an installer to avoid deleterious impacts on the performance. 

 Health and Safety: Discharged during application, the spray foam insulation reforms chemicals which give of fumes. Written for installers and new building occupants, precautions for handling and installing foam must be taken so that installers stay safe and occupants are not harmed by the chemicals given off by foam. Contact One Insulation for more information.

 It is essential to know that spray foam insulation has several benefits such as thermal performance, air barrier, help in curtailing moisture and any sound. Although it is slightly more expensive than some of the other kinds of insulation material, its many benefits to achieve energy efficiency and comfort in buildings call for its consideration. This article provides information on the different types of spray foam insulation, the benefits as well as how to apply to be able to make the right decision about whether you require it or not.