Spray foam insulation has a few different foam products of different densities. Our open-cell foam product has an R-Value of 3.5 per inch and in most applications, a house constructed with 2x4 studs will have 3.5 inches of open cell foam thus resulting in a total R-value of 12. If the house is constructed with 2x6 studs, the R-value when insulating with open cell foam can reach a maximum of R-20. Our primary closed cell foam has an R-value of 7.0 per inch and is usually sprayed between 2 to 3 inches thick resulting in an R-value between 14 and 21. Spray foam is the only insulation product that offers a true R-value because it is the only product that creates an air seal.
While spray foam sprays both types of foam, the preferred choice has been closed cell foam due to its higher R-value per inch, the strength it adds to the structure, and the effectiveness of being a barrier against moisture. Although it is slightly more expensive, many owners and contractors prefer it due to these features. However, if the project has a limited budget, open cell foam is a better choice since it is priced comparable to fiberglass.
Spray foam insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope. When applied, the insulation conforms and fills each cavity, crack and void. By filling these voids you seal the house against: wind, dust, moisture, pollen, spores, insects, mold and allergens. Insulating your home with spray foam insulation provides a healthier, quieter, draft-free, indoor environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions.
Icynene is one brand of Spray Polyurethane Foam. There are numerous brands of spray foam on the market and Icynene is one of the more common brands. Icynene contractors will only spray Icynene spray foam. Classic Spray Foam Insulation has access to numerous brands of spray foam with a wide variety of specifications depending on the application. Brands we regularly spray: UCSC, Gaco Western, Henry, APEX and SPEC Technologies.
Spray foam insulation is sprayed into the wall cavity in between the wooden studs with specialized equipment. The foam is sprayed on as a liquid, but within 2 to 10 seconds, the liquid will turn to foam and expand up to 100 times it’s original size filling every nook and cranny, sealing all gaps and permanently adhering to the stud cavity.
Most moisture damage in a building occurs when warm moist air inside the building is being exchanged with the cold dry air inside an insulation cavity. As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. Because foam insulation is an air seal, this moisture movement and condensation does not occur. It is ideal for use in climates where buildings are both heated and air conditioned because the situation is reversed in summer with moisture forming on the back of the interior vapor retarder.
No, foam insulation has been thoroughly tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities nor is it corrosive to any metals whatsoever.
No. Our foam products offer no food value. It is an inert substance; therefore it does not support bacteria, mold or fungal growth.
Spray foam insulation will last the life of the house.
No.
For new construction or renovations, the insulation is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. On existing homes, the spray foam insulation can be installed to the attic, roof line, and sub-flooring to seal in the house. It is more cost effective to leave existing interior wall insulation in place.
Unless the homeowner is wiling to make a large investment in the equipment and become properly trained and certified, it is not feasible for the homeowner to install spray foam insulation. However, there are a few companies that provide small kits to spray foam in small areas, however the cost to purchase these kits can be almost three times as much compared to hiring a professional.
An outlet can be easily added since the spray foam insulation drills more easily than wood.
Your house does need to be ventilated. However, most home engineers and building scientists, as well as the US Dept of Energy, advise that you seal the structure as tight as possible and provide necessary ventilation through your air conditioning and heating system. Many systems employ an "air exchanger" which pre-conditions incoming outside air to control humidity and energy efficiency. This type of design, known as an unvented attic, creates a true Thermal Envelope.
Although spray foam has been around for more than 30 years, it has been perfected in the past 10 years and has now been made available in most major cities at very affordable prices.