What is Spray Foam And What Are The Benefits Of It?
What is Spray Foam And What Are The Benefits Of It?
What Is Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPF)?
What Is Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPF)?
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a spray-applied plastic that is used to insulate structures while also sealing gaps and cracks. Spray polyurethane foam is the final product resulting from a mix of two chemicals, coming from two separate containers. A specialized machine is used in order to mix the solution and to spray it out. When they are combined, just before being sprayed onto the designated surface, the two chemicals react with one another and quickly expand to form a solid foam. The newly formed substrate expands, covers and fills any open crevices that may be letting air or bugs pass through.
Unlike traditional insulation methods, thanks to its adhesive properties, SPF insulation can be applied to almost any surface.
There are two variants of spray foam, open-cell and closed-cell, each provides several identical and several different benefits. One might be more ideal than the other for certain spaces and structures depending on the specific project requirements.
What is the Difference Between Open-cell and Closed Cell Spray Foam?
What Is The Difference Between
Open-cell And Closed Cell Spray Foam?
What Is The Difference Between Open-cell And Closed Cell Spray Foam?
Open-cell spray foam expands more than its higher density counterpart, which makes Open-cell spray foam a better fit when filling up deeper framing cavities. In many cases it is also more cost efficient as less material is necessary to fill the same amount of space. The thicker and softer material also limits sound transfer better than closed-cell, this helps reduce excess street and outside noise. Open-cell is lighter and more pliable than closed-cell so it does not pull away or crack over time as your structure shifts. Open-cell is a permeable material, it is porous and will allow the transfer of moisture and liquid through it.
Closed-cell is a higher density material, in fact it’s so dense that it will prevent 100% of moisture and liquid from passing through it. Closed-cell SPF insulation retains higher R-values per inch and, since it doesn’t expand as much as open-cell, the thinner trim and higher R-value makes it optimal for structures with limited insulation space. It can be left exposed without getting damaged, which makes it an ideal choice for agriculture structures such as pole barns. As opposed to open-cell and traditional types of insulation, closed-cell insulation is almost always the more suitable solution for tiny homes, mobile homes, vans, and vehicle transformations.
Although both types of spray foam insulation have great insulation properties, they may vary dramatically in cost. It is important to know the differences and where each of them fits best for your project and budget requirements. Make sure to consult with experts when choosing which is the right solution for your unique situation.
Where Is Spray Foam Applied?
Where Is Spray Foam Applied?
Since spray polyurethane foam insulation can be applied to almost any surface, it makes a great solution for many types of applications. Almost any wood, concrete or metal structure, as well as others, can enjoy the benefits of SPF insulation. When it comes to residential and commercial applications, it is often used to insulate walls, floors, and ceilings of new and existing structures.
In recent years, depending on the region and due to new building codes, a lot of the newly built structures are using spray foam insulation to offset the higher thermal requirements of new construction residential and projects.
What Are The Benefits Of Spray Foam?
What Are The Benefits Of Spray Foam?
Spray foam insulation is quick to install and offers many benefits for your existing or new structure. It provides the best thermal barrier that can fit any shape. This decreases the need to run HVAC systems and leads to immediate savings up to 30% to 50% from your energy bill.
Thanks to it’s self-expanding properties, foam insulation has the benefit of being able to effectively seal small gaps and cracks around your structure as well as spaces around outlets, light fixtures, and around windows and doors. Filling these openings blocks air movement, moisture and other particles that travel with it. This greatly improves the air quality in your home preventing allergens and dust entering your home from your attic, walls, and crawlspace. Sealing these small gaps and crevices helps keep pests out of your home.
Closed-cell spray foam also serves as structural support when applied. Thanks to it being a very durable and high density product, it enforces the structure, doesn’t lose its shape or sag and provides an overall support to newly built and existing structures.
Other than being a thermal insulator, open-cell SPF assists in dempening and deadening sound transfer between spaces.
Whether it’s open-cell or closed-cell SPF insulation that is being applied, these outstanding benefits of this one of a kind insulation material ensure that your structure is stable, energy efficient, and comfortable.
What Is The Process Of Spray Foam Application and What Kind Equipment Is Used?
What Is The Process Of Spray Foam Application and What Kind Equipment Is Used?
Step 1. Look for a spray foam contractor in your area.
You will get scheduled for an inspection appointment and then given a quote. Insulation Labs offers free estimates and you can be sure our experts will find the right spray foam solution for your unique situation.
Step 2. Installation day
A crew will need to prepare your structure for spray insulation. Depending on your structure, old insulation may need to be removed from the area(s) of application and disposed of.
Step 3. Spray Foam Application
Once the application areas are ready, technicians will apply the spray foam, into the designated area(s). This is not as easy as it sounds. The highly trained technicians make sure that the foam is being mixed properly and that the correct amount is applied.
Step 4. Clean Up
After the installers are finished applying the spray foam, the crew should make sure the space looks how it was before, leaving no mess behind.
What Do You Need To Get Started?
What Do You Need To Get Started?
Make sure you do your research on contractors. It requires proper chemical storage, equipment maintenance and application techniques to be installed properly. SPF insulation application must be done in such a manner to prevent any structural, mechanical and environmental damage from occurring. Like many other trades, risks can be avoided when the work is handled by a professional, well trained, licensed contractor. When choosing a company, look for someone with SPFA professional certification.
At Insulation Labs, we have knowledgeable and well trained technicians and inspectors to assist with any of your insulation needs. We will help you find the best solution for your home and budget. We are a one stop shop for all your insulation requirements for residential and commercial buildings. Call us today at (213) 397-2691 for a free estimate.
