What to Know Before You Use Spray Foam Insulation

A popular consideration during the present for the placement of insulation in new structures, and particularly in existing structures, is spray foam insulation. This insulation type consists of two elements: isocyanate and polyol resin, according to Wikipedia.org. It’s a popular choice because it can be used with a special spray gun attachment that uses a modified nozzle to direct the stream of foam. It’s especially popular when used in already existing structures, such as homes, because minimal invasiveness is required, which reduces the associated labor and material cost of installation. Before you use this convenient form of foam insulation, learn about some elements you should be aware of beforehand.

If you are considering doing the installation on your own, you may want to think about professional installation instead. That’s because of one important reason: pressure of the nozzle. For larger installation jobs, a commercial contractor is almost always required. This is due to the fact that special equipment with special training is required to adequately fill the cavities in your home’s interior spaces. Take a look at a can of spray foam that can be purchased at any home improvement store, and you will quickly realize that it’s only intended to provide insulation to smaller spaces. Pressure matters, because professional equipment utilizes long hose sprayers that have far more pressure, which means far more coverage of the sprayed material.

A common question regarding this insulation type involves using open or closed cell insulation. Experts say that open cell insulation is nearly the same as cellulose or fiber glass. One reason is because of the air seals that this closed cell insulation creates. Air seals on insulation can increase the effectiveness by as much as 40 percent.

This common question is frequently asked by homeowners regarding using this insulation type in an unvented roof. The simple answer here is that you can use this insulation for an unvented roof. One should seek professional assessment of their roof and moisture levels to determine if closed or open cell is the best approach here.

A primary benefit of spray foam is that it can be easily installed into existing cavities in your home, particularly into spaces that are not easily accessed, like the walls, crawl spaces, the attic and other areas. It works for these areas because it is injected first in a liquid state, which then expands into the foam as the insulate settles.

                                 

You can use spray foam as a form of waterproof insulation. Don’t just assume that all spray foam is waterproof, however. The resistance of the insulation will greatly wager on the actual density of the foam. Open cell foam is not resistant to water, and will not provide adequate waterproofing. For projects that do require water resistance or proofing, ensure that closed cell foam is used instead. If you are using a contractor to have your foam installed, make sure you inquire with them regarding waterproofing for the best results. 

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