What Is Spray Foam Insulation

The topic of home insulation has been a widely publicized and debated one over the years. While many are still ignorant of its benefits and many advantages, majority of the populace is beginning to see reasons for home and building insulation. A common form of home insulation is the spray foam insulation which involves the use of a chemical product called spray foam (made from isocyanate and polyol resin) to seal walls, crevices floors and ceiling gaps. It is also used to close out plumbing vents, attic hatches, wiring holes, basements, cellars, window slopes, tanks and even vehicle bodies and container sheds. The insulation is applied with the use of a spray foam insulation equipment (a spray gun) with the help of a propellant in the spray can. The expanded and fixed spray foam serves as a form of insulation, thus preventing air movement, energy loss and heat transfer.

Why Use Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is peculiar for being very advantageous, as it is known for its durability, ability to save cost, and for being eco-friendly. The ability of the home spray foam insulation to adhere to the applied surface makes for its renowned durability, binding capacity and inability to shrink. This allows the insulation to last for up to a period of 30 years and even makes it flood-resistant. It also helps in reducing the cost of building, renovation and maintenance. The compact nature of the spray foam insulation allows for minimal heat exchange and transfer between the houses and the surrounding environment, fostering temperature regulation. In the long run, the spray foam insulation serves as a barrier against contaminated air and unwanted moisture, thus allowing for the utilization of a lesser and more affordable heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system (HVAC). This in turn has a reducing effect of up to 35% on energy consumption.

In terms of being eco-friendly, it is totally non-toxic and has a high rate of energy efficiency. As many of the spray foam insulations do not make use of synthetic blowing agents which deplete the ozone layer, and are 100% water-blown, they have a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). The polyurethane foam assists in reducing greenhouse gas emission by over 7000 pounds annually. Spray Foam Insulations such as Icynene® are able to greatly reduce thecarbon footprint of buildings, thus helping to mitigate the widespread climatic hazard of global warming.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

There exist two types of spray foam insulation namely the light-density open-cell spray foam insulation and the high density or medium-density closed-cell insulation. Though each type has a unique method of application and offers specific benefits, both bear a similarity; that is, they both contain millions of thermoset plastic cells.

Closed-Cell Type

Offering two density options which are the high-density and medium-density spray foam insulation, the closed cell spray foam insulation type is utilized when there is need for high insulation and strength. It is rigid with each air cell being completely sealed. The relative R-value (resistance-to-heat-flow value) of a closed-cell spray foam insulation starts from at 5.5 per inch, which is way higher than that of the open-cell type. This and more, thus makes the closed-type more expensive than the open type.

i. High-density closed-cell spray foam insulation

Evident from the name, the high-density closed-cell option has a denser foam structure than the medium-density, with R-value starting at 5.5 per inch. It weighs about 3lbs. per cubic feet and is usually used for roofing and exterior. Its thermal resistance aids cost reduction in the lifetime of roofing materials, while its strength protects roofs against strong winds.

ii. Medium-density closed-cell spray foam insulation

This option is somewhat related to the low-density type and is used in wall cavities, and for continuous insulation. The foam is applied either at low-pressure or high-pressure, and offers unique benefits dependent on climatic conditions and building type. It is however still a closed-cell spray foam insulation despite its low density, and weighs about 2 lbs. per cubic feet, with R-value starting at 5.7 per inch. It acts as a barrier and has high tensile strength.

Open-Cell Type

This low-density spray foam insulation, also known as the “half-pound foam”, weighs around 0.5 lbs. per cubic feet, and is used as an air barrier and continuous insulation. It has R-values ranging from 3.6 per inch and is flexible due to its open-cell structure. It provides heat and sound insulation, and can be applied at low or high pressure.