Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a unique insulation and sealant that is sprayed on-site. It expands and dries creating a tight building envelope. Spray foam insulates better than batt insulation and can help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. It’s also resistant to mold, rodents and fungus.
The crew will run a hose to the area you are insulating – attic, crawl space or rim joist in an existing home; and uninsulated walls in new construction or pole barns. This allows them to spray the foam quickly. They use a special rig that mixes the chemicals perfectly, so there is no wasted foam. It also helps to keep the workers safe because the mixture contains highly toxic materials like methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, isocyanate and polyol resins.
A trained installer will then spray the foam on to the area you are insulating. It will expand up to 30-60 times its liquid form, filling in every crack and gap. The spray will also create an air seal which will reduce drafts, lowering your energy bill and improving your indoor air quality.
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Closed-cell spray foam is more expensive than open-cell, but it has a higher R-value per inch and creates an effective vapor barrier. It’s also a bit stronger, so it is less likely to move or shift after spraying.
Both types of spray foam are non-toxic once they’ve cured, but while they’re curing they emit a gas that can blur your vision and make breathing difficult. It’s important to wear a mask and protective gear while working with this material.