Do you know that poor insulation is the main cause of damage to a house? It leads to mold growth and adds to the increase in your bills. So if there is no proper insulation your house will stop feeling efficient and comfortable for you. This may be the case even if you use a reliable roofing system. Hence improving the insulation of your home is the best way to decrease your carbon footprint. You will be able to save money on your energy bills. So the best way to resolve this problem is through spray foam insulation.
Here you can find out all the details.
Table of Contents
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation also known as spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is becoming a popular insulation alternative. The fibreglass and other “batt-types” of insulation is the main option for home insulation. The installation can be difficult for some homes because a few areas will be hard to reach.
The spray foam insulation was developed in the 1940s during World War II by the US military. They used high-efficiency insulation for the aeroplanes. Then three decades later in the 1940s, this alternative for insulation was used in homes. But only in recent years the loft insulation northern ireland has become popularly used in many homes because it became cost-effective.
Mostly all forms of spray foam insulation are created from polyurethane foam. It is the same material that is present in soft furniture like couches, memory foam mattress and chairs. If it is properly applied to an area the spray foam insulation provides excellent thermal insulation for homes. It is because it has a high R-value and this is how the insulation capacity is measured.
You can apply the spray foam insulation because it can be easily applied in hard to reach places. For instance, you can use it in the corners of the attic or low crawl spaces. This insulation alternative will also help you to minimize air infiltration by sealing the cracks and corners.
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What types of spray foam are available?
It is available in both open-cell and closed-cell varieties.
1. Open-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
There are two types of spray foam insulation home’s walls, ceilings, attic, and foundation. Also, the open-cell polyurethane foam insulation is known as half-pound foam. It is a good option for some users because it is a lighter option.
The open-cell foam is not dense for it to act like water, moisture, or vapour barrier. So you cannot use it in areas where moisture and vapour are prevalent. But with the open-cell polyurethane foam insulation, you will be able to limit the air leakage at the same time still offering high-R value insulation in dry areas.
2. Closed-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
The Closed-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam also called two-pound foam is denser than Open-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam. It gives protection against both air and moisture. It can prevent moisture and vapour and is used as an insulator for foundations. So if the areas in your home need a vapour barrier you can use closed-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam.
What spray foam insulation is best?
The open-cell and closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation are effective insulators for different areas of your home. But most of the users prefer closed-cell foam insulation because of its higher R-value and moisture barrier properties.
The closed-cell insulation has an average R-value of R-6 per inch. But the R-value is more in other insulation types such as fibreglass batts, cellulose insulation and more. When compared to this open-cell foam comes with an R-value of 3.5 per inch. So closed-cell polyurethane foam is the best insulator. This means that you can lessen the thickness of insulation without ignoring the home’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. You will find the extra-insulating value giving extra protection as a moisture barrier. But it has a high price tag.
The closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation costs more than open-cell foam insulation. But in recent years the price is decreasing. Yet the major drawback of the open-cell and closed-cell polyurethane foams is their leaving environmental footprint.
What are the disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation?
Although the foam insulation can lessen the amount of energy used hence the carbon emissions, the blowing agents in it can harm the environment. The tiny bubbles or air pockets within the polyurethane give the foam its high R-values. For creating these bubbles or air pockets the foam needs the use of a blowing agent at the time of insulation.
So the blowing agents used in the Spray Foam Insulation are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These are considered greenhouse gases and are more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).
What are the best brands?
Many companies are starting to talk about the high global warming potential of the agents used in spray foam products that can lead to lower global warming potential. Therefore the gradual transition to low-GWP foam products is important now. That is why many brands are offering Spray Foam Insulation low in GWP levels.
1. Insulthane Extreme by Elastochem
One of the leading spray foam insulation brands is Insulthane Extreme by Elastochem. It comes with a GWP of 1 which is the same as carbon dioxide and it is offering a 99.9 per cent reduction than the other alternatives.
2. HandiFoam
The HandiFoam High Density comes with an impressive 6.5 R-value per inch. It decreases the GWP of the product.
3. Gaco
The Gaco spray foam insulation is a high performing closed-cell foam insulator. It uses a low GWP blowing agent and contains polyols from naturally renewable oils.
Where can you use the spray foam insulation?
The spray foam insulation can be used in walls, roofs, attic and foundations. But you have to use the closed-cell polyurethane spray in areas where moisture or vapour is a problem. But for insulating a foundation closed-cell insulation is good.
After you have applied the spray foam it will last for up to 80 years. You can invest in expensive closed-cell foam insulation for more improved durability against moisture and vapour prone areas.
Conclusion
These are the things you have to know about it. If you know about it you will be able to choose the best foam spray for the job.
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