Insulation FAQ’s
What is spray foam insulation?
Because it significantly expands as it’s applied, spray foam is particularly useful for penetrating and filling cracks, holes and other openings near the application site. This virtually eliminates air infiltration, enhancing the effectiveness of the insulation when compared to fiber insulation materials. It’s available in a variety of densities to suit nearly any application. It also enhances comfort by reducing temperature inconsistencies and minimizing unwanted outdoor noise.
How long has spray foam insulation been around?
Considering its advantages, why is spray foam used less frequently than other insulation types?
Another factor comes down to short-term versus long-term cost. Fiber insulation is less expensive to purchase and install than foam, so the lower short-term cost makes it a more popular option. The problem is that fiber-based products tend to allow significant air infiltration and provide substandard insulation performance. By comparison, foam insulation eliminates most air leaks and delivers outstanding thermal insulation. Considering around 40 percent of heating and cooling costs can be traced to air leaks and poor insulation, the performance of spray foam makes it a far greater long-term value.
Does spray foam insulation meet building code standards?
Does insulation have to be installed by a licensed contractor?
Should I choose open-cell or closed-cell spray foam insulation?
Open-cell spray foam is considerably more affordable, making it a good choice for tighter budgets. It also achieves greater expansion, which can be useful for insulating spaces that are otherwise difficult to reach. It falls short of closed-cell insulation in terms of performance, but it still far exceeds fiber insulation.
Ultimately, whether open-cell or closed-cell foam is right for you depends on a number of considerations. The best course of action is to consult with an experienced installer. A Sensigreen Heating & Air professional can guide you through several steps to help you make the optimal decision for your home and budget, including:
- Evaluate your home and its insulation needs
- Compare and contrast spray foam insulation options
- Review available financial incentives
- Identify insurance discounts and other savings opportunities
- Offer a comprehensive quote for the solution you choose
Is installing spray foam insulation cost-effective?
Additionally, spray foam insulation can help to reduce the cost of new construction as well. More efficient insulation may allow you to install a smaller and more affordable HVAC system without losing heating and cooling performance. Because it does the same job even more effectively, spray foam can also eliminate the need for installing house wrap.
Can I simply buy a kit to install spray foam insulation myself?
More concerning still is the danger of working with hazardous materials without the proper equipment and training. When it’s correctly mixed and hardened, spray foam insulation is rendered inert and entirely safe. However, the individual component chemicals can be hazardous, and they may remain potentially harmful if they aren’t mixed correctly. For these reasons, spray foam insulation should only be installed by experienced, properly equipped professionals.
Does foam insulation pose any safety concerns?
What is the typical lifespan of spray foam insulation?
Is spray foam insulation impervious to moisture?
Another benefit of spray foam insulation is that it actively eliminates moisture at its most common sources. Water most often enters the home through air leaks in walls and ceilings. During application, spray foam rapidly expands to seal up any leaks and create a virtually airtight barrier. Moisture sources originating inside the home can be resolved by ensuring proper construction. For applications in which moisture poses a challenge, we’ll be happy to work with you to address any concerns.
Could spray foam insulation put my roof at risk in the event of a leak?
In fact, spray foam insulation acts as a safeguard in the event of a leak. During the application process, the spray foam material chemically bonds with the roof trusses and sheathing. This prevents water from penetrating through the roof sheathing and leaves no space in which water can even become trapped.