What is the spray foam insulating air barrier system?

Spray Foam is a closed cell, spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF) system that creates a seamless, insulating air barrier.

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How is it applied?

SPF is a two component product that when combined forms a dense, hard, insulating material. The dense material is created when the “A” Iso Component is mixed with the “B” Resin Component. Once the two chemicals are combined through a high heat, high pressure equipment system, a chemical reaction occurs which causes the material to harden within 3-5 seconds.

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What equipment is required?

Spray Foam insulation must be installed with specific spray-applied foam application equipment.

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What is its insulation R-Value?

Closed cell spray foam insulation has an effective R-Value of 6.4 to 6.8 per inch.

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Does Spray foam technology control air leakage?

Spray Foam is certified to be an air barrier at an application of 1.5 inch thickness. Since spray foam is applied directly to the substrate and fills in all the cracks, air can not flow around or behind the insulation system. Spray foam maximizes its insulation properties by eliminating convection loops through and behind boards. Spray foam provides a fully adhered, seamless air barrier insulation system.

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What are the differences between closed cell and open cell foams?

There are a couple of major differences between open and closed technology. Closed cell spray foams offer closed cell content of 90 percent, whereas open cell foams offer 60 percent open cell technology. Closed cell insulation systems offer higher R-values over open-cell systems. This translates into lower heating and cooling cost for the homeowner. Lastly, another major difference is that closed cell technology is air and vapor impermeable, eliminating mold growth, while open cell allows more vapor into the building envelope.

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Can an insulation system add structural strength?

Yes, spray foam insulation does add to the structural integrity of your house. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center performed a test which shows that spray foam can increase rack and shear strength by two to three times compared with standard stick-built components with fiber insulation when sprayed onto gypsum wallboard and vinyl siding.

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What about mold?

To have mold, you must have: moisture, warm temperatures and a food source. Spray foam eliminates air movement within the wall cavity itself, thereby reducing the potential to accumulate moisture. Spray foam has no nutritional value and is not considered a food source for mold.

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Are there any fire protection requirements?

Spray Foam meets Class 1 flame and smoke characteristics. In accordance with the ICC Published Building Code, spray foam insulation must be covered by a 15-minute thermal barrier. Depending on the application, it may be appropriate to cover spray foam with an ignition barrier. You must check with your local Building Codes for final determination.

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What makes open cell foam insulation so effective?

Open cell foam insulation is much more effective than traditional insulation products because the foam insulation is applied as a liquid. When it is sprayed onto the intended surface, it expands 100 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse, and void to create a thermal envelope. Open cell foam insulation is a highly-efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not shrink, settle or disintegrate. Fiberglass and cellulose are settling materials, they cannot seal from stud to stud around outlets. In addition, fiberglass and cellulose can lose their insulation value if water or moisture invades the wall cavity. Open cell foam insulation can actually help eliminate moisture problems in a wall cavity by creating an air tight seal.

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How does open cell foam insulation save consumers money?

Open cell foam insulation is cost effective, reducing energy bills by 30% or more. The initial cost of installing the open cell foam insulation may be higher than traditional fiberglass; however, the savings in utility bills every month, year after year, greatly outweigh the extra cost. The larger the home, the faster the return. Plus, open cell foam insulation also provides a savings by reducing the required size of HVAC (heating and air conditioning) and other time consuming and costly procedures and materials.

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How does open cell foam insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?

Open cell foam insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope. When applied, the insulation conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse and void. Open cell foam insulation contributes to the overall comfort and health of the occupants of a home because there are no fibers or “clumps” of loose matter. By reducing air infiltration, the insulation also reduces dust and harmful household mold and mildew. Open cell foam insulation provides a healthier, draft-free, indoor environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions.

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What is the R-Value of open cell foam insulation per inch?

R-value is derived from a controlled laboratory test of insulation’s resistance to conductive heat flow. Open cell foam insulation has a R-value of 3.5-3.7/inch.

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What is the R-Value of open cell foam insulation wall or ceiling?

In the wall or ceiling of a building, most factory made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many buildings components may be as low as 30% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. But, the insulation of a wall containing open-celled foam insulation will perform closely to the laboratory tested R-value of the material and seal the wall cavity from air infiltration as well.

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What is the difference between open and closed cells foams?

Open cell foam performs two functions; it stops the movement of air and slows down the transfer of heat. Open cell foam products are generally not considered vapor retarders. In climate zones 6-8 a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Closed cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed cell foams also have a high comprehensive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications. Open cell foams should never be used for exterior applications or freezer/ cooler applications. Open cell foams are usually more cost effective because of their higher yields. Please work with your local contractor to determine which product works best for your specific application.

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Does open cell foam insulation adhere to metal or wood studs?

Open cell foam insulation adheres well to almost any material, especially wood and steel studs which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction.

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How is open cell foam insulation installed?

Open cell foam insulation is sprayed into a place onto studded wall by a spray foam insulation contractor. As with any open surface, open cell foam insulation can be sprayed on once electrical and plumbing services are in place. It then expands to 100 times its initial volume in seconds, permanently adhering to the surfaces of the surrounding building materials and sealing all gaps.

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Does open cell foam insulation cause any electrical wiring overheat problems?

No, open cell foam insulation has been tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities.

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Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?

Open cell foam insulation is stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives, and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acid, and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials.

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Can homeowners install open cell foam insulation themselves?

No, it takes certified, trained professional to install open cell foam insulation because of the sophisticated equipment needed to install it properly.

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How long does open cell foam insulation last?

Indefinitely. As an inert, long lasting polymer, any residential or commercial structure is a great place for open cell foam insulation.

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How long does it take for open cell foam insulation to cure?

The spray goes from liquid to foam in seconds after spraying. You can watch it quickly expand to 100 times its original volume. It completely cures within a few minutes.

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At what stage is open cell foam insulation installed?

Open cell foam insulation is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation.

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How long has open cell foam insulation been around?

Polyurethane Spray has been around for more than 30 years.

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Does open cell foam insulation contain formaldehyde?

No.

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