From Guest Blogger James Denton: Spray Foam Insulation — FAQs

In this day and age, as we consider climate change, global warming, and other scientific phenomenon, we’re all looking for ways to help reduce our carbon footprint.

For homeowners, one of the easiest ways to help reduce their carbon footprint, is to consider ways they can help cut down on home energy heating costs. Spray foam insulation, is one of the best ways to make this happen. Spray foam, is one of the most advanced, and safest, ways of insulating ones home, in this market. It can be used to insulate homes, roofing, and nearly any other type of structure.

When it’s installed, Spray Foam expands up to 100 times it’s original volume. Because of how much it expands, it can fill up every crack in your buildings structure. This means better moisture control, and energy conservation. Additionally, because it fills up every crack and crevice, it keeps pollutants and allergens out of your building. As the spray expands, it fills all the tiny nooks and crannies. This eliminates drafts, and keeps the building warmer when it’s cold. In the summer, no cold air can escape. This helps lower the overall utility bills.

One of the best ways of assessing how good insulation functions, is through the use of an R-value.

R-value ratings are a standard of measurement, used to determine energy efficiency. R-value ratings define spray foam as the most effective means of making a home energy efficient. Spray foam insulation has the highest R-value. It has up to R-6.0 per inch.

How Does It Work

Spray foam insulation comes in a liquid form, inside of a container. When it’s sprayed, it coats the surface, and expands as it solidifies. It dries extremely quick, and provides insulation that is relatively permanent and won’t sag. If the spray foam expands beyond the desired area, it can be trimmed/cut away, after it solidifies.

Safety

Spray foam insulation can be somewhat dangerous, when it’s being sprayed. Particles can get into the eyes, or on the skin/breathed in, without proper safety equipment. Chemicals in spray foam insulation, can irritate the eyes, and the respiratory system, in addition to causing inflammation or rashes on the skin.

Interesting Facts

Spray foam insulation has been added to the list of building requirements for making homes in hurricane, and earthquake, zones, more structurally sound.

Disadvantages

Like most things in life, even spray foam insulation has pros and cons. Some of the cons can be prohibitive. Spray foam insulation is more expensive than fiberglass. It’s not neat and clean, and can be accidentally sprayed into places other than the intended target. Because of how much it expands, it can take up more room than needed. If too much insulation is sprayed in, walls that are thin might buckle as the foam expands.

About The Writer

James Denton is a writer for SprayFoamKit.com, the maker of Foam it Green DIY Spray Foam.