Roofing and Building Center

Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Samuel Cheeseman ----- Advertisement

When considering energy saving options the insulation in your property should be looked at carefully. Poor or damaged insulation can cost you substantial amounts each year in additional energy bills and also lead to an uncomfortable living environment. Spray foam insulation is one of the best options available to you which will take care of these problems along with many others. It is usually composed of two liquids in separate bottles or canisters which are then mixed as they are sprayed from a nozzle. The mixing of the two components forms the foam which then expands. It can be used in many environments including warehouses, barn conversions, barges and narrow boats, summerhouses, spas and Jacuzzis. It is very commonly used is residential properties as attic or loft insulation as well as to insulate basements and cellars.

Benefits

The insulation is purchased in liquid polyurethane form and is stored in bottles. It is sprayed onto any area as needed and will set within a few minutes. The product is extremely durable and flexible when compared to other types of insulation such as fibreglass or foam insulation board. As the spray is delivered in liquid form it can easily fill any gaps which may occur and is also very useful for insulating tight or difficultly shaped areas. This is much easier than trying to cover up small gaps or cracks with fibreglass or foam board insulation. The foam dries and turns into a hardwearing and long lasting solid shortly after hitting a surface, it then requires no further care or attention.

Polyurethane foam insulation also has health and environmental benefits over more hazardous varieties of insulation. Most insulating foam does not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere as CFCs are no longer used, HFCs may however be present. These are green house gases with possible negative effects on the ozone layer. Expanding foam insulation will not crumble like fibreglass insulation and leaves no floating particles to inhale and therefore no health risks usually associated with insulation materials. The main health hazard when using DIY foam insulation kits will be temporary vision impairment as a result of not wearing protective eye wear. If the manufacturers safety instructions are followed then this will result in minimal risk of injury and a layer of rigid foam insulation with an extremely long lifetime.

Because of its liquid form Spray foam insulation eliminates heat loss and drafts very effectively but also has other benefits. Once dry it will also form an efficient vapour barrier and so prevent water entering a house through any gaps. This is useful in helping to reduce the build up of mould inside a property. The insulation will also fill any small areas which could have previously been used by insects and other pests to gain access to a home. This can eliminate further pest control costs in the future.

DIY

Polyurethane foam insulation can be installed by a non-professional home owner with the use of one of the many kinds of DIY spray foam insulation kits available but will often require professional installation. Spray foam insulation equipment can be costly especially if it will only be used on one or two occasions. It may be more cost effective to hire contractors to complete the work with the added assurance of higher quality workmanship. If attempting to complete the job yourself then adequate planning will be necessary. It is important to identify all areas which need to be sprayed and those which do not in order to minimize spray foam insulation cost as this highly durable substance is extremely difficult to remove one it has turned solid.

If you are looking for information more specific to Attic Insulation it can be found here.