What You Need To Know About Spray Foam Insulation

By Author: Home Guru
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If so, it's a good idea to educate yourself on spray foam insulation before hiring the best spray foam insulation company and moving forward. We also want to keep you informed about what you're purchasing and why. That is why we have created this guide on everything you need to know about spray foam insulation.

What exactly is spray foam?
Spray foam is a type of air barrier and insulation that can be used to insulate and air seal walls, ceiling cavities, floors, and a variety of other spaces. When applied as a liquid, it expands to up to 120 times its original size as it dries, allowing it to fill in all areas, including the smallest nooks and crannies. Spray foam is typically made of petroleum, but soy and other agricultural materials are available.

Why is spray foam superior to fiberglass insulation?
While fiberglass is still the most common type of insulation, it is far from the most effective.

Fiberglass, the most commonly used insulation, does not prevent air leakage. Dirty fiberglass is a telltale sign of air movement in older homes (it simply collects dirt like a filter).

True ...
... insulation cannot be achieved if your home's insulation does not provide an adequate air seal. Wet fiberglass is particularly troublesome, reducing its effectiveness by more than half. Spray foam, on the other hand, creates a true air seal and provides significantly more insulation. Spray foam, unlike fiberglass, will not degrade over time. It is important to note, however, that spray foam can begin to disintegrate after prolonged UV exposure.

What’s the difference between open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam?
Open-cell spray foam – This is the most common type of spray foam insulation, and it is excellent at sound absorption. Because open-cell spray foam is porous, it is not resistant to humidity or water. Open-cell spray foam is commonly used in areas that require sound attenuation, such as interior walls, but it's also great for attic ceilings because its pores allow roof leaks to be detected inside homes.

Closed-cell spray foam – Closed-cell spray foam, as the name implies, is much denser than open-cell spray foam and thus more water resistant. Closed-cell spray foam is ideal for areas prone to moisture or vapors, such as basements, freezers, swimming pools, wine cellars, and foundations.

Why You Need a Pro to Install Spray Foam Insulation in Your Home
Here are the top five reasons to hire a professional to install spray foam insulation:

It will keep you safe
Spray foam is made up of two chemical components that are mixed on-site, and it requires strict adherence to ratios for both the insulation's safety and effectiveness. If you have to remove insulation from your home, you may be exposing yourself to asbestos and mold. Professional contractors have the tools and know-how to safely remove old insulation as well as mix and install spray foam insulation.

It will make your home more efficient
Spray foam insulation is one of the best options available because it provides a superior seal and is impervious to water. Spray foam insulation Dorset can make your home more energy efficient, but you must know where to install it. The professionals have the equipment to determine which areas of your home require the most spray foam insulation.

You’ll get higher quality spray foam
Many spray foam insulation problems are caused by improperly mixed chemicals. If you don't mix the chemicals used to make spray foam insulation correctly, the insulation will fail, leaving you with a mess and a large repair bill. When you hire Eskimo Insulation's professional insulation contractors, you can be confident that the spray foam insulation you receive is of high quality and will do its job effectively.

Pros have the necessary equipment
Most homeowners simply do not have the necessary equipment to install spray foam insulation everywhere it is required. Professionals have the tools necessary to safely and effectively insulate your home.

You’ll benefit from experience and expertise
Closed cell spray foam insulation may be the best option in some areas of your home, while open cell spray foam insulation may be the best option in others. Spray foam insulation contractors have the knowledge and experience to help you make the best decisions about what type of spray foam insulation to install and where to install it, allowing you to maximize the benefits of spray foam insulation.

You should never try to install spray foam insulation yourself. There are simply too many things that could go wrong, and you should not risk your home or your wallet.