Why Spray Foam Is A "green" Choice

By Author: Mark Munns
Total Articles: 4762
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Along with the increasing emphasis on the importance of "going green," there seems to be an ever-expanding variety of methods to practice eco-friendliness. When it comes to installing insulation in your home or business, spray foam insulation offers an environmentally safe, agriculturally based alternative to other methods.

Spray foam is composed of renewable resources, making it a green choice as its use does not contribute to the decline of the environment. In addition, the application process for spray foam based insulation is water-based, free of any ozone depleting chemicals.

When compared to traditional insulation, spray foam offers a much higher oxygen index along with zero fuel contribution. In addition to these eco-friendly qualities, spray foam insulation's primary function is to increase the energy efficiency of your home or office, further contributing to its green qualities.

The Benefits of Spray Foam

Due to its unique composition, spray foam boasts the ability to form airtight seals. When applied to crevices, support structures, and other areas of potential air leakage, spray foam can ...
... instantly form a perfect seal without any air bubbles. This allows the area to be cooled or heated much more efficiently, as the room retains far more of the heated or cooled air. In fact, many consumers who have installed spray foam insulation have been able to replace their heaters and air conditioners with smaller models as a room will not require the same amount of energy once spray foam insulation has been installed. This also helps the environment, by significantly reducing the energy output required to heat or cool the room. In fact, on average, consumers tend to see a 40 percent drop in their heating and cooling costs after installing spray foam.

Compared to traditional methods, spray foam insulation possesses a much higher resistance to weatherization and vapor barriers. Other types of insulation tend to gradually submit to these forces, suffering a breakdown of materials which eventually leads to a degradation of performance. This has a detrimental effect on the environment as it basically forces the room to require increasing amounts of energy to maintain the same levels of heat or coolness. Spray foam, on the other hand, is not susceptible to these degrading factors, as it's able to operate at peak efficiency consistently for many years.

The average consumer can easily apply spray foam, and the equipment to install the foam can be rented or purchased at a wide variety of locations. Since the application process is green and non-toxic, spray foam can be applied just about anywhere. Whether you're installing insulation in a new home, or simply replacing old, worn-down insulation, spray foam can be easily applied with no negative environmental repercussions.

Protecting the structural integrity of your home can be a green concern, and spray foam's versatility in this area is also a contributing factor to its status as a good green choice. Its composition is easily manageable yet highly durable. This allows it to "breathe" with the movements of a structure without sacrificing any of its airtight protection. Rodents and other pests are repelled by spray foam and will not chew and eventually destroy it as they are likely to do with other varieties; this ensures years of reliable service from the material.

Spray foam is ranked among the most fire resistant of all insulation options, significantly reducing the threat of damage and emissions caused by a fire. It also has proven to work exceptionally well as a means of soundproofing, eliminating the need for additional materials. Depending on the type of spray foam you choose (open cell or closed cell), it can be remarkably water resistant as well. This protection from fire, heat, and sound factors into the green value of spray foam insulation.

With eco-concerns steadily growing, spray foam installation has proven a relatively easy yet intensely significant tool for you to affect a change for the greener.
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Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself spray insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.