Spray Foam Insulation - What is it and Why use it?

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is quickly becoming the most popular insulation material utilized in remodeling and new construction of homes in the Newport News, Richmond, and Virginia Beach areas. So, what is spray foam insulation and why is it so popular?

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Polyurethane Spray Foam insulation is a 2-part insulation. Parts A and B meet as the material is applied to the surface it is insulating, causing a chemical reaction. This reaction expands and hardens into a thick layer of insulation. Once spray foam insulation hardens, it doesn’t lose shape, sagging or compacting like other materials, making it a one and done insulation solution.

Spray Foam can be either open cell, or closed cell. Open cell means the material has more pockets of air throughout. Think of the holes in a sponge. In an open cell application, the material is still dense, but you can press your finger into it with minimal force due to these air pockets. This means that more open cell foam is required to achieve the same R-value as closed cell foam.

Closed cell foam is more dense than open cell and creates both an air barrier and a vapor barrier about 1–2-inch thickness (this varies based on the foam manufacture. The product used by The Drying Company creates an air and vapor barrier and 1.5”). This material can also offer structural stability to roofs or walls.

When it comes to R-value (the resistance to heat transfer), Open Cell offers an approximate R-value of 3.6 per inch, while Closed cell offers approximately a R-7 per inch.

While it is being installed, spray foam insulation off-gasses. This is because the material is composed of chemicals and create a chemical reaction. For this reason, when spray foam insulation is being installed, technicians must wear proper PPE, ventilate the space, and Homeowners are asked to leave the home for anywhere from 8-48 hours. This re-occupancy time varies depending on how well ventilated the space is and the product being used. Each manufacture has their own guidelines based on the composition of their product. Be sure to ask the contractor installing your spray foam insulation what the re-occupancy time is for the material they are using.

When installed in areas where there is no barrier between the foam insulation and room, such as sheetrock, most building code regulations, including those in Virginia, require an ignition barrier. This barrier provides occupants with an additional 15 minutes before a fire reaches the spray foam in the case of a house fire.

Why is Spray Foam Insulation so popular and where can it be applied?

Spray foam, especially closed cell foam, offers a higher R-value per inch than its counterparts, it allows insulation to be applied in tight spaces, offers structural reinforcement for roofs and walls, air seals and insulations with one material, and is a one and done solution.

Spray foam insulation is often applied in the attic to the roof deck and can be part of encapsulating an attic. By insulating with closed-cell spray foam in this way, you can bring your home’s attic into the thermal envelope of the home. This is a great application if your attic has HVAC equipment & duct work in the attic or if the space is used for storage by protecting it from the extreme cold, humidity, and heat throughout the year. Insulating and air sealing the attic can also have a major impact in reducing your home’s energy bills.

When insulating in a crawl space or basement, closed cell foam can be applied to the foundation walls, rim band, and subfloor. The application is going to depend on the construction of your home’s foundation and your goals for the project. Insulating in this way helps reduce air infiltration and drafts into your home and helps keep floors warmer.

Spray foam insulation is also often applied to garage walls, barn walls, attic knee walls, and can be utilized in insulating and air sealing your home’s walls. This material can adhere to most surfaces, and The Drying Company has even installed spray foam insulation in naval ships, horse trailers, and has used the material to help construct military training courses, and the three-toed sloth habitat at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. With it’s durability and versatility, spray foam insulation has become a choice product for insulating just about anything.

If you’re interested in getting spray foam insulation installed in your attic, basement, or crawl space, call The Drying Company at 1-757-566-8622 or 1-757-566-8622.