Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spray Foam?
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a two component system, an isocyanate and a polyol resin, that react with heat in the piping and exits the system as an expanding adhesive foam to form the most effective insulation to date when seeking the best air, moisture, insect, sound and temperature barrier.
Why choose Foam over other forms of insulation?
SPF is an environmentally safe solution that fills every nook and cranny adding structural integrity to your building. The better your house is insulated, the less you spend to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. The upfront cost of SPF insulation can often be recovered in a matter of years through energy bill savings alone. This product does not deteriorate over time so will last the life of your building (80-100 years).
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation:
Prevents air and moisture interference
Maximizes occupant comfort
Lowers energy bills
Strengthens the building structure
Permanent and does not sag
Keeps out dust, pollen, and bugs
Improves indoor air quality
Works well with more efficient HVAC equipment
Meets current building codes
Which is best for your project?
With many insulation options out there, it is important to balance personal preference with structural needs for the building. Fire resistance, R-value, moisture resistance and cost are some of the differing values of each insulation type. insulation offers a high R-value and is unquestionably affordable. With a higher R-value rating, homeowners enjoy improved energy-efficiency, decreased noise levels, and better protection against both moisture and fire. product trumps most of the lists but not all. We will gladly discuss the best choice for you and your building!
What is the difference between Open Cell VS. Closed Cell Spray Foam?
The two factors that make these products differ is structure and density.
The structure of open-cell foam consists of tiny bubbles or cells that aren’t fully encapsulated. Because they’re incomplete, air fills the open space inside the bubble, which results in a softer, spongy material.
Closed-cell foam differs in that every cell that makes up the foam is completely encapsulated and packed tightly together. The bubbles aren’t filled with air, but rather a gas that aids foam expansion and insulation properties. This results in an altogether harder, stronger material than open-cell foam.
The blowing agent, which aids in forming the cells that make up SPF’s foam structure, is usually water for open-cell and high-R-value chemicals for closed-cell.
Of the two types of SPF, closed-cell foam is stronger, is a better insulator, and is more resistant to the transmission of air and water vapor. Because closed-cell foam is denser, however, it requires more chemical material per unit volume than open-cell, and is therefore more expensive to install–even if comparing the cost-per-R-value. Open-cell foam, while offering fewer overall benefits, is a superb sound-deadening material and is still a superior insulating material compared to fiberglass and cellulose.
For more personal considerations, open-cell is typically inappropriate for below grade applications or any applications where it could come in direct contact with water, while closed-cell foam isn’t advisable for sound-deadening applications, as open-cell foam is superior and less expensive.