New to spray-in-place foams? Do you need some critical questions
answered? That’s why we’re here.
What is spray-in-place foam?
Spray-in-place foams are
insulating systems that range from low-density (open cell) to high
density (closed cell), and are installed at the jobsite as liquids.
Depending on the type of foam installed, they usually expand in seconds
and are cured in minutes, providing custom fit insulation systems. In
stick construction, we only recommend open cell foams.
Can
you use this type of foam in existing construction?
We often retrofit crawlspaces and attics. In
attics, we typically seal off the area by spraying to the roof deck and
gables, thus bringing the attic into the conditioned space. After
installation of the foam system, the fiberglass or loose fill insulation
is removed from the area.
WILL IT FALL DOWN OVER TIME?
No. These systems are warrantied to remain in place for the life of the
building when installed by contractors trained and certified by the
manufacturer. They don't sag, settle, or break away from the substrate
over time, allowing convection to occur within the wall system. These
foam systems remain flexible and expand and contract with the building.
WHAT IS THE R-VALUE OF FOAM?
The R-Values of the products we install
range from 3.6-3.8 per inch (open cell) and are generally approved to be
sprayed to a maximum depth of six inches. So when you do the math, you
can see that the maximum R-Value achieved is somewhere around 20.
Depending on who is doing the study, the majority of heating and cooling
energy is lost to the outside by convection
- air moving through the wall system and out the attic. Foams do the
majority of their energy conservation in the first two inches because it
seals the cracks and gaps typically found in construction.
"In standard
residential construction, there are enough unintentional fine cracks
and openings to be the equivalent of a window being open 6 to 12
inches every day of the year. Every Day."
--Craig A. DeWitt, Ph. D., P.E
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT GETS WET?
Open cell foams are not water proof -
unlike most closed cell foams. We recommend open cell foams in stick
construction because if they get wet, they can dry out. Once dry, they
are back to 100% performance.
How
long will it last?
The open cell foams we use
are warrantied for the life of the building. They expand and contract
with the movement of the building (unlike rigid foams), won’t sag,
settle or break away.
ENERGY SAVINGS
The open cell brands
featured by FoamInsulation.Biz are Energy Star Partner products which
reduce utility costs up to 50%.
Will
it burn?
These foams can be consumed by fire, but have no fuel value for flame.
Will
it grow mold?
These open cell foams offer no food source for mold. Essentially,
they are soft pliable plastics, much like the material allergy-free
pillows and bedding are made from.
Will
it keep the building from “breathing?”
Well, buildings truly don’t “breathe.” But they continually
expand, contract and move as they take on and release moisture. Open
cell foams are not waterproof. They expand and contract with the
building and allow moisture to get out if it gets into your wall system
or building envelope. For example, if you were to get a leak in your
roof the water would drain through the foam. Once dry, these foams are
back to 100% performance.
WHAT ABOUT COSTS COMPARED WITH REGULAR
INSULATION?
Depending
on the brand, you can safely estimate that you will spend 2 x 3 times
more for our systems than is in a typical budget for insulation. However, if we seal the envelope of your building, then the
HVAC system may be downsized – sometimes up to 30% - which will reduce
your mechanical costs for your budget.
Then you have the savings that begin when you move into your new
home. You’ll spend less
every month if you spend more when you insulate.
Why? Because the
reduction in your heating and cooling costs will save you more each
month than the upgrade added to your mortgage. Think of it. What part of your utility
payment is an investment?
High
Utility Bills? Concerned about mold?
Whether
you're building from scratch, retrofitting an energy pig or just
replacing ineffective insulation in your attic or crawlspace - you
definitely should consider investing in superior open cell foam
insulation systems. Why? It will save you money and produce better
indoor air quality. Sealing with foam makes your building much more
energy efficient and reduces infiltration of moisture, dust and other
irritants being sucked in from the crawlspace or attic in a leaky
building. It allows you to control the air quality in your structure
through your mechanical system. With the practice of installing air
handlers and ductwork in hot humid attics or in un-sealed crawlspaces,
there has been an alarming rise in moisture problems inside the building
envelope. The result often leads to mold growing in walls and
crawlspaces - even in houses only 2 years old - caused by uncontrolled
air infiltration found in standard construction.
HOW DO I GET AN ESTIMATE?
If
you have any questions about the process or would like a bid to insulate
your next building project or retrofit an existing structure with
superior foam insulation systems, please call or email for
information:
Just
call 910-763-7890 or Email:
information@FoamInsulation.biz
<The
Process><Get the Answers><What We
Do><Where We Are><Contact Us ><Home>
