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
because of moisture, energy or air quality problems. In attics,
we typically seal off the area by spraying to the roof deck and gables,
thus bringing the attic into the
building envelope.
Prior to the
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
