SPF is a two component liquid that’s sprayed in place by a trained professional applicator. The two liquids, heated under high pressure, mix at the spray gun reacting with each other causing the liquid to expand rapidly and cure as rigid/semi T rigid foam.
Spray foam insulation is considered a green product for several of its characteristics. Most importantly because of the significant impact it has on reducing the need for fossil fuels through energy savings, but also because SPF is also environmentally friendly by containing no ozone depleting chemicals, no CFCs, HCFC, asbestos, formaldehyde.
Absolutely not! SPF insulation is a safe, clean product. There are no “off gassing” concerns for your family.(Off gassing is the evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure.) In fact, Spray Foam has been used in many of the American Lung Association’s “Health House” project homes.
Spray Foam Insulation is considered to be more expensive to install than most conventional insulation, but this really isn’t a fair comparison. When using a SPF system it actually seals the building and eliminates energy-robbing air leakage along with the problems associated with moisture, mold and mildew and condensation. Plus, it provides many other benefits including consistent comfort, lower utility bills, a quieter interior environment.
SPF has approval of all major building codes in the United States. Spray foam insulation is one of the most rigorously tested insulation products ever created.
SPF has an STC rating of 51 (ASTM E90) and a noise reduction coefficient of 75 (ASTM C423). SPF performs 75% better than fiberglass and cellulose.
Closed cell foam will localize a small leak and create a waterproof barrier. Water will penetrate through open cell foam. Significant amounts of water will drip through both open cell and closed cell (low density .5lb and medium density 2lb) foams. There is no difference in the ability to find a roof leak with open or closed cell foam. The best way to determine a leak is through thermal imaging or infra-red imaging.
Yes. Spray foam will stop air infiltration in commercial/residential buildings. This will also keep out moist/humid air and dust/pollen. Fiberglass batts and loose cellulose will not stop air infiltration allowing dust, pollen and moisture into a home/building.
Moisture damage within a building envelope is mainly the result of warm moist inside air being exchanged with the cold dry outside air with your walls. As moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. Because spray foam insulation is air sealing, this moisture movement and condensation do not occur.
Like most other building material, plastic insulations will burn under extreme heat. Building Code requires that insulations be covered with a 15-minute thermal barrier in living spaces. SPF has fire retardants added to lower the flame spread under 25 (wood is a 100). Safely sealed behind drywall, foam insulations are much less concern in a fire than carpet, furniture, wood trim etc...
That depends on several variables, but the average is 2.5 - 4.5 years. It is one of the few building components that will put money back into your pocket.
It dries in 20-30 second to touch and it gets fully cure in 24 hours.