Frequently Asked Questions

How does humidity enter my crawl space?

Here are three possible ways moisture can enter the crawl space:

• Moisture entering the foundation vents
• Groundwater intrusion (problems with the exterior drainage)
• Leaky pipes

Does spray polyurethane insulation meet code requirements?

Yes, of course. In the Foam Plastic section of the building codes, spray polyurethane insulation is permitted. Thermal barriers are also described in this section of the code.

Can a building owner rent the tools and perform the spray polyurethane foam installation themselves?

We frequently hear questions like this, so it's a good one. Equipment for spray polyurethane foam (SPF) cannot be rented by do-it-yourselfers. SPF installation needs to be done by a qualified installer. It's not as easy as it first appears to be. There are many small kits on the market, but they are made for very small jobs like sealing joints and cracks.

What is the distinction between air sealing and insulation?

Excessive air coming in and going out is the main cause of discomfort, high utility costs, possible moisture problems, and bad air quality.

No matter what kind of insulation you use or what R-value you install, you must have an air barrier that works well throughout the whole building. Air sealing can be done in a number of ways that work well, but only SPF can offer both a high R value and good air sealing.

According to my spray foam expert, R30 spray foam "performs' ' better than R30 batt insulation every time. Is that true?

Yes. The air seal is what separates the two. Look at all the wire, pipe, and top plate holes and penetrations in your attic by pulling up the batt. These are letting cool air out. A good air seal makes a good thermal boundary on which to insulate.

What is spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF)?

It is, in essence, an insulation made from two chemicals that are combined and then sprayed at high pressure through a hose or gun.

Where in my house can I use spray foam insulation?

The attic, exterior walls, overhangs, crawl space(s), basement walls, and interior walls (soundproofing open-cell insulation) are the best places to increase the comfort and efficiency of your home.

What is the best time to apply spray polyurethane insulation?

Most of the time, polyurethane spray insulation is put in at the same time as other kinds of insulation. So it should go in after the rough plumbing, electrical wiring, and ductwork for heating and cooling have been put in. If you decide to use spray polyurethane to seal the whole outside shell, you may need to spray insulation in some places before you install the ductwork.

Is spray foam a green product?

Spray foam is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than fiber insulations like fiberglass or cellulose. At first glance, other insulation systems may seem to be less expensive, but once you understand how R-values and air barriers can affect your monthly energy savings, you'll see that spray foam insulation is far more energy efficient. Another benefit is that builders and homeowners can save money on equipment costs by using less expensive HVAC units to keep the same level of comfort in homes or businesses.

What Does R-Value Stand For?

R-Value is used to specify insulation levels. Insulation's capacity to resist heat flow is gauged by its R-Value. The higher the R-value (R-11, R-20, or R-38) of the insulation, the better it performs thermally.

How much will I save on energy costs by using spray foam insulation?

Depending on how many areas of your home have spray foam insulation installed, you could save up to 50% on your monthly energy costs.

Can rodents damage spray foam the same way they can cellulose or fiberglass insulation?

Rodents cannot chew through insulation made of spray foam, so the answer is no. Spray foam is an excellent method of preventing mice and other rodents from entering your home or building because it fills all the tiny cracks and crevices in your house.

Are there any odors in spray foam?

Our products have been thoroughly tested for a long time to make sure they don't give off any toxic gasses or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Is spray foam insulation resistant to mold?

Spray foam insulation does not allow for the development of mold. Additionally, unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust, or otherwise deteriorate. This means that a properly foam-insulated space will never provide a mold colony with food or a cozy environment to live in.