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Spray-on Foam
& Home
Insulation
Spray-on insulation is a powerful and relatively
new plastic material, with an insulating efficiency (rated in
R-values) that amounts to the double of traditional insulation
materials, namely fiberglass batts/rolls.
Most of spray-on insulation is made of liquid
polyurethane or polystyrene, also found in small aerosol cans
and used in refrigerators and water heaters.
Home sprayed foam insulation is an alternative to traditional
insulation materials.
See: Insulation materials,
Fiberglass, mineral wool &
Home insulation and
Cellulose insulation.
Uses
Spray foam insulation is excellent for insulation
of home cathedral ceilings, side walls and basement walls.
It is also excellent for filling small house
spaces — window jambs, rim joist areas, small stud bays, and
other penetrations — where traditional insulation materials
(fiberglass batt insulation) are difficult to use.
How spray-on foam insulation
works
The spray foam liquid is pumped through
pressurized spray nozzles on the surface of cathedral ceiling or
sidewalls and basement walls, forming a continuous insulating
barrier.
After applied, the material expands and conforms
to the shape of the cavities, filling and sealing them
thoroughly.
The pros of spray-on foam
insulation
Unlike fiberglass, cellulose or rock wool
insulating materials, spray foam insulation fills and seals all
the miniscule cracks and seams in walls and other surfaces,
eliminating any energy loss by air filtration.
Because it provides a particular high performance
(R-value) per inch, it is possible to use 2x4 construction on
exterior walls (instead of the 2x6 studs), with the
correspondent savings on framing costs and extended window and
door jambs.
Foam insulation is also fire and insect resistant
and a powerful mean to control moisture condensation.
The cons
Installation is a complicate task in existing
homes. Sprayed foam insulation is more adequate to new
construction.
The other big disadvantage is the price. Sprayed
foam insulation may cost the double or the triple of traditional
fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool insulation.
Costs-benefits analysis
The installed cost for sprayed foam insulation
runs about two-three times more than traditional insulating
materials - something around $1.25 to $2.25 per square foot
(depending on wall thickness or type of foam...)
Nevertheless since spray foam insulation acts
also as an air barrier, it provides air sealing besides
insulation. And since most foam insulation products have a
higher R-value per inch than traditional insulation materials,
its higher initial cost becomes rather relative.
Installation
Installation should be done by an experienced
installer. It demands special equipment and requires skill and
knowing to spray the materials into cavities…
Warranties
Some sprayed foam insulation manufacturers
provide a lifetime limited warranty.
Sprayed Foam insulation and
environment
Most today’s foam insulation are environmental
friendly. See
Insulation Materials &
Environment.
See also:
Roof and Ceiling Insulation
Attic insulation
Pipe insulation
Insulation
basics
Insulation
materials
Reflective
Insulation
Insulation
performance
Walls Insulation
Moisture and
insulation
How to deal with
Insulation contractors and home builders
Insulation in
your climate zone
Polyurethane Foam Association
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Spray-on
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