There a many types of insulation and they are not all created equal.  Fiberglass insulation is often the most recognizable type of insulation as it is one of the most common types of insulation in use for the past several decades.  There are many other types of insulation besides fiberglass and it certainly isn’t the best option if you’re looking for improved energy efficiency. Closed cell spray foam insulation is one of the best insulation types for energy efficiency and increasing your home’s comfort and value. If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to investing in insulation, here are some facts about spray foam insulation that can help you determine what your home needs.

WHAT IS SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

Spray polyurethane foam (spray foam) insulation is available as closed cell and open cell types.  Both types of spray foam are a mixture of liquid chemical ingredients that react to produce a foam-like substance.  Spray foam insulation is considered a manufactured in place product, meaning that it conforms to your buildings unique shapes and needs to provide a nearly perfectly sealed building envelope. Once it’s applied, the spray foam expands quickly, filling in even the smallest cracks and gaps. The foam will also harden quickly to create a strong air barrier and will have an R value of about 6.8 per inch, which provides the best insulation value per inch. Closed cell spray foam insulation can expand to over 100% of its original size and results in a lighter, fluffy foam insulation that is more easily damaged than closed cell.  Open cell spray foam insulation will also have an R value of about 3.5-4 per inch, which is only slightly better than fiberglass insulation.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open and closed cell. Open cell spray foam has a lower R-value, which is a measure of the insulation’s thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better. Open cell spray foam isn’t waterproof, can’t be used on the exterior, and isn’t effective as an air and vapor barrier. We use closed cell spray foam insulation for improving your home’s energy efficiency. The closed cell spray foam does have waterproofing abilities and acts as a thermal, air and vapor barrier. It also has a higher R-value and offers more structural reinforcement.  For these reasons we only install closed cell spray foam.

WHERE IS SPRAY FOAM INSULATION INSTALLED?

We typically install spray foam insulation in wall cavities, basement rim joist, crawl spaces, overhangs (or cantilevers), knee walls and bonus rooms of homes. These are the areas of your home where air can easily escape and make your home less comfortable and energy efficient.  Spray foam is often also used for insulating pole barns, commercial buildings, commercial roofing, and just about any application where a high performance insulation is needed.  The uses are endless!

WHAT SHOULD SPRAY FOAM CUSTOMERS KNOW ABOUT SAFETY?

Spray foam insulation is a safe and effective method of insulating your home and has a Class 1 fire rating, which is the safest rating. Installers follow a specific set of guidelines to make sure the insulation is installed safely. They will wear special personal protective equipment to prevent breathing in particles while installing the insulation and setting up a large fan to ventilate your home.  We can also install a thermal and ignition barrier paint over our foam to go beyond code minimum requirement to prevent fire hazards.  This is especially recommended when the finished product will be exposed.

HOW DOES SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S PERFORMANCE?

Spray foam insulation fills gaps in your home’s structure more effectively than other insulation methods. Air can leak through these gaps, causing your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy to heat and cool your home. The high R-value of closed cell spray foam insulation can provide even more energy savings by better retaining heat in your home. It’s also recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an effective way to minimize damage in the event of a flood. Spray foam is a tried and true investment, it lasts longer and doesn’t sag over time. The air sealing properties maintain your home at a comfortable temperature and reduce pollen and other allergens that can enter your home through insulation gaps, improving the indoor air quality of your home.

Spray foam insulation is a smart investment for both your personal comfort and improving energy efficiency. ProSeal Spray Foam is specially trained to install spray foam insulation in the Saint Louis area homes. Call us today at 517-224-5614 to start the energy saving process for you!