When can spray polyurethane foam insulation be installed?
Spray polyurethane foam is professionally installed at the same point in the construction cycle as other types of insulation. That is, it should be installed after the rough plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and air conditioning ducts have been installed, but before the interior walls are completed in new construction. In some cases SPF can also be applied in older buildings or structures, to the inside of roofs, and under floors after construction has been completed.
How does spray foam work?
A two-part mixture is applied by trained professionals to the surface to be insulated. The spray mixture expands rapidly to fill all cracks and voids, completely and permanently adhering to wood, masonry, metal, concrete and most other construction materials.
Which is better, open or closed cell spray foam insulation?
Both systems offer significant advantages over fiber-based insulation: ability to air seal; ability to fill cracks and conform to odd shaped cavities; and ability to hold their shape over time and under adverse conditions. But only closed-cell foam has the thermal insulation value (R-value) to bring your building up to Energy Star® standards with only one-half the thickness required for fiber insulation. In addition, closed-cell foam products increases the strength of your wall system (it’s approximately doubled) and increase the water resistance of your building’s exterior.
What is the R-value of spray foam insulation?
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 6.8 per inch. Open cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 4.1 per inch.
What is “thermal barrier” and when is it needed?
A thermal barrier is a covering between the interior of a building and the surface of the spray polyurethane insulation which will protect it for at least 15 minutes in the event of a fire. ½-inch gypsum wall board, is an approved 15-minute thermal barrier. Building codes require the installation of a thermal barrier between foam plastics (such as spray polyurethane insulation) and any occupied space. Exceptions apply in some cases; review local codes and/or confer with your local building code officials. The building code provides for an exception to the thermal barrier requirement in attics and crawl spaces where entry is made only for the service of utilities. In such cases, the spray polyurethane insulation must be protected from ignition. Monument Foam Insulators offers a spray-on ignition barrier coating for these areas.
Does spray foam insulation contain formaldehyde?
No, spray foam insulation does not contains formaldehyde .
