The use of spray foam has since revolutionized from being used in airplanes to building residential and commercial buildings. This introduction paved the way for the many advantages spray foam can provide in construction and made users aware of the advantages and characteristics of various types of installation available on the market. But what is a spray foam installation?
The spray foam installation is a liquid polyurethane spray material that is sprayed and applied to the building to seal in gaps, cracks and air. This spray foam reacts chemically to foam, which expands and fills the gaps in the building to create a strong air barrier that is beneficial for insulation. This installation provides the building with various beneficial properties, making it comfortable and energy efficient. Spray foam is available in different designs, depending on the use in different areas. It is best to know the thermal resistance values of each type of spray foam system in order to determine the individual uses of each system. The higher the R-value, which represents the resistance to the flow of heat, the greater the insulating power of the spray foam.
How it works
The spray foam is in liquid form, which consists of two parts, a resin and an ISO. These liquids are kept separate until they arrive at the site. During application, the two liquids travel through a heated hose to combine, resulting in foam. This foam instantly expands and fills the area required for installation. The foam is distributed throughout the cavity area depending on the type of installation used. The foam can expand hundreds of times its size during application to serve its specific purpose during installation. People may need to wait at least twelve hours for the spray foam to set during installation. Then you can return to the building.
Types of spray foam installation
When installing spray foam, three main types provide insulation and other purposes:
This is always used for roofing and outdoor purposes due to its high insulation and strength. The high density spray foam is thicker and denser compared to the others and offers excellent insulation due to its seamless structure. With R-values of 5.5 per inch, the high density spray foam is a closed-cell foam that can be used in areas where a high R-value is required to meet the requirements of the building. The high heat resistance also gives this spray foam a water-resistant material that prevents water from entering the building. This spray foam provides the building with moisture, heat and air.
- Medium density spray foam
The medium density spray foam is used for continuous application, especially in attics, or for filling internal voids in the walls. As a closed-cell foam, this spray foam can be used in areas where the highest R value is required to reduce air, moisture and even noise. This makes it the perfect soundproof insulator due to its strength.
This spray foam provides nearly similar capabilities to the medium density spray foam in filling interior wall voids and attics that are not ventilated. This spray foam is open-cell foam and weighs the least, which gives it the flexibility to fill the internal voids. Thanks to its softer and more flexible texture, it is suitable for sealing joints and seams in interior cavities and protects against moisture and sound.
Cost of installing the spray foam
Closed cell spray foam costs significantly more than open cell spray foam due to the versatility and depth of the foam used. However, the cost of spray foam is highly dependent on the amount of material required, the type of spray foam used, and the work required. The closed-cell spray foam costs $ 0.90 to $ 1.50 per foot, while the open-cell spray foam costs an average of $ 0.25 to $ 0.50 per foot. However, different companies offer different installation costs depending on the location and season. For example, installation costs for spray foam can rise in autumn and fall in summer. It is advisable to have a budget that allows up to 10% more latitude than necessary to accommodate eventual contingencies during the installation according to the additional requirements of the building.
Advantages of installing spray foam
There are several advantages to installing the spray foam:
As described above, spray foam offers incredible insulation and sealing properties. Applying the product in the field makes it robust and efficient, resulting in proper insulation and sealing properties. The foam reacts quickly and efficiently in sealing moisture and steam.
The versatility of the spray foam in the building is commendable. Sealing exterior walls, attics, and voids along the walls prevents air and moisture leakage, thereby maintaining optimal energy levels in the building and reducing energy consumption. These sealing properties prevent the spread of pollutants and allergens and thus make the building comfortable and safe.
- Improves the performance of the house
Spray foam is one of the best insulation methods available on the market and tries to retain a significant amount of heat in the home. If air leaks through vents and rooms, the home's HVAC system can be compromised and destroyed. Spray foams try to keep energy in the house by providing insulation that keeps the house temperature at optimal levels.
Spray foam offers users a return on investment, as electricity and heating costs can be saved.
Additional information
The application of spray foam for installation should be performed by a qualified and licensed spray foam installer for the best results. The application process is extremely important to the proper use of the spray foam and required for the best result. Depending on the inside of the building, the spray foam maker will always recommend and help you choose the right spray foam product for the job. Spray foam is recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a flood resistant material. This makes it sufficient for use in the event of a flood as it greatly minimizes the damage inside the building.
