A: Polyurethane foams have one of the highest insulating R-values per inch of all the available products on the market today. Typical R values range from R-3.5 to R-6.0 per inch. Spray foam also expands to fill energy-wasting gaps around windows, doors and other penetrations where air escapes.

Click here for a simple infographic from greenbuildingsolutions.org.

A: Open-cell, low-density (a.k.a. “half-pound foam”) and closed-cell, medium-density (a.k.a. “two-pound foam”) both provide excellent insulation and air sealing. Open-cell spray foam gets its insulating power from air-filled cells that reducing the ability of the material to conduct heat. It has an R-value that ranges from R-3.6 to R-4.5 per inch, and is soft and semi-flexible.

Closed-cell spray foam features smaller cells that trap an insulating gas, called a blowing agent. This blowing agent has a lower thermal conductivity than still air, providing an R-value that ranges from R-5.8 to R-7.4 per inch. It is a great choice in applications where clearance is limited. The foam is rigid and hard, and is the only spray foam that can be used for below-grade concrete walls, in contact with the ground, or on the exterior side of the building envelope.

A: Two liquids are combined to form spray foam. Professionals generally refer to one container as the “A” side and the other container as the “B” side. The “A” side is commonly comprised of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). The “B” side is typically a blend of polyol resinse, catalysts, blowing agent, flame retardant and surfactant.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all chemicals used. Ask us and we can discuss these with you.

A: When properly installed, spray foam cures to an inert state and does not produce fumes. Any airborne chemicals released during and just after spray foam application quickly degrade into non-hazardous compounds in a few hours when combined with moisture in the air. Some materials may give off an odor for several days after application, but this can easily be dissipated with supplementary ventilation for a few days.

A: Because spray foam is a true air barrier when installed properly, it prevents warm, moist air from coming into contact with cold surfaces, eliminating many of the conditions that cause toxic mold and mildew. When not properly designed or installed, however, moisture can move through the building envelope and condense on cold surfaces. At certain temperatures AND with the presence of organic food sources (paper, wood, bacterial dust, etc.), this moisture can provide the conditions necessary to promote the growth of mold and mildew. While spray foam itself is NOT a source of food for mold, mildew and bacteria, any organic substances that collect on the surface of the foam can result in mold and mildew. Proper air sealing, the use of vapor retarders and sufficient levels of insulation are all key to proper building envelope design.

Keep in mind that closed-cell foam is resistant to water absorption, and is approved by FEMA as a flood-resistant material. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, can absorb and retain liquid. So it’s important to consider the different properties for each foam type for each specific application.

A: Like most materials used in your home, spray foam insulation will burn. It must be separated from living spaces by a thermal barrier, such as drywall. Feel free to ask us about building codes in your area.

A: In general terms, the installed cost of spray foam insulation is higher than that of fiberglass or cellulose insulations. However, spray foam provides many extra benefits, including air barrier and vapor control, as well as improved structural performance. We’ll be happy to provide you with a quote so you can compare your options.

A: Yes! Spray foam insulation contributes significantly to reducing your home’s energy consumption, which directly translates to a decrease in the demand for greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. Spray foam insulation helps inhibit heat flow and creates air barriers, saving energy heating and cooling costs and resources over time. This lessens your environmental “footprint” over time. Savings in the manufacture of plastic building products like spray foam have been validated as well, to show that plastic materials save approximately 467.2 trillion BTU of energy a year as compared to alternative materials. The energy saved is enough to meet the average annual energy needs of 4.6 million U.S. households. (Source: greenbuildingsolutions.org)

Note: Spray foam is not green in color unless coloring is added to it.