Frequently asked questions.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
What are the advantages of Spray Foam Insulation?
Does Spray Foam Insulation adhere to metal studs?
Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
Any issues around overheating of electric wiring?
Is the Spray Foam Insulation corrosive to metals?
Does the Spray Foam Insulation Insulation Support the Growth of Molds and Mildew?
What about pests i.e. roaches, ants, mice and termites?
What are the acoustical properties of Spray Foam Insulation?
Does Spray Foam Insulation contain Urea Formaldehyde, CFC or HCFC’s?
Are there Health concerns with Spray Foam Insulation?
Does Spray Foam Insulation Break Down, Sag or Shrink?
Advantages of Semi-Flexible Foam?
R-Value of Spray Foam Insulation?
Are These Aged Values?
What is the R-Value of a Spray Foam Insulation Insulated Wall or Ceiling?
At What Stage is Spray Foam Insulation Installed?
Can Spray Foam Insulation be applied in an Existing Wall?
Are other trades (workers) allowed in the general area of the application of Spray Foam Insulation?
Is it possible for a homeowner to install this foam on their own?
How much does Spray Foam Insulation system cost?
Can you remove the insulation in my attic? even if it is wet?
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
SPF is a complete insulation and air barrier system that insulates and air seals walls, floors and ceiling cavities against air movement, including spaces around electrical outlets, baseboards, and where the walls meet windows and doors etc. This means that outside air (hot or cold) cannot seep through walls causing drafts or cold spots. It also means that hot humid air cannot enter the walls and condense on cold surfaces causing molds, mildew and premature decay.
SPF is applied by qualified trained installers, which provides a truly effective method to construct energy efficient homes and buildings. SPF is a semi-rigid thermo-set polyurethane foam, which is a cellular plastic composed of millions of microscopic cells . The application of the product is done at the job site by Certified Installers, providing a custom installation of the insulation. The application technique and nature of SPF make a perfect fit to all cavities irrespective of size or shape.
By virtue of its low permeability to air, its adhesion to other building materials, and its flexibility,SPF becomes much more than just insulation. It provides superior air leakage and sound control for residential construction. SPF is a one step insulation, and air barrier system. SPF eliminates the labor intensive work associated with air-tightness detailing when insulating with conventional insulation products.
Unlike “loose fill” insulation, which does not air seal the building cavities. Air infiltration robs the insulation of its R-value. The superior air sealing characteristics of SPF provides virtually the same R-Value in the field as it does in the laboratory. Cold air in winter and hot muggy air in summer cannot pass through our SPF as it can through other insulating materials cheating those products of its performing R-value.
What are the advantages of SPF Insulation?
As well as simplifying the construction process for the builder, SPF Insulation eliminates the major causes of building envelope problems, air-borne moisture movement and entrapment. Blower door tests have shown that steel framed homes insulated with SPF Insulation and with no polyethylene vapor barrier routinely measure under the 1.5 ACH50 rating for the most energy efficient home. Heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by 30 to 50%. Smaller and less expensive heating and cooling equipment (properly sized) can be used.
SPF Insulation is inert and stable over a long term. It will not settle or compact over time. It offers stable R-value and is chemically and physically stable under normal conditions between (-60°F and 180°F).
Does SPF Insulation adhere to metal studs?
SPF Insulation adheres well to steel studs and other natural materials such as cement board, wood, etc. commonly found in residential and light commercial construction. Since SPF Insulation will adhere to almost all surfaces in the home, areas that do not require SPF Insulation insulation such as windows doors etc. must be protected from over-spray.
Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
SPF Insulation is stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives, and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acid, and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and light commercial construction materials.
Any issues around overheating of electric wiring?
There is no special requirement need to encapsulate electrical wires other than what is required with all types of insulation. As with other types of insulation such as fiberglass, cellulose when the properly rated size and type of electrical wires are used, there is no over heating of those electrical wires.
Is the SPF Insulation corrosive to metals?
No,SPF Foam Insulation is non-corrosive. It is neutral, which means it is neither acidic nor alkaline. This product will not cause corrosion to metal studs and other metal typically found in construction.
Does the SPF Insulation Support the Growth of Molds and Mildew?
No,SPF Insulation offers no food value therefore it cannot support bacteria or fungal growth. The effective air sealing characteristics of SPF Insulation prevents the movement of hot air to the cold parts of the walls. This effective air-sealing process prevents condensation from taking place within the wall cavities. The elimination of condensation within the wall assemblies prevents the growth of molds, mildew.
What about pests i.e. roaches, ants, mice and termites?
SPF insulation offers no food value, but it would not present a sufficient barrier to their entry if they decided to gnaw through it. Normally, pests take “the path of least resistance” and if they cannot detect a food source then they would normally not attempt to go through. In this sense, SPF Insulation acts as a physical barrier and an odor barrier that has shown to significantly reduce the number of pests entering the homes.
What are the acoustical properties of SPF Insulation?
SPF Insulation has excellent sound absorption properties and sound transmission properties. When comparing SPF to other insulations, there is a very noteworthy difference. As an effective air seal, it eliminates the air gaps through which sound travels easiest. SPF Insulation is superior in controlling mid-range frequencies that include the most common sounds, the human voice and stereo music.
Does SPF Insulation contain Urea Formaldehyde, CFC or HCFC’s?
No, SPF Insulation does not contain Urea Formaldehyde, CFC’s or HCFC’s. This insulation is a semi-rigid urethane and an open cellular plastic foam, in which water is incorporated as the sole blowing agent.
Are there Health concerns with SPF Insulation?
No, SPF Insulation is a “green” product. It meets off gassing requirements for new residential construction. No toxic or carcinogenic products were detected.
Does SPF Insulation Break Down, Sag or Shrink?
No, SPF Insulation is stable. It does not shrink or sag. The reaction that created SPF Insulation is irreversible and it cannot break down into its constituent parts.
Advantages of Semi-Flexible Foam?
SPF Insulation remains flexible throughout the life of the building. As the building expands and contracts with changes of season and temperature, SPF will move with the changes without destroying the seal.
R-Value of SPF Insulation?
The R-Values of SPF open cell insulation is rated at R-3.5 – 3.8 per inch, and for closed cell is 7 per inch.
Are These Aged Values?
Unlike foams filled with CFC or HCFC, the R-Value SPF Insulation foam does not decline as it ages.
What is the R-Value of a SPF Insulation Insulated Wall or Ceiling?
R-Values of insulating materials are measured in laboratories and are designated a nominal R-Value per inch. In the wall or ceiling of a building most factory-made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. By contrast, the insulation of a wall containing SPF Insulation will perform closely to that of the laboratory tested R-Value of the material, and it seals the wall cavity from air infiltration as well. The SPF Insulation System is particularly suited for steel or wood frame construction. SPF Insulation expands 120:1 as it is installed, adhering to surrounding building components. It completely seals joints, crevices and voids, including difficult-to-insulate spaces such as steel stud “U” and “C” sections, double studs, and non-standard stud locations.
At What Stage is SPF Insulation Installed?
SPF Insulation System is installed after the windows, doors and roof are in, the electrical and plumbing inspections are completed, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall is installed.
Are other trades (workers) allowed in the general area of the application of SPF Insulation?
SPF Insulation shall be installed on site by qualified installers trained in the proper safety and handling of the chemicals. Other trades persons should be kept away from the immediate area where spraying is conducted.
Is it possible for a homeowner to install this foam on their own?
SPF Insulation has to be installed by a certified contractor with specialized proportioning equipment. The installer has been trained to work with the chemicals involved and has also been trained in a building science to provide the best installation possible.
How much does SPF Insulation system cost?
SPF Insulation is considered to be more expensive than most conventional insulation, however it cannot be compared to conventional insulation. When using the SPF Insulation spray foam insulation system it actually air seals the building end eliminates energy robbing air leakage and the associated problems with moisture, mold and mildew and condensation problems inside the walls. When calculating the actual cost you need to consider the possible need to downsize the HVAC systems, eliminate building wraps, and eliminate a significant portion of the material and labor costs associated with an air sealing approach. It is erroneous to compare the cost of loose fill insulation to that of SPF Insulation spray foam insulation system. The invested premium to upgrade from standard fiberglass is an insignificant part of the overall cost of a home and your long-term energy costs. When you are planning to install an upgraded insulation package, remember that the SPF Insulation is more expensive but it provides you with the best performance and comfort value. The additional upfront costs typically pay for themselves in energy savings within three years and will keep on saving you money every year thereafter.
Can you remove the insulation in my attic? even if it is wet?
Absolute Spray Foam is equipped with a commercial insulation vacuum machine to remove the icy, dusty, and even wet insulation.
