spray foam insulation is a unique type of insulation that expands on contact, creating a seal for the building envelope. This allows for improved energy efficiency by reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of the home. Choosing the right spray foam insulation is crucial for improving your homes energy efficiency and saving on utility bills year-round.
The Installation Process of Spray Foam Insulation
The first step of installing spray foam insulation is removing any existing insulation from the areas that will be sprayed. Depending on the project, this could include stripping down drywall, electrical boxes and other components that would be in the way of the installation process.
There are two types of spray foam insulation: open and closed cell. Open-cell spray foam uses water or carbon dioxide as a propellant and is therefore less toxic than its closed-cell counterpart. It also has a lower global warming potential than closed-cell spray foam.
Closed-cell spray foam is more expensive than open-cell spray foam, but it offers greater protection and insulation values. It provides superior air resistance properties and can help reduce energy costs significantly over the life of a roof or exterior structure. It can also increase a structure’s resistance to wind uplift and damage due to its bonding to the surface it is applied to.
Both types of spray foam insulation use blowing agents that can produce a high level of global warming potential, so look for low-GWP alternatives when purchasing insulation. Some examples of spray foam insulators that use low-GWP blowing agents include BASF Walltite CM01 and Genyk Boreal Nature.