Everything You Need To Know About Spray Foam Insulation
When homeowners are looking for a solution to their insulation problems, spray foam is often the most attractive option. However, before you rush out to buy cans of foam insulation and start spraying away in your attic, there are some essential things you need to know.
Many people have misconceptions about how spray foam works and what it is capable of doing if applied properly. It may seem easy, but it is certainly a typical job, and you need to take expert help to get it done perfectly. Nevertheless, you can prevent energy loss in your home and save money by getting spray insulation done.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation?
In simple terms, it is a process of insulating homes by using the chemically prepared spray. These polyurethane spray foams are made of two different chemical products; polyol resin and isocyanate. Isocyanates are reactive and unstable molecules that produce foam when a polyol component is added. When the product comes in contact with air, it expands. These polyurethane foam products are harmful, combustible, and environmentally hazardous.
The right application of these spray foams helps you create an insulation barrier in various areas in your home, like walls, attics, crawlspaces, and foundations. It can be applied both on your home’s interior and exterior surfaces. If you need a quick and long-lasting solution, hire spray foam providers in Houston.
How is Spray Foam Insulation Done?
Spray foam insulation is done by spraying the solution over the entire area from which you want to protect. But not all foams work equally well. Therefore, you must select the type of spray foam insulation to use depending on various factors such as the application, climate, and other requirements. Even though there are many options available in the market, it is best to stick to a few leading manufacturers for better results.
Open Cell & Closed Cell Spray Foams
Open Cell Spray Foam is used for commercial purposes like industrial buildings, warehouses, etc. But the problem with this foam is that it doesn’t provide a lot of strength to the area that it is used in. It doesn’t resist heat very well but provides a better vapor barrier.
Closed Cell Spray Foam – It has better strength and can be used to insulate almost any property, including living areas or basements, because it resists moisture and humidity. Closed-cell spray foam doesn’t let water vapor pass but protects against fire and electrical damage.
How does It work?
Spray foams expand when sprayed on an object with air pockets contained within them. The foam layers work together to create an effective barrier, and you can use them at any time of the year because they can be simply applied during winters and removed during summers. They also protect against cold temperatures because they have a far lower thermal conductivity than steel or concrete. The foam also has a high thermal resistance, which means it can absorb and dissipate heat much quicker.
You should know that spray foam insulation is effective in protecting homes from cold and heat. It has a wider variety of options than most other types of materials. You can choose among open cell, closed cell, and hybrid type foams to get the right solution depending on your requirements.