Why Spray Foam Is The Insulation Of The Future

By Author: Mark Munns
Total Articles: 4762
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Traditionally, insulating a home or business premises has included the use of products such as fiberglass or cellulose because they are cheap to install. While both products were initially effective, they absorb and retain moisture, causing long-term dampness and encourage mildew. Because of the porous nature of fiberglass and cellulose, they also leak, making heating and air conditioning systems less effective. This leads to the need for constant maintenance and even replacement. Happily, a more effective product is available in spray foam.

What is Spray Foam?

Spray foam, or SPF as it is also known, is an insulation made of foam polyurethane or plastic. It is remarkably adaptable, and the mixture can be adjusted depending on the requirement. This adaptability enables the same product to be used to form a semi-solid product suitable for such uses as pipe work or for use in a solid, hardwearing and strong structure, making it ideal for roofing. Despite being sprayed on in liquid form, it results in a very flexible, non-porous product. It is an ideal product to use for roofing and wall insulation. Because it is ...
... also lightweight, it is perfect for use as flotation for floating docks, boats, and ships. It is also strong enough for industrial use, such as for cold storage, walk-in freezers, and climate-controlled buildings such as clean rooms. In fact, it is used to increase the structural strength of airplanes.

What are the Benefits of Spray Foam?

Many spray foams don't contain formaldehyde or Volatile Organic Compounds. Spray foam cuts down on the use of fossil fuels, thereby saving the property owner money and reducing global warming. It ensures better air quality in the environment it is used in. Because it is exceptionally durable, it requires less maintenance and maintains its physical properties; therefore, it contributes less waste into the environment. It can be used in place of several other products such as weather and air barriers, sealants and vapor retarders. It stops sound transfer and helps ventilation systems to work more effectively.

The benefits can be summarized as:

Rigid, flexible and lightweight
Weather resistant
Effective in extreme climates including sudden changes in temperature
Environmentally friendly
Makes heating systems more efficient
Makes air conditioning systems more effective
Saves money by reducing costs for heating and air conditioning
Has a wide variety of uses
Acts as a barrier for sound, wind, water and pollutants
Improves air quality
Moisture resistant, reducing condensation and mildew growth
Adds strength to both walls and ceilings
Acts as a sealant for windows and doors
Simple to apply
Expands rapidly. Sprayed on like paint, spray foam expands to approximately one inch in thickness.
Adds value to buildings.
Can be used by homeowners or professional contractors

Safety Issues

As a comparatively inert product, spray foam is safe to install yourself. During installation, people are required to follow OSHA and NIOSH procedures to protect those in the vicinity from fumes, mist or spillage. Protective clothing such as a respirator and solvent resistant gloves should be worn.

Areas Where Spray Foam is Used

This versatile product has a large number of uses. It is used as insulation in all types of buildings, such as homes and commercial properties, refrigerated units and transport. It has a good track record when used in roofing. It is also used for flotation devises, adhesives in areas such as construction, roofing, cavity filling, packaging and furniture. It provides excellent insulation in spas, and is even used in taxidermy, movie and theater sets.

In homes, it is used as insulation in crawl spaces, attics and home additions, as well as on heating and air conditioning ductwork, under flooring as a seal against temperature and moisture, between cider blocks, inserted into wall structures and between ceiling and floors for sound barriers. Research suggests that Americans are more inclined to buy an energy-efficient home. Spray foam can add value to a home, not just by saving the homeowner money, but also by increasing a home's resale value.
About Author:
Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself foam insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.