Spray Foam Insulation and Its Benefits
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Regardless of whether looking to insulate a brand new building or retrofitting an old one, homeowners are finding spray polyurethane foam or SPF as an increasingly viable option. Essentially a spray applied plastic; it can form a continuous insulation as well as a complete air sealing barrier on walls, corners, and all contoured surfaces. In this process, unique liquid contents are mixed and reacted chemically together and quickly to expand on contact and form the foam to provide the necessary sealing and moisture barrier. This form of insulation is highly preferred not only because of its extremely commendable resistance to heat transfer but also because of its exceptional ability to reduce unwanted air infiltration through any joints, cracks or seams.
Types of SPF
Spray foam insulation is primarily of three types and used for specific purposes. They are –
- High-density SPF which is predominantly used for exterior and roofing applications.
- Medium density SPF which is mostly used for interior cavity fill, continuous insulation, and unvented attic applications.
- Low-density SPF is best used for unvented attic applications and interior cavity fills.
Each type has its own unique advantages and normally an SPF contractor takes into account, the building, climate, project, budget, etc. and suggests the best option to go for. Apart from the structure of the foam, its method of delivery and installation also plays a critical role. It is also of three types i.e. high-pressure as well as low-pressure, two-component foam and insulating foam sealant.
Advantages of SPF
While each type of SPF has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, there are some common benefits and advantages of choosing this method, especially over fiberglass as an insulation means. Few of its key advantages are highlighted below:-
- Powerful insulator
Due to its expansive nature, SPF insulation is much more effective than other types of insulation and effectively seals all nooks and crannies. With it, you are assured of not being left exposed. The method’s resistance value which is its ability to provide an air-tight seal is the best in the market at R-6.
- Lower energy costs
Owing to its high efficiency as an insulator, it allows the property and house-owner to save significantly on their energy bills. In contrast to other methods saving about 30% in energy bills on average, The SPF insulation is known to reduce energy bills by 50% or more.
- Air-tight seal
One big reason of mountainous energy bills is air leaks. However, no method takes better care of it than SPF. They can easily seal any holes or cracks in the smallest and the darkest of the place. Its airtight seal is so powerful that studies suggest it to be about 24 times less permeable than any other type of insulation to air filtration.
- Moisture barrier
Any holes or cracks on the walls or other places not only allow air but also moisture and water to permeate inside the house. With its known potential to cause damage, it is imperative to keep them at bay. Being impermeable to water, the SPF not only fantastically protects the attic and crawl space from possible moisture and leaks but in the scenario for flooding for any reason, The SPF does not absorb moisture and water like other materials. This imperviousness to water helps and protects any living space.
- Deters mold
SPF is composed of inert polymers which block of all possible source of food for the mold or bacteria. Thus no mold and mildew are able to thrive and the house gets insulated against it. The closed-cell SP is better in this trait than the open cell SPF.
- Long life span
The inert polymer of the SPF facilitates them having an indefinite lifespan. Thus house owners and businesses are not required to re-insulate for years. Once installed, it can last up to 20 years or more with optimal performance.