Why Spray on Foam Insulation is the Best Safeguarding Option for Your Home
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The traditional insulators are usually glass slabs, polystyrene sheets, or minerals. However, these are less potent in comparison to spray foam insulators. The traditional methods are less costly, but less effective as well.
Can this be installed without a professional?
Spray on foam insulation essentially needs a professional. While installing it, harmful fumes released can easily cause damage to a building’s structure. Incorrect installation can further harm an establishment as well. Expanding foam is capable of exerting pressure on a building’s inner structure.
There have been cases of wrong installation where a building has collapsed due to incorrect installation on ceilings. So, employing a professional is of utmost importance here.
Why opt for foam insulation at home?
Spray foams are of two types – closed and open. These are suitable for different home needs and budgets. Usually people don’t insulate their lofts since they tend to keep their things there. Moreover, traditional methods require a thickness of 270mm for loft insulations.
However, foam insulation requires just 100mm of spray thickness to serve this purpose. According to researches done by the National Insulation Association in the UK, spray foam is way better as an insulator than mineral wood. It provides the same effect with less amount.
Often spray foams settle in hard forms to reinforce the roofs that have cavities or nail fatigue. Only a discussion with a professional can help one decide whether a building needs treatment for solid walls or cavity walls.
Is it water-resistant?
Some of the foam insulators are breathable yet waterproof. These are exceptionally useful for all rain-prone areas in the UK. In addition, they can also serve a greater purpose for areas that experience floods as well.
What are the costs involved?
Insulation companies first check the building, its walls, floors, ceilings etc and then provide their service. Some of the insulation companies provide heavy discounts on their first order.
In the UK, some of these organisations even check the eligibility of a customer on ECO Scheme. Often government benefits are there for houses which need insulation.
The cost entirely depends as per the thickness of the foam installed and the surface area that needs sheathing. The NIA has standardised the per square meter price which ranges from 20 to 50 pounds.
Thin layers cost less while thicken insulation costs more. Closed cell insulation is costlier than open cell.
The service charge varies depending on the following:
- Difficulty in installation.
- Roof type; its present condition and damages.
- Repair work if needed, etc.
What are the types of foam spray insulation?
- Closed cell foam spray: It settles into rigid form. It helps in providing support to the building’s inner structure. This is most useful for structures that need repair and reinforcements. This hardened form of foam slows down heat movement with its gas pockets. But, it obstructs moisture, so, it is vital to have the room perfectly ventilated to prevent condensation build up.
- Open cell foam spray: This foam is compressible with hand and is not as dense. It is not suitable for structural support. But it is effective for sound insulation. It essentially blocks airflow and moisture passes through easily avoiding chances of condensation.
How to choose the professionals for installation?
According to the recommendations by National Insulation Association UK, foam spray insulation must be done by a professional. All experts are trained and assessed by the British Board of Agreement. The British Board of Agreement certifies each company and their experts on the basis of their competence.
So, before availing their services it is essential to check their competence and certification.
Is surveying vital?
Every professional team must execute a survey of the building before starting the installation. U-value evaluation and risk calculation are indispensable in these cases. The professionals also hold expertise with software that helps in this process.