Spray Foam

Is Spray Foam Insulation the right choice?

Considering spray foam insulation for your project? Because it is taking the industry by storm! Primarily due to its air sealing benefits that can’t be matched by other insulation options. That said, it must be applied properly to work as intended. When installed correctly, spray foam insulation reduces energy costs, increases comfort, and improves property value. The following outlines what you need to know about spray foam insulation. Being informed will help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you. An expert from 1907 Insulation will help you make the right call.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid and quickly expands to fill the space. It is made from two components, a resin, and an isocyanate, which are stored in separate barrels. At the gun tip, the two components react to form the foam at the time of application. The foam expands rapidly at 30 to 60 times the original liquid’s volume, filling gaps and cracks, and then cures to form a solid barrier.

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is available in two types: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell foam has a porous structure that allows some air to flow through it, while closed-cell foam is solid. Closed-cell is more effective at insulating than open-cell…but is also more expensive. Open-cell is primarily used in new home construction, and is considered an upgrade when compared to fiberglass or cellulose. This is due to its enhanced ability to create an air-tight seal. Closed-cell foam is often used in metal buildings due to its rigid, non-porous nature. Accordingly, it is often favored for its ability to add structural integrity to the thin metal sheeting of barns and shops.
The table below outlines some of the differences between the two types of spray foam:

Feature	Open-cell spray foam	Closed-cell spray foam
R-value	Approx. 3.5 per 1”	Approx. 7.0 per 1"
Breathability	More breathable	Less breathable
Rigidity	Some give	Extremely rigid
Common Thickness	4-6"	1-3"
Common Applicatinos	New Home Attics/Walls	Metal Structures
Apperance	Commonly hidden by dry wall	Often left exposed or painted

Why Choose Spray Foam Insulation?

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Superior Product

Conventional insulation like cellulose and fiberglass do a good job of reducing airflow, but they can't reduce heat exchange quite like spray foam. How? Spray foam insulation’s expanding properties allow it to completely fill cavities and eliminate air leakage. Rather than simply reducing air flow in the space it occupies, it will nearly eliminate it. Since insulation is essential to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency in your home, choosing the best insulation is well worth the investment.

Avoid Settling

Spray foam insulation holds its shape better than the other options. Typically, conventional insulation will settle over time.
This can present a problem when spaces aren’t easy to access or need to be blocked during construction. Unlike conventional insulation, spray foam insulation R-value starts out high and maintains thermal-blocking capabilities as the years go by. The settling and sagging that happens over time with other insulation types can drastically affect the quality of your home's capacity to prevent temperature loss. This is notable when you consider that insulation tends to settle down while heat tends to rise. Older insulation or options with lower R-values tend to create gaps at the top of walls, an important area for insulation to be effective.

Prevent Condensation and Potential Mold

When temperatures outside the home are different than inside, condensation forms. Walls that stay moist attract dust particles, and in time tend to develop mold. Besides being unsightly and destructive, mold causes all kinds of health problems and will end up causing structural damage to the home. Therefore, properly installed spray foam stops condensation from forming and impedes mold growth.

We want to stress the mantra of “insulate tight, ventilate right” when homes are insulated with spray foam – which of course leads to a more airtight building envelope than their fiberglass or cellulose counterparts. Due to the airtightness, simple air infiltration is unlikely to be adequate, so put mechanical ventilation on your radar (commonly referred to as a fresh-air ventilation system). Mechanical ventilation systems allow a constant flow of outside air into the home and can also provide filtration, dehumidification, and conditioning of the incoming outside air. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home – this can lead to health problems.

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Cost of Spray Foam Insulation

Admittedly, this isn't the cheapest type of insulation to install. However, when installed properly, the money it saves over time by enhancing energy efficiency will make up for the cost.
Several factors play into the cost of spray foam:

Type: Closed-cell spray foam costs more than open-cell.
What is being insulated: When applying open cell spray foam, the insulation often squeezes out of cracks as it expands. This is good because it means the space is totally filled, but it also means that some insulation must be shaved to fit behind drywall. If lots of small areas need to be filled, this waste may be increased. Hiring an expert will reduce waste and the related cost.
Thickness: Spray foam is applied at different thicknesses, depending on the area and the desired R-value. It can vary from 2” to 6”, depending on the space. If there are only 4” between your outer and inner walls, the cost will be lower than if there is a 6” gap.
Note of Caution: We offer this advice only because we’ve heard about it too many times. Spray foam material is not cheap, and if your contractor asks for a deposit up front, exercise good judgement, this may mean they lack a good supply chain or working capital. There is even a chance they don’t show up after you pay the deposit.

A Roundup of Spray Foam Insulation

More costly to install but pays out in energy savings and longevity.
Fills even the tiniest spaces completely, nearly eliminating air flow.
Works well in a wide range of spaces, from wide gaps between walls, to attic floors, to the gaps around windows and doors.
Does not settle.
Unlikely to become infested by rodents or other pests.
Can eliminate the risk of ice damage to the roof and gutters.
Provides superior insulation, eliminating drafts and offering a more comfortable home.
Requires balancing the airtight qualities with adequate ventilation.

Spray Foam Insulation Near Me

The best installers have experience working with all kinds of insulation. This is because a true expert like 1907 Insulation understands building science, the nuances of the equipment and chemicals, and how to apply it effectively. We know that insulation may not be the most fun home improvement project to show off to your friends, but we also understand properly installed insulation can improve your quality of life and save you money over time. Don't hesitate to reach out for a free quote. As a reputable contractor we provide the expertise and value to ensure your insulation is high performing over the long term.

Frequent Questions

Is the cost for spray foam insulation worth the additional expense?

You're probably not overly excited about investing in insulation. So, is it worth spending more money on spray foam instead of fiberglass or cellulose? Let’s review. Properly applied spray foam insulation prevents air loss, which means you'll save energy, and your HVAC system will last longer given it won’t cycle on and off as frequently. Furthermore, it is long lasting, so you won't have to worry about paying to upgrade in the future. In the end, spray foam insulation really is worth the added expense.

Is it dangerous to apply spray foam insulation yourself?

Assuming you follow safety protocols, have the knowledge, personal protective equipment, an eyewash station, and other important tools for working with caustic chemicals…you could apply it yourself. However, prepare for an expensive, challenging, and complicated endeavor. A properly trained expert from 1907 Insulation is your best option for a proper install. Pricing reflects the value of training and experience; therefore, we suggest that you hire an expert.

Is spray foam insulation effective in any climate?

Whether you're trying to stay cozy as you watch snow drifts pile up or need to stay cool as temperatures hover over 100℉, spray foam will help your air conditioning and heating systems maintain a consistent temperature at a lower utility cost. Spray foam insulation is durable, strong, and handles a wide variety of temperatures. If you are considering spray foam insulation, do your research, and choose an experienced insulation contractor.

Which type of spray foam should I add to my metal building?

Depending on your intended use of the building, either option can be applied. Many owners simply want to add an inch to two inches of closed-cell to enhance the structural integrity of the building to help withstand the aggressive Oklahoma winds. Of course, with two inches of closed cell, you also get an approximate R-14 to offset heat transfer. We suggest painting the exposed insulation to create an aesthetically pleasing result. We also like installing an inch of closed-cell followed by a coating of open-cell which is then shaved to the studs and followed up with drywall.

How do I balance the airtight nature of spray foam insulation when it comes to humidity and condensation?

While spray foam insulation is an amazing product for air sealing and R-value per applied inch, it is only one component of a whole home system. As we stated above, “Build it Tight and Ventilate Right” means teaming spray foam with a proper ventilation system. Ensure you, your general contractor, or HVAC contractor will provide adequate mechanical ventilation in tightly sealed homes (ASHRAE 62.2 Standard is recommended). Consider pairing exhaust ventilation, supply ventilation and/or balanced ventilation systems with spray foam.