Spray Foam Insulation – Why You Should Use a Pro to Insulate Your Home

Spray foam insulation is a highly specialized product that’s sprayed into place, swells, and hardens. This type of insulation creates an air barrier that prevents hot air from escaping during the winter and cool air from entering during the summer. The result is lower energy bills year round.

A spray foam insulation professional can install this material more quickly and correctly than a homeowner could with DIY spray insulation kits. They also understand the specific needs of a home and will be able to apply this product in such a way that it prevents sagging or swelling. Finally, a professional will use a blower door test to measure the air leakage of a building and determine how much the insulation can reduce the number of ACH (air changes per hour).

When using an eco-friendly spray foam, the manufacturers utilize new HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agents that don’t harm the atmosphere nearly as much as CFCs, HCFCs, and other harmful chemicals. The resulting foam can be up to 40% more efficient than fiberglass batt insulation.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Spray Foam Insulation Installation Process

Before insulating, the area to be covered is thoroughly cleaned and any items that shouldn’t be coated in spray foam are carefully masked and sealed. This step is especially important when insulating an attic or basement.

When spray foam is being installed, the installer must wear full face and respiratory protection. The chemical ingredients in the spray can cause blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and a rash on the skin when exposed. The hazard level of these chemicals depends on the amount of exposure and the length of time it takes for the spray foam to cure. For example, the isocyanates in Icynene spray foam can trigger asthma attacks when they are inhaled and may lead to chemical bronchitis if over-exposure occurs.

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