Functionality of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray Insulation is worth looking into for many reasons, even if it’s not always the ideal solution. Although it is more likely to be the best option for new construction, its features also serve the needs of many existing homeowners who are adding to or trying to improve their homes.

For example, even if the spraying must be done by professionals, and therefore is more costly than other options, the high R-value of spray insulation can make it cost-effective insulation over time, through lower heating bills. In very cold or hot climates this advantage may be well worth the cost.

Spray Foam Advantage

Spray insulation also carries the advantage of filling uneven areas well. The sprayed foam expands to fill cracks and fit into irregular spaces that would be difficult to work around with other kinds of insulation. The do-it-yourself handyman might be very relieved not to have to work in difficult nooks and crannies, and to just let expansion of the foam do the work.

Another advantage is that spray insulation adheres well to the surface onto which it is sprayed. If a house is being expanded upward, to a second story, the benefits of spray insulation under the new floor will be securely in place and offer good insulation for years. It might be a better solution than trying to attach other forms of insulation to such a space.

There has been some debate about the moisture barrier qualities of closed-cell foam spray insulation. Such foams, e.g., polyisocyanurate or polyurethane, offer higher R-value than open-celled foam, e.g., polyicynene. The latter allows for some passage of water vapor after the insulation is installed. The advantages and disadvantages in relation to moisture barrier issues are important to discuss with an insulation expert on a case-by-case basis.

When a wall is already closed in, the most practical and economical way to insulate it is with spray foam insulation.

Foam is not the only product that can be sprayed for insulation. Cellulose and fiberglass fibers also can be sprayed, if they are mixed with some sort of adhesive or foam to keep them in place.

Because various forms of insulation can be used together and because every situation has its own considerations, the homeowner considering spray insulation would be well advised to consult several insulation contractors to weigh all the options before deciding how to proceed. Ask each of them to make a bid in writing for insulating a defined area to a certain R-value. It might also be useful to have a home energy audit if your purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of your house. Contact your local utility company for information on this.

A more sophisticated installation that is used in commercial buildings and maybe justifiable in homes is the use of an ‘economizer’ air handling system. By using an arrangement of ducts and dampers in an ‘H’ pattern outside air and exhaust air can be controlled to allow recirculation and proper ventilation.

Depending on the sensible heat and latent heat outside, controllers move the dampers to allow the desired airflow in and out of the building space, which maintains adequate fresh air and takes advantage of the energy of the exterior for cooling or heating. This is especially effective for ‘air-tight’ structures and locations where day and night time temperatures and humidity vary significantly.

Expanding foam insulation is extremely useful to address multiple issues of conduction and convection. Whether it is maintaining the temperature of a home, controlling air infiltration, soundproofing a space, and minimizing energy consumption, almost everyone will enjoy the benefits of expanding foam insulation.