Spray Foam Insulation Houston is a powerful and versatile product. It provides a high R-value and acts as an effective vapor barrier.

It also helps with air quality. The airtight seal it creates makes it impossible for dust, pollen, and other contaminants to enter the home.

New foams use HFO-blowing agents that have a lower GWP rating than petroleum-based products. Some are even made from soybeans!

Spray foam insulation is a powerful insulator that creates an air seal. A home can lose 30 percent of its energy due to leaks in the insulating envelope, so a tight seal is critical. Spray foam is a cost-effective solution for blocking drafts, improving energy efficiency and lowering utility bills.

This insulation is an excellent choice for homes with crawl spaces, rim joists, attic access doors and other penetration points where air from the outside can invade. It can also seal around ductwork, electrical wires and plumbing stacks. Sealing these penetration points prevents air movement through these small cracks and crevices, which allows outdoor pollution, odors and dust to invade a home. This type of insulated sealing is also beneficial in buildings with existing walls, as it blocks air movement that can cause wood framing to shrink and crack.

Some spray foam insulation contains isocyanates, which can be toxic if the chemical mixture isn’t right or the product doesn’t cure properly. Isocyanates are powerful irritants for the eyes, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. They can also trigger asthma attacks in those who are sensitive to them. An overdose of isocyanates can even lead to a type of lung disease called chemical bronchitis.

However, new generation spray foam insulation uses much less isocyanates and has a shorter curing time. It still does have some off-gassing and odors, but the amounts vary by brand and type. If a homeowner is concerned about these potential effects, they should ask installers to use a low-VOC and odorless spray foam.

If a homeowner decides to go with spray foam insulation for their project, they should work with certified professionals. This is important to protect their health and the quality of the job. A qualified contractor will know the difference between open- and closed-cell spray foam and how to choose the right type of insulation for a particular project. They will also understand how to install the product correctly to ensure that it provides the benefits homeowners are expecting. Some homeowners may even qualify for a rebate or tax credit to offset the cost of the project.

It Stops Moisture

Moisture is one of the most common problems that homeowners face and it can lead to rotting wood, mold and mildew. When left unchecked, moisture damage can be very expensive and even lead to structural damage or a complete loss of the home or building. Spray foam insulation stops moisture in its tracks. The ability of spray foam to seal air leaks and keep moisture out is a major factor in its ability to prevent rot, mold and mildew.

The fact that spray foam can be sprayed to fill the exact spaces where it’s needed means that there is a very good chance that it will create an effective barrier against moisture. This is because it isn’t porous like other forms of insulation and does not wick water. It is also not absorbent, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate quickly.

Many types of insulation become damp over time, which can lead to rot or mold. If this occurs, they may need to be replaced. However, spray foam insulation will not get damp, which makes it a more long-term solution. Spray foam insulation will protect a structure and its contents for far longer than other forms of insulation.

Foam insulation is non-toxic and safe to be used in areas where electrical wiring systems or pipework are located. However, while it is curing, it will off-gas amines and isocyanates. This is why it is important to use protective gear when applying the spray and to have a qualified professional do it.

Open cell spray foam does not off-gas these chemicals and is a safer option for homes that are already insulated. However, closed-cell polyurethane spray foam does still off-gas these gases. However, it is possible to find eco-friendly brands of spray foam that are free from these chemicals and do not release them into the atmosphere.

While both types of spray foam are effective at stopping energy losses, open-cell is more breathable and therefore better for homes with moisture issues. Closed-cell is less breathable, and therefore more suitable for newer or older homes. If you’re considering insulating your home with either type of spray foam, talk to your local insulation installers about which is the best fit for your home.

It Reduces Energy Usage

Many homeowners find that they save between 30 and 50 percent on their energy bills when they invest in spray foam insulation. The reason for this is that spray foam helps to reduce energy usage by creating a custom airtight seal around the entire building envelope. This eliminates the air infiltration that is so common and causes high energy costs.

Air infiltration is a big problem in homes and can cause energy bills to go through the roof because air leaks force your furnace and AC unit to run constantly in order to keep up with the demand for heat and cool air. The second law of thermodynamics states that hot air is always trying to move into a cooler space. Spray foam insulation creates a custom airtight seal, which stops the flow of hot air into the home during the summer and cold air out during the winter.

In addition to reducing energy usage and improving comfort levels, spray foam also helps to prevent moisture problems inside the home. This is because it fills the small gaps and crevices where moisture can seep through, and it prevents places like attics and crawl spaces from becoming damp and humid environments that require dehumidifiers to work hard in order to remove the excess moisture.

It’s important to note that homeowners who install spray foam insulation may be eligible for rebate programs or tax credits. Check with your local building authority to see what options are available in your area. This is an excellent way to reduce the cost of this upgrade, and it could help you to pay for part or all of the installation cost.

Spray foam insulation is also a good investment because it lasts for a long time and won’t need to be replaced like fiberglass or cellulose. These other types of insulation break down, sag and settle over time and will need to be replaced at some point. Foam insulation, on the other hand, will never need to be replaced.

This makes spray foam one of the best investments you can make when it comes to reducing your energy usage and saving money on your monthly utility bills. If you are considering making this type of efficiency upgrade to your home, contact us for a consultation on open- and closed-cell spray foam insulation.

It’s Easy to Install

Spray foam insulation is easy to install in existing homes, new construction and pole barns. It is sprayed directly into gaps and holes in walls, attics and crawl spaces. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other types of insulation like fiberglass batts. Unlike other types of insulation, spray foam is injected into the space with a hose from inside a specialized truck or trailer. This rig contains a computer that ensures the proper ratio of chemicals is mixed. The nozzle is also heated so the foam is always at the correct temperature.

It is highly advisable to hire a professional to work with spray foam insulation. It’s not something that can be done on a weekend and the chemicals require special safety equipment such as face masks, goggles and full protective suits. The blowing agent that gives spray foam its insulating properties has a high global warming potential. In addition, if the DIY kits you can purchase from big box stores are installed incorrectly, the materials could create health and safety issues for the homeowner.

The air sealing properties of spray foam mean that it prevents heat from escaping your home during the summer and keeps cold air in during the winter. This can lead to a decrease in your energy usage which will ultimately save you money on your monthly bills.

Spray foam insulation also stops moisture from getting into places like attics and crawl spaces. Moisture can damage structures and lead to mildew or mold. Spray foam prevents moisture from entering the structure because it expands to fill the gap and then seals. This can also help to prevent the need for a dehumidifier in your home.

Although spray foam can be used in many places, it’s ideal for attics and crawl spaces. It’s also great for rim joists and knee walls in existing homes, under roof decks, and in new construction. It’s even effective in voids and around plumbing or electrical wires.