Before you have spray foam insulation installed in your building, there are quite a few questions you should ask yourself. From product options to contractors, to performance specifications, and more, you’ll need to research what will work best for you.
The good news is that there’s a lot of options out there for insulation, but this can make coming to a decision quite overwhelming if you haven’t done it before.
We’ll dive into what spray foam insulation is, and the benefits of choosing it for your home, business, or project.
Spray foam is a long-lasting, ultra-effective method of regulating your building’s temperature, noise levels, and energy savings.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to set up your new property, or a contractor looking for the best option for your clients, we’ll help you understand the fundamentals.
Here’s our list of frequently asked questions for spray foam insulation!
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a polymer material that expands and solidifies once it’s sprayed, creating a durable layer of temperature, moisture, and noise regulation in the walls and ceilings of your building.
Spray foam insulation comes in two forms: closed-cell foam insulation (CC) and open-cell foam insulation (OC).
What’s the difference between open-cell (OC) and closed-cell (CC) insulation?
Closed-cell (CC) insulation completely blocks out air, so it becomes very hard and rigid after application. This makes it exceptionally capable of temperature regulation, preventing air leakage and fluctuations in moisture. The solidification of CC also adds to the structural stability of the surface it is applied to, adding additional strength to your walls and ceilings.
Open-cell insulation is a great air barrier, and the nature of the open cells makes it a great insulation material for sound dampening. Open-cell insulation also requires less volume to fill walls and ceilings due to its ultra-low density profile.
How long does it last?
When it’s applied properly, spray foam insulation will last as long as your building. Even roofing foam applications will last upwards of 30 years, with proper long-term maintenance. Spray foam insulation adheres extremely well to virtually all construction surfaces and maintains its specified level of rigidity once it dries.
Does spray foam insulation really improve my building’s energy efficiency?
Spray foam insulation is a great tool for regulating your building’s temperature, which leads to energy bill savings throughout the years.
It keeps warm air from escaping during the winter, holds cool air inside during the summer, and keeps your building’s individual rooms at regulated temperatures, reducing hot and cold spots.
Open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, and roofing foam all provide high R-values and act as efficient insulation. R-values measure the thermal resistance of insulation, with higher numbers indicating the material is more resistant to heat passing through it, making it a better insulator.
All of this means that your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard to regulate your building’s temperature, using less energy and saving you money on your bills.
Is spray foam insulation a good investment?
Even though insulation is a regular step in any building’s construction or renovation process, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Choosing to go for insulation that’s only price-focused could actually end up costing you more money in the long run, as you’ll pay more in energy bills and potentially rework.
Choose an insulation product that will start delivering you great results from the beginning, and will hold up with the lifetime of your building. Choose spray foam insulation. Beyond saving energy bill money over time, it’ll help ensure your building is exceptionally quiet, comfortable, and structurally sound.
Another differentiating benefit of spray foam insulation is the fact that you’ll probably never have to worry about reapplying it in the future. Other kinds of insulation require maintenance, while spray foam can last up to a lifetime from its initial installation. This means that what you pay up-front will likely be your total cost.
For more information about how spray foam insulation is different from other products, make sure to read our blog comparing spray foam, blown-in, fiberglass, and other kinds of insulation.
Can I install spray foam insulation myself?
We know how appealing DIY projects can be; saving money and having more control over what goes on in your building is very desirable. However, spray foam insulation application is a technical and complicated project, and can even be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t followed.
There are specific regulatory procedures that have to be followed when applying spray foam. Plus, special training is required to operate the equipment to make sure you get the best results, and to ensure you aren’t harmed by the fumes released during application.
If you’re interested in spray foam insulation for your building, but don’t know how to get started, contact Accufoam®. Our experts will be able to help you figure out exactly what you need for your project, and will advise you on distributors, applicators, and everything else.
The Accufoam® Difference
Spray foam insulation formulas are highly sensitive and small changes in ingredient reactivity, moisture, and gravity can dramatically change how a foam behaves, expands, and adheres from batch to batch. These irregularities have led to inconsistent results and caused headaches for contractors and homeowners alike with their spray foam projects, until now.
After 2.5 years of R&D and thousands of batches tested in real-world environments instead of lab conditions, Accufoam® has achieved a precision spray foam insulation solution that can give you the confidence that you’ll achieve consistent results, consistent density, consistent R-value, and most importantly, consistent protection for each and every job.
Plus, our dedicated customer service team will ensure you have a knowledgeable partner every step of the way.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a great insulation solution, a contractor wanting to deliver quality results for your clients, or a product distributor looking for a dependable partner, Accufoam® will deliver.
To learn more about the magic of Accufoam®, call (205) 440-4996 or fill out our online contact form.
