Spray foam insulation is a smart and effective way to insulate your home or building. There’s lots to know about this popular insulating option, but here are the top eight facts we think you should know before deciding if spray foam is the right insulation for you.
1. Spray foam is a versatile insulation that can be used throughout a building.
Spray foam is a great solution for insulating your space, and can be used on walls, ceilings, roofs, attics, crawl spaces and basements. It is perfect for filling gaps, cracks, and crevices and creating a continuous and airtight layer of insulation. Spray foam continues to increase in popularity throughout Southeastern Ontario.
2. Spray foam comes in two main types.
Closed-cell spray foam is rigid and impermeable, giving it a high R-value. It is very strong and durable. At C&K Fibertech, we install Genyk’s Boreal Nature Elite spray foam, which is a closed-cell product.
Open-cell spray foam has a lower density and is more flexible than closed-cell spray foam. It is cheaper and more sound-absorbing, and is easier to apply, but provides a lower R-value.
3. Spray foam insulation acts as a vapour barrier.
Because spray foam is applied as a liquid and expands into foam when it contacts a surface, it is able to fill cracks and protect your home from moisture. Spray foam will help avoid mold and rot, protecting your home long-term, and reducing the need for repairs. In order to be an effective vapour barrier, closed-cell spray foam must be installed professionally, and when done so, it can replace the need for additional barriers.
4. Spray foam is long lasting.
Spray foam insulation is one of the most durable and long-lasting types of insulation. It does not sag, settle, or deteriorate over time, unlike other types of insulation. It can withstand temperature changes, moisture, and pests, and it maintains its shape and performance for years. Spray foam can even add structural strength and stability to your building. The expected lifespan of spray foam insulation ranges from 25 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the product and how well it was applied.
5. Spray foam is eco-friendly.
The insulating properties of spray foam allow for a reduction in energy consumption of home heating and cooling systems. The installation of spray foam also creates less waste than other types of insulation. Less than 1% of the insulation is lost during installation. The spray foam insulation that we install at C&K Fibertech consists of nearly 25% recycled and renewable ingredients. This spray foam is also manufactured without ozone depletion substances (Zero ODS), and has a global warming potential of less than 1.
6. Spray foam can protect your air.
Not only is spray foam eco-friendly, it can also be used to protect your family from pollutants. When installed under foundation slabs, and used to seal slab openings and wall joints, spray foam creates an effective barrier from radon. Radon is currently the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. The airtight protection it offers also improves the air quality in your home and helps to mitigate seasonal allergies, as well as reduce the presence of insects and vermin. The insulation we install at C&K Fibertech has a Greenguard Gold Certification.
7. Spray foam is safe to use.
When installed properly, and cured completely, spray foam is safe to use in your home. It does not emit any harmful chemicals or odours, and does not cause any health issues or allergies.
8. Spray foam is great for Canadian climates.
Spray foam can handle both cold winters and hot summers, making it an excellent choice for the Canadian climate. The service temperature of the spray foam we install is between -60°C and 80°C, well within the range of an Ontario winter. Spray foam can also be used in basements to protect pipes and ducts from freezing and bursting, preventing water damage and costly repairs. Spray foam can also help reduce the risk of significant damage from flooding.
Overall, spray foam is a great insulation solution with many benefits. There are also several home insulation rebates currently available which make spray foam more affordable. If you’re interested in a spray foam application, please contact us.