Spray foam insulation is an alternative to traditional insulation, and it’s one that has been surging in popularity recently, as more and more people become aware of the many benefits it provides. It is extremely versatile and can be used to insulate every part of your home, adding an extra layer of protection against the cold (or hot) air outside.
This in turn, can save you significant money on energy bills, because your conditioned air won’t be escaping to the outside, and that means your HVAC equipment won’t have to work so hard to maintain a comfortable environment on the interior. Many residences and businesses in the greater Toronto area have already availed themselves of the services of Efficiency Spray Foam Insulation to increase their comfort levels and to save money on utilities.
What exactly is spray foam insulation?
It starts out as a liquid spray foam, and after being applied to any specific area of a home or business, it solidifies into a very sturdy layer of insulation. It’s been around a while, but it is just now enjoying widespread usage as word of its effectiveness spreads around, and people begin to see its possibilities. In addition to providing an airtight insulation layer, it effectively stops all air leaks you might have. There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam.
Closed cell spray foam sets into a firm solid which can actually help support your structure, if it’s lacking at all in that particular area. Of course, that doesn’t mean it should be used as a remedy for all structural deficiencies, because it’s really only supportive in nature. After setting, it will have a great many gas pockets which are capable of greatly slowing down the movement of heat passing right through it. It also serves as a barrier to moisture, so it’s important to make sure that the area is well-ventilated, so as to prevent the buildup of condensation.
Open cell spray foam is not as dense as closed cell insulation, so you may need to apply more of it in order to achieve the same level of insulation as with closed cell insulation. Since it blocks and minimizes air flow, this type of foam is often used to soundproof rooms either large or small. It does allow moisture to pass through, so it’s less likely that you’ll have any kind of condensation build up when using open cell insulation.
Traditional types of insulation
The main types of traditional insulation are fiberglass, cellulose, Celotex, and rockwool insulation. Fiberglass is one of the cheapest methods of insulating, although it provides just as good service as some of the pricier options. One of the downsides to using fiberglass is that it can’t reach nooks and crannies very well, so you may have gaps in coverage. That does not happen with spray foam insulation, which can be sprayed in any area, regardless of how hard it is to reach.
Cellulose insulation is made of shredded paper and a chemical known as borate. Once the paper has been broken down, its cellular fibers provide the insulating action. It is usually applied with an insulation blower, and sprayed into the desired area. It’s more efficient than fiberglass and also can reach more of the hard to reach areas. It’s also environmentally-friendly. Downsides include the fact that it sometimes doesn’t handle moisture well, and it can be very messy when being applied.
Celotex is an insulation made by gluing together laminated aluminum foil facings, to come up with a hard insulation product. It has better thermal performance than any other kind of traditional insulation, and is often chosen for that reason. It also does not absorb water, so it won’t sag on the job. Negatives about Celotex are that it doesn’t cover all gaps well, and it’s not airtight. That’s because it is not very flexible, and there’s even a possibility it may fall out if not installed properly.
Rockwool is sometimes referred to as mineral wool, and it comes off the shelf in batts, much like fiberglass does. Its composition is that of heated rocks, which eventually melt down into liquid form. After this, it is exposed to high pressure and spun around until it forms into long fibers that can be used for insulation. It has some good qualities, such as being highly resistant to fires, and it has superior thermal insulating properties. Downsides include the fact that it can cause respiratory issues to anyone who is directly exposed to it, and it does not dry well if anything happens to make it wet. Need spray foam insulation in Toronto and the Greater Toronto area? Call today at (647) 390-7273 or visit our website: http://efficiencyinsulation.ca