In the past few years, there has been a surge of concern about the safety of our homes. A rise in natural disasters, increasing levels of stress, and an increase in digital devices are just a few of the reasons people are rediscovering the value of building green homes. The rising popularity of eco-friendly building solutions has prompted many homeowners to reconsider whether they should invest in a home that is more energy-efficient. One of the best ways to save money and meet energy-efficiency guidelines at the same time is by insulating your home with spray foam insulation. However, spray foam insulation is one such option that offers many advantages while still remaining environmentally friendly. In this article, we will explore some key facts about spray foam insulation so that you can make a more informed decision when it comes to purchasing a new home or improving your current one.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed on the inside of your building or home. Each layer of insulation is then covered by a membrane that creates a protective air barrier between the inside of your home and the outside air. The result is energy efficiency and better indoor air quality for your home.
Spray foam insulation is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional fiberglass insulation. It’s a type of insulation known as an “air-blown” system.
When you’re building a new home, spray foam insulation offers several benefits. Spray foam insulation is composed of a lightweight foam that expands during the manufacturing process to fill your entire house with insulation. The foam is then covered with a single-use membrane that protects the foam from the inside and outside of your home. When you’re done with the insulation, the membrane is easily removed and recycled.
How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?
Spray foam insulation works by infusing a layer of Polyurethane (PU) into the air within your home. PU is a polymer that has been mixed with an inert gas such as nitrogen. This creates a “foam” when the air is heated within your home. The foam then expands to fill all available space between the inside and outside walls of your home. PU is a highly insulating material that reduces the heat transfer through the walls of your home by as much as 80%. This means that your home will stay cooler during the warm summer months by retaining less heat through the insulation.
PU is a very durable material. It is also an environmentally-friendly material as it does not create any greenhouse gases or pollution when it decomposes over time.
Types of Spray Foams
- Polyurethane Foam (PU) – The most popular type of spray foam used for residential insulation. Advantages of PU foam include an elasticity that makes it ideal for interior walls and ceiling applications. PU foam is highly durable and is resistant to decay and mold.
- Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Foam – EVOH foam is more expensive than PU foam and is used more often for commercial applications. It has a similar insulating value to PU foam but is less elastic and may require a higher air-sealing-quality.
- Polyurethane-Co-Polyurethane (PU-Co) Foam – PU-Co is a new type of foam that has seen increased interest in the commercial building industry over the last few years. It is a combination of both PU foam and Polyurethane. The major advantage of PU-Co insulation is that it is easy to maintain and is highly durable.
Benefits of Using Spray Foam Insulation
- It’s energy efficient: Spray foam insulation is one of the most energy efficient insulations available. It not only reduces your energy bills but also helps protect your family from dangerous heat transfer.
- It’s environmentally friendly: Spray foam insulation is a highly sustainable material. It is made from a renewable resource and does not release any harmful gases or greenhouse gases during its decomposition. It is also 100% recyclable.
- It reduces building maintenance: Spray foam insulation requires very little maintenance. It is one of the few insulations that can be installed without the help of a professional.
- It creates a silent environment: Spray foam insulation creates a very quiet environment. It is an excellent way of reducing noise levels in your home.
- It is capable of withstanding high temperatures: Unlike other types of insulation, spray foam insulation can withstand high levels of heat. This means that your house will be much more resistant to accidental fires.
- It is cost effective: Spray foam insulation is a highly cost-effective way of insulating your home. It requires very little investment and can be used in virtually any type of building.
Examples of Commercial Spray Foam Insulation
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the New York Times building in New York City.
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the Nike World Headquarters in Oregon.
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the Facebook Building in California.
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the Google Headquarters in California.
- Spray foam insulation is used in the construction of the Amazon Spheres in California.
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation is a highly sustainable and energy efficient material that is capable of creating a silent, durable and durable air barrier between your home and the outdoors. Spray foam insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways of insulating your home. It is also very easy to install and requires very little maintenance. While spray foam insulation has a number of advantages, it is important to note that it does have some limitations. For example, it is only effective for walls less than 2 inches thick.