Why Do You Need to Consider Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is simply a foam spray created of polyurethane applied over a wall in place of one of today’s more common insulation methods called fiberglass. Spray foam is also a thicker version of polyurethane, which is sometimes used as an alternative to fiberglass batts in place of water-based settings.

This insulation type also works great in bathrooms because it’s easy to clean up and doesn’t retain any odors. Fiberglass is more challenging to remove than spray foam, though, and it’s more expensive. When spray-foam insulation is installed correctly, you’ll often find that your heating and cooling bills are lowered by about 50%!

Spray Foam Insulation

High quality and affordable spray foam insulation in New Orleans uses this form of insulating material in a wide variety of ways. Typical uses include sealing gaps in walls, around windows and doors, and insulating floors and walls. In most cases, spray foam insulation goes on as a liquid, vacuumed off with a pump or hose. As soon as it dries out, however, you will immediately notice how much lower your heating and cooling bills are once you’re done sealing the gaps and sealing up the edges of the room.

There are two main types of isocyanates commonly found in spray-foam insulation: isocyanates that cause allergic reactions and non-allergic isocyanates, which don’t cause such allergic reactions. Isocyanates that cause allergic reactions include isocyanates that change color (black, brown, or dark blue), sticky, or have a foul odor. Some non-allergic isocyanates don’t change color when they dry out, but they tend to be moist and have a solid odor. On the other hand, allergic isocyanates tend to leave a fresh scent on the furniture or walls where it has been applied.

Installing spray foam insulation means that there are no gaps between the ceiling and wall that may let some heat or cooling in, depending on the conditions. There are now ways to close those gaps to keep excess heat or cold from escaping without tearing down the entire ceiling. The new material, known as closed-cell foam insulation, consists of tiny cells packed tightly together. These cells work to improve the thermal resistance by creating gaps that push air in and out while allowing cold air in and letting hot air in.

Moisture

Moisture is often used to combat the effects of isocyanates and other moisture forms because the material can be dehumidified and sealed to keep water out. Condensation will usually be a problem with ceiling foam insulation, as the moisture will often seep through the surface and into the walls and gaps between the cells.

Spray foam insulation may be the best choice for small spaces, such as an individual room, but it can be used in other areas that are prone to moisture, such as the attic, crawl space, bathroom, and kitchen. It can also be installed in smaller spaces, including basements and attics, without creating a massive mess without destroying or repairing the ceiling or wall.

Although many people still think that spray foam insulation is most commonly used for walls, the product can be used on ceilings and, in many cases, without damaging the ceiling or wall. It is most effective when it is sprayed onto the wall and then filled with fiberglass. Fiberglass has the added benefit of providing thermal resistance, as well as sealing airtightness. Most people who choose this type of spray foam insulation material do so because it is easier and less expensive than fiberglass insulation, which tends to be more challenging to install and maintain.