Insulation

What are the main benefits to insulating my home with Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation?

• Excellent insulating properties – Outperforms pink fiberglass
• Reduces household energy use by up to 50%
• Stops air leakage and infiltration – keeps cool air inside
• Improved indoor air quality by significantly reducing the potential for mold, mildew, dust, allergens and pollen to enter the home.
• Reduces outdoor noise for a quieter home
• Closed cell spray foam makes walls stronger and more rigid.
• Insects and rodents are reduced significantly since spray foam insulation is not a food or nesting source.
• Spray foam prevents moisture penetration thus greatly reducing the potential for mold growth.
• Closed cell spray foam eliminates the need for a vapor barrier.
• Downsize HVAC equipment by 30%
• Reduced heating and cooling load on HVAC – fewer repairs and breakdowns.
• The extra cost of spray foam is recouped within the first 3 years.
• Spray foam won’t sag, shift or degenerate and will perform throughout the life of your home.
• Homes insulated with Spray Foam have a higher resale value.
• Creates a healthier and more comfortable living environment
• Bio-based and non-toxic.

How does spray-foam compare with fiberglass batts?

• Fiberglass batts will not stop air leakage. Blown-in cellulose will slow down air leakage. Spray-foam will STOP air leakage. Spray-foam is also mold & moisture resistant unlike fiberglass & cellulose.
• Fiberglass batts have an R-value of about 3.5 per inch. However, this is not a true R-value since there is no air seal. Blown-in cellulose has an R-value of about 3 to 4 per inches) but also no air seal. Our spray-foam has a true R-value of 3.8 - 6.8 depending on the density foam we use (1-inch thickness).
• Fiberglass batts can sag over time; blown-in cellulose can settle over time leaving sections of the stud cavity uninsulated. Spray-foam completely adheres to the wood studs and sheathing resulting in a permanent sealed barrier against air penetration and leakage.
• Spray-foam will add strength and rigidity to your house. FEMA now requires homes in hurricane-prone areas to be constructed with spray foam insulation to withstand powerful winds

What is the R-value (insulation value) of SPF insulation?

Southwest Building & Energy Technologies has a few different foam products of different densities. Our open-cell foam product has an R-Value of 3.5 per inch and in most applications, a house constructed with 2x4 studs will have 3.5 inches of open cell foam thus resulting in a total R-value of 12. If the house is constructed with 2x6 studs, the R-value when insulating with open cell foam can reach a maximum of R-20. Our primary closed cell foam has an R-value of 7.0 per inch and is usually sprayed between 2 to 3 inches thick resulting in an R-value between 14 and 21. Spray foam is the only insulation product that offers a true R-value because it is the only product that creates an air seal. To learn more about insulation and R-values, click here.

I hear different opinions on open-cell vs. closed-cell foam. Which one is better & which one should I use for my property?

While we spray both types of foam, the preferred choice has been closed cell foam due to its higher R-value per inch, the strength it adds to the structure, and the effectiveness of being a barrier against moisture. Although it is slightly more expensive, many owners and contractors prefer it due to these features. However, if the project has a limited budget, open cell foam is a better choice since it is priced comparable to fiberglass.

How does Spray Foam Insulation improve indoor air quality and comfort?

Spray foam insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope. When applied, the insulation conforms and fills each cavity, crack and void. By filling these voids you seal the house against: wind, dust, moisture, pollen, spores, insects, mold and allergens. Insulating your home with spray foam insulation provides a healthier, quieter, draft-free, indoor environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions.

What is Icynene?

Icynene is one brand of Spray Polyurethane Foam. There are numerous brands of spray foam on the market and Icynene is one of the more common brands. Icynene contractors will only spray Icynene spray foam. Southwest Building & Energy Technologies has access to numerous brands of spray foam with a wide variety of specifications depending on the application. Brands we regularly spray: UCSC, Sealection500, and Bayer.

How is the insulation installed?

Spray foam insulation is sprayed into the wall cavity in between the wooden studs with specialized equipment. The foam is sprayed on as a liquid, but within 2 to 10 seconds, the liquid will turn to foam and expand up to 100 times it’s original size filling every nook and cranny, sealing all gaps and permanently adhering to the stud cavity.

How does Allied Spray Insulation control moisture movement and condensation?

Most moisture damage in a building occurs when warm moist air inside the building is being exchanged with the cold dry air inside an insulation cavity. As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. Because foam insulation is an air seal, this moisture movement and condensation does not occur. It is ideal for use in climates where buildings are both heated and air conditioned because the situation is reversed in summer with moisture forming on the back of the interior vapor retarder.

Does foam insulation cause any electrical wiring overheat problems or any problems to any metal surfaces?

No, foam insulation has been thoroughly tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities nor is it corrosive to any metals whatsoever.

Does Spray Foam Insulation support bacteria, mold or fungal growth?

No. Our foam products offer no food value. It is an inert substance; therefore it does not support bacteria, mold or fungal growth.

How long does Spray Foam Insulation last?

Spray Foam Insulation will last the life of the house.

Does the insulation contain formaldehyde?

No.

At what stage is the insulation installed?

For new construction or renovations, the insulation is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. On existing homes, the spray foam insulation can be installed to the attic, roof line, and sub-flooring to seal in the house. It is more cost effective to leave existing interior wall insulation in place.

Can homeowners install Spray Foam Insulation themselves?

Unless the homeowner is wiling to make a large investment in the equipment and become properly trained and certified, it is not feasible for the homeowner to install spray foam insulation. However, there are a few companies that provide small kits to spray foam in small areas, however the cost to purchase these kits can be almost three times as much compared to hiring a professional.

What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once the foam insulation is installed?

An outlet can be easily added since the spray foam insulation drills more easily than wood.

I have heard in the past that houses should breathe & have attic ventilation. Wouldn't spray-foam insulation seal my house too tight?

Your house DOES need to be ventilated, BUT most home engineers & building scientists (as well as the US Dept of Energy) advise that you seal the structure as tight as possible & provide necessary ventilation through your air conditioning & heating system. Many systems employ an "air exchanger" which pre-conditions incoming outside air to control humidity & energy efficiency. This type of design (known as an unvented attic) creates a true Thermal Envelope.

How long has this type of insulation been around?

Although spray foam has been around for more than 30 years, it has been perfected in the past 10 years and has now been made available in most major cities at very affordable prices.

Roofing

How does it save energy?

During the summer, the majority of the building’s heat enters through the roof. When the SPF roofing system is applied as a thermal blanket, it insulates and shields the roof substrate from the
sun’s infrared rays. The result is that the roof never heats up, and therefore the heat is not radiated inside the building. This results in lower A/C costs.

Can I walk on it? Is it heavy?

The SPF roofing is extremely dense material, not at all like lighter foams such as Styrofoam. It can easily handle normal walking and wear and tear, though it weighs only a few ounces per square foot.

Spray Foam roofs typically support a 20% to 70% energy cost savings, which can repay the entire cost of the new roof in as little as 4 years. The local and state governments also have rebates available from time to time. Another great savings comes at the end of ten years when you do not have to re-roof your building again, as you would with most other roofing systems.

What happens if I have standing water?

One of the many wonderful features of SPF roofing is that we can fill in those ponding areas to eliminate deep standing water, without adding much weight. We simply spray additional material in the low spot, lifting it up, to allow the water to get back off the roof where it is supposed to go.

Does the old roof need to be torn off?

SPF roofing is generally applied over the old roof, after it is thoroughly cleaned and any loose material is removed. Since the foam is self flashing, it completely bonds to the substrate it is sprayed on.

How long has Spray Foam roofing been used on roofs? How long does it last?

SPF roofing has been used as commercial, industrial and residential roofing material since the late 60’s. Most of the roofs that were installed since that time are still in good condition, if basic care was taken. Though we don’t know exactly how long a SPF roof will last, the 30+ year old roofs that are still in great condition all over the country can give us a good indication. That is a large difference from the 8-12 years for a cap sheet roof that you may be used to.

What happens if you have to add an HVAC unit or skylight?

SPF roofing is much easier to repair than roll roofing or tar and gravel, with the right materials. Many of our commercial clients have variety of types of tenants moving in and out of their buildings, some with different equipment requirements. The building owner or manager simply calls us for a repair, and generally within a few minutes, the roof can be restored to its original condition.

How does the price compare with roll roofing or tar & gravel?

On larger roofs, the cost is extremely similar and often much less than a seamed type conventional roof. The additional costs for set up on small roofs can make a SPF roof slightly more expensive, but certainly very reasonable and affordable.

What kinds of buildings is Poly-Foam typically installed on?

Spray Polyurethane Foam has traditionally been used on flat roofs, on commercial, industrial and residential buildings. It is not often used on sloped roofs where appearance is a major consideration, such as those roofs which would normally have tile or shingles.

How Long Will The Roof Last?

Now that the oldest SPF roofs are about 30 years old, questions about SPF longevity have been discarded. It is well known that these roofs have an amazing ability to outlast any other roofing systems. It is recommended that every 10 to 15 years a new coat of elastomeric is applied to ensure its continued integrity.

How Does it Work?

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam is a combination of isocyanate and polyol. These two components are fed through a proportioner which heats then pumps the two separate components to the spray gun, where they are mixed and sprayed onto the substrate. Because it is sprayed onto the roof as a liquid, it forms a single continuous structure that is seamless and stable. SPF requires a clean surface for proper application. It must be dry, free of contaminants like oil, and properly fastened to the substrate in accordance with the proper building codes. Since sunlight degrades SPF, it must be protected by a layer of crushed stone or an elastomeric coating. But it is the foam, not the coating, which creates the watertight layer.

What’s an Elastomeric Coating?

Elastomeric Coatings are used to protect against Ultra-violet Radiation. Sprayed Polyurethane Foam has to be protected from exposure to the sun's ultra-violet radiation and moisture. This is where the top coating comes in, it helps to protect and seal the foam from any damage.

What is better, Coatings or Aggregate Ballast?

SPF roofs can be protected from ultraviolet light with coatings — typically acrylic, polyurethane, or silicone coatings — or with crushed stone aggregate. Aggregate-covered roofs, sometimes called “foam and stone,” require stone ranging in size from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch Gravel can only be used on relatively flat roofs, and its weight may exceed structural limits. Coated foam weighs only 1/3 pound per square foot, while aggregate-covered foam is closer to 6 pounds per square foot. Coated foam makes it easier to spot and repair a roof leak. Gravel maintenance is more difficult, because you can’t see what’s under it. Gravel can stop up drains. The reflectivity values of coatings are known, coatings (unlike gravel) are eligible to receive an Energy Star label Coatings usually cost a little more than stone. Coating on an SPF roof will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.