FAQ

Spray Foam Insulation, also known as Spray Polyurethane Foam or SPF, is an insulation that is applied as a liquid and then expands, forming the foam. SPF can be either open or closed cell in structure, depending on the density desired. The density will depend on the specific project for which it’s being utilized and on its intended purpose and/or desired goal. Special equipment is needed to apply the SPF as well as many months of technical training.

SPF is considered to be one of the best building materials because of its adaptability. SPF uses are endless, including bear caves and giant foam pumpkins to root vegetable cellars and farmers’ grain dryers. Some of the things you can use SPF for include but are not limited to:

• • Residential and commercial insulation in walls, attics, ceilings, basements, crawl spaces, well lines, and garages.
• • Air barriers - Extremely important piece of the energy efficiency puzzle.
• • Roofing - provides a long life roof system as well as insulation.
• • Increase structural integrity of buildings.
• • Sound control.
• • Industrial pipes, tanks, coolers, freezers.
• • Floatation uses, including docks, barges, boats etc.
• • Commercial/Industrial buildings, pole barns, metal buildings.

Closed cell foam is a spray applied polyurethane foam that expands 30 x its liquid volume. It utilizes an inert gas blowing agent that is trapped in the cell structure of the foam allowing for an R-value of approx 7 per inch. Contains no formaldehyde and shows no levels of off gassing. Closed Cell SPF does not allow water to pass through it and is approved by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) as a flood-resistant material. Closed Cell SPF would also be a good choice where small framing sizes need added structural integrity and the greatest R-value per inch possible.

Open cell is spray applied polyurethane foam that expands 120 x its liquid volume providing superior insulating, air sealing and sound properties. Open cell foam utilizes water as a blowing agent trapping air in the structure of the cells. Open Cell SPF has an R-value around 3.5 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. Open cell foam like closed cell works on all three principles of heat transfer. This is what makes foams superior insulators. As well as a great thermal insulator open cell will provide for excellent sound reduction. Open Cell SPF cells are not completely closed and air fills all of the ‘open’ space inside the material. In Closed Cell SPF, all of the tiny foam cells are closed and packed together. They are filled with a gas that helps the foam rise and expand and create a greater insulator.

Definitely Yes, Air moves in and out of a business or home through every hole, crack and seam. Approximately one third of air infiltrates through ceiling, walls and floor openings. SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) will help reduce the lost energy of cooling and heating escaping through open areas.