Spray foam insulation is a high performing, energy efficient insulation product that can reduce heating and cooling bills by 40% or more. Spray foam insulation expands when applied to fill a cavity which prevents air leakage and helps keep energy bills low. Spray foam insulation insulates and seals air leaks in one step. This two-in-one aspect sets it apart from fiberglass insulation or cellulose insulation. Spray foam insulation can also increase the strength of your home, helping to increase stability during high winds and severe storms.
Thermal Barriers for Spray Foam
In this Bake House Project, spray foam insulation was installed to the roof deck. After EcoLogical Insulation applied open cell spray foam, DC315 Intumescent paint was added. This was added because the foam was not going to be covered by sheet rock. Adding DC315 Intumescent paint achieved a 15-minute thermal barrier on top of the foam. Antique wood was used for the wall covering.
Spray foam insulation is a two-in-one product, insulating and air sealing in one step. Spray foam insulation comes in two forms:
Open cell spray foam insulation works as an insulator and air barrier. The typical R-value of open cell spray foam is 3.7 per inch. Other features of open cell spray foam insulation are vapor permeability, ability to accommodate seasonal movement, not a food source for mold and sound dampening.
As with open cell spray foam insulation, closed cell spray foam works as an insulator and air barrier. The typical R-value of closed cell spray foam is 6.5 – 7.0 per inch.
Closed cell spray foam is solid because it is made of closed cells. The cells of the foam bubbles remain intact (closed), which makes it rigid. The closed cell composition and increased density contribute to a higher R-value than open cell foam, and can also contribute to building stability during storms and high winds.
”EcoLogical Insulation installs a variety of brands of spray foam insulation including Icynene, SWD and Johns Manville.