What is Spray Foam Insulation?

This form of insulation, also known as the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a different method when compared to the regular house and building insulation system. In this insulation, a blend of isocyanate and polyol resin mix at the end of a particular gun and forms a foam. This foam is used as a spray and can be applied on the roof tiles, floors and the cracks that may appear between the wall spaces, or through the holes in the pit of a completed wall.

Why go for the Spray Foam Insulation?

People often feel overwhelmed by the investments they have to make for spray foam insulation and the time it can take to use this spray. However, if you look into the benefits, this system provides you will understand the investment is worth the returns you get in the long term. When compared to other types of insulation, the foam insulation performs better with more margins.

The spray foam insulation is an expansive formation and is a potent agent. This foam shuts out the nooks and crannies entirely that is not possible with other types of insulations. The foam resistance value to deliver an air-tight cover is the best available solution available in the market today.

You see immediate energy savings on your bills when you use the spray foam insulation. The spray foam is strong insulators, and people who use these insulators in their homes and buildings see significant saving that is 50% more than any other type of insulation can offer.

One major problem that follows the hole and cracks in the wall is the penetration of water and moisture through the open cracks. This moisture can lead to fungus and can damage the structure of the house. When spray foam is the method of insulation, you work with a system that completely blocks water and moisture as it is a complete sealing agent. Due to these reasons, people prefer to use spray foam as their priority of insulation in those areas that are more exposed to moisture and water infiltration.

Spray foam contains an inert polymer that is resistant to any formations of mold or other forms of bacteria. Homes that use this insulation system are well-protected against fungus, mold, and mildew.

You can search for local contractors near you who provide all services pertaining to the implementation of this insulation system. You have the option to meet the consultants and schedule your quote before you agree to this form on insulation. With time the benefits of this activity will cover for all the costs you incur in using this system.

There are different types of insulation materials for insulating the houses and other buildings. The options include fiberglass, spray foam, cellulose, mineral wool and radiant barrier. Proper installation is necessary to ensure you get the maximum benefits of insulating your rooms. When selecting the insulation material, take into account the type of home you have, the rooms you want to insulate, the climate condition of your area, and your budget.

Some types of insulation materials are poured while others are just placed in the prepared slots. Consult a building insulation expert to know more details. This work should be handled by a professional and certified installer because most insulating materials pose health risks. The installers have to wear protective gears to protect themselves from the toxic effects of the insulating material. At the same time, the risks of toxic effects remain only during the installation process. Once the insulation has set in its place, it does not pose any harm to the residents. It becomes a sterile and smell free element.

Get a written cost estimate from the contractor based on the R-value of the insulation you need. The quotes will vary from one contractor to another. Do not go only for the lowest price quote. You should assess many other factors when comparing the installation quotes of different contractors. Keep in mind that some services that are necessary for this process may be charged extra. For example, some contractors will charge extra for a preparatory air sealing service.

Once the insulation is installed, inspect all parts of the rooms carefully. Make sure there are no gaps in the coverage. Additional small amounts of insulating material are applied to fill the corners and crevices that are not filled during the main process. If trying to do it yourself, make sure you follow all safety precautions, local building codes, fire safety laws, and manufacturer’s instructions. Read the instructions carefully and take help of other people. You will need proper equipment, tools and safety gears to complete this task.

It is better to let a professional installer do this job. These installers use proper safety gears. They know how to do this type of job and have experience in this field. They use industrial grade equipment to complete this job properly, quickly and easily. The rooms should be properly ventilated during this process to prevent indoor heat and condensation buildup. Start this work only after plugging all the air gaps, leakages and drafts. Cover all household items and belongings completely before starting this process. Vacuum all your clothing after the insulation process is completed.

Home insulation involves complex processes that should only be handled by a professional contractor. If you are on the market for an insulation contractor, chances are that you are lost on whom to choose. This is attributed to the fact that all the contractors in your search engine results claim to offer the best services. It is advised that you take as much time as you can researching on all potential insulation service providers before investing your money on the services.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Insulation Contractors

Are you licensed and Insured? – It is important that you only work with a licensed contractor. Contractors must first adhere to strict rules and regulations before they are given a license to operate in your region. A license will therefore serve as an indication of professionalism and you’ll be safer working with such a service provider. Insurance, especially the Workmans Compensation Insurance, protects you against lawsuits and financial responsibility in case a worker gets injured while insulating your home.

Are You a Member of the Better Business Bureau?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that ranks businesses, non-profit organizations and charities by using an accredited business system. This system mainly focuses on the feedback left by consumers who can leave complaints or rate business based on their previous experiences working with them. A contractor who is registered with the BBB is likely to be confident with the service they offer as their reputation is at stake, making them the best to work with.

What Materials do you use and why? – An insulation contractor should possess vast knowledge of all the products they are recommending as well those they don’t use. Find out why they are recommending the products they’ll be using on your home and try to figure out how much they know about them.

How much experiences do you have working on similar projects? – A contractor that specializes on the specific service you are looking for will be the best to work with. If you are looking to insulate your attic or crawl spaces, then make sure you only hire someone that understands well the processes involved.

Do you offer warranty with your services? – Reliable contractors will offer lifetime warranties with all their services. This way, if any issues were to occur in the future, you wouldn’t be forced to spend more money on fixing damages.

It is common for homeowners to hire the first contractors they come across or get lured in by low prices. To avoid making the same mistakes, go through the vetting process and stay away from contractors that push to get started on the project before doing a thorough inspection of your home.