Polyurethane Foam

Advantages of SPF (Sprayed Polyurethane Foam)

Sprayed Foam insulation reduces energy use in buildings beyond its stated R-value because SPF (closed cell):

Provides a solid continuous vapor barrier and air-tight seal (no cracks or leaks).

Prevents moisture infiltration through air leakage. On roofs it seals water leakage.

Minimizes dew point problems and condensation by creating an air-tight barrier.

Can eliminate mold & mildew from penetrating the envelope of your living environment.

Resists heat movement in all directions.

Provides reliable performance under varying conditions. Does not break down (i.e., sustainable).

Increases wall strength 300 times (see govt NABH regarding racking & shearing tests for foam)

It has the highest exponential R-value of all insulations. FOAM has a 92% Efficiency Rating (ER), 1 inch equivalent to R-20.09! 2 inches = R- 40.18 ! 3.5 inches = R- 63.7 according the rating by the U.S. Dept. of Energy! ER boost based on RED factors:

Sprayed Foam is the

tightest air sealer.

Foam for roofs and attics, and in crawl-spaces: home or commercial

Foam for metal buildings.

Foam where nothing else will work.

ONLY FOAM can INCREASE the insulation rating by reducing all 6 causes of heat transfer.

Air movement through insulation kills R values.

Cellulose addresses # 2 & # 3 in ways that fiberglass cannot.

3.5 inches of Fiberglass has 32% efficiency with only R-11.2

Only SPF foam addresses all 6 in ways no other insulation can!

As the most effective type of insulation, closed-cell Sprayed Polyurethane FOAM (SPF) is a solid, rigid, waterproof, and seamless plastic after it cures (in only a few seconds). It is impervious to liquid or gas penetration. The History Channel describes closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation as one of the "modern marvels" of modern chemistry: It not only insulates, but also dramatically adds to the strength and structural integrity of any building material. SPF is sustainable: Unlike other materials that have a limited life expectancy, SPF has an indefinite life when maintained properly.

(Health: The new generation SPF foam, properly installed, does not "off-gas" chemicals, nor contain formaldehyde.)

OPEN-CELL foam (below) for sound-proofing & insulation.

CLOSED-CELL (below) and High- Density foam insulation for waterproofing, thermal barriers and increased strength and structural integrity.

Attic roofs

1. CONDUCTION

2. CONVECTION

3. RADIATION

4. MOISTURE

5. AIR INTRUSION

6. AIR INFILTRATION

Stack Effect + Diagram

Additional FAQ pages

on this web site:

"Which is best for me:" Open cell foam versus closed cell foam?

"How can SPF foam reduce my suffering from allergies, dust and mold?

How do I sort out the debate between promoters of Icynene and closed-cell foam?

Glossary of terms: "What do these terms mean?"

How does foam insulate my house from rodent and insect invasion?

Related Articles and links:

The R-value MYTH + How much R-value do different parts of my home require? (for fiberglass, cellulose or foam)

Fiberglass may be unhealthy to have in your home + 2 inches may be enough

Energy links

. Closed cell foam for crawlspaces

and basements, providing an air

and moisture seal under floors.

Seal crawlspace or basement with

foam to reduce or eliminate:

Moisture/Mold invasion

Noise (squeaky floors)

Cold floors (& thermal bridges)

Carcinogeous radon gas

CO2 or natural gas leaking from heating systems

Gasoline or carbon monoxide fumes into garage apartment

Insect & rodent penetration

Click to read info on crawlspaces

Oak Ridge National Laboratory research shows that “perfectly installed” fiberglass batts lose 11% of their labeled

R-Value, and that “commonly installed” fiberglass batts lose 28% of their labeled R-value. This study confirms tests conducted 20 years ago by fiberglass manufacturers, and reveals the surprisingly large disparity between the labeled R-value and the installed R-value of fiberglass batts. The point is that R-Value is not the best measure of insulation and that fiberglass is the worst kind of insulation.

Full Document << click here

(Adobe Acrobat PDF reader needed) <<< click here