What is spray foam insulation?

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Closed cell spray foam is a liquid applied, sprayed on, polyurethane monolithic shell. An un-interrupted and superior insulation system. It is comprised of tiny, closed cell air bubbles, trapped in a strong matrix of tough polyurethane. It is manufactured on site, during installation, with specialized equipment and a well trained installer.

Once applied, it expands to vill any voids and sticks tenaciously to most common building materials. Closed cell spray foam is air and water tight and can seal out moisture vapor and soil gases such as radon. After 24 hours, there is no further off gassing and is safe for occupation.

Closed cell spray foam is primarily used for building insulation, but can be used as damp proofing for foundations, under slab air, vapor and soil gas(radon) barrier, and in many commercial buildings it is used as a roofing material. 

As an insulation material, it boasts some of the highest r values per inch, easily outperforming batt materials and blow in fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose and commonly bought sheet foams. Our current closed cell foam that we install, Huntsman high lift HFO, packs a whopping R 7.4 per inch. There is no other insulation like it.

Air sealing is one of its great attributes. Once cured, air can not pass through it. Since it bonds to any material it is applied to, it seals all gaps, preventing air flow. This is a big part of an over-all tight construction strategy. Closed cell spray foam is applied as a sprayed liquid that instantly and permanently bonds to building materials like wood and wood based products, concrete, metal and most plastics. While still liquid, it sprays and makes its way into areas that other insulations can not. Around nail heads, into cracks and small spaces between materials, filling gaps and voids as it flows and begins to expand. Before it cures, it immediately bonds to whatever it is in contact with. This is why it is excellent as an air sealing solution. 

Structural integrity of your building is improved. Polyurethane is already a widely used adhesive in construction because of its durability and strength of bond. Subfloor adhesive is used in nearly every home to bond materials together, where nails or screws are not enough. When closed cell spray foam is applied to building materials, it creates the same type of bond, everywhere it is applied. The result is far sturdier building, under all types of loads.

Closed cell spray foam is typically installed in a few areas of residential construction:

• Wall stud bays are the most common area sprayed. The foam is sprayed in contact with the wall sheathing and studs, creating an air tight and glued together stud bay. In a 2x6 wall, you could spray around 5” closed cell foam, and achieve an R value of 37!  
• Next would be spraying the underside of roof decking. Installing under a roof deck, glues all the members together, prevents unwanted air leaks and moisture vapor flow, and provides an unbeatable thermal break, at the most important area of the home. This brings the attic space, into the thermal envelope, creating more conditioned space in the building. 4” of closed cell foam with retain 92% of the heat energy trying to escape through the roof. 
• Closed cell foam is also excellent when applied to compacted gravel or road base, or even compacted ground, under a concrete slab. Most builders and homeowners don’t realize how much energy is lost from a concrete slab in a home. By applying closed cell foam under a slab, you get the benefit of high R value insulation, maintaining the energy of the slab, but it also acts as an air and vapor barrier, adding to the longevity of the concrete and the building attached. The under slab foam also prevents any soil gasses, such as radon from entering the building.  
• Closed cell foam is an excellent foundation insulation and damp roofing solution in one. It can shed water from your foundation, preserving its life for generations.
• Closed cell foam is a great solution for conditioning older homes at the crawlspace. Retrofitting a crawlspace can seal out moisture, odors, critters and bugs. It can seal out radon and other soil gasses as well. Retrofitting a crawls space with closed cell spray foam improves a buildings health, comfort and energy efficiency.