Spray Insulation: What It Is
Spray insulation is a type of insulation that generally involves the use of
spray foam in wall cavities of homes. Special equipment is used by an insulation
contractor to mix chemicals according to predetermined ratios for producing the
foam, which is then sprayed or injected inside the wall cavities.
Advantages
Some advantages of spray insulation include installation without needing to tear
down walls, can easily fill smaller gaps, holes, and cracks, and can be
installed in places where loose-fill types of insulation cannot be used. In
addition, spray insulation is fire-proof, and because it expands when curing, it
builds resistance to air infiltration and increases structural stability. Spray
insulation jobs of a smaller scale can even be done by a homeowner or a handyman
by buying a small can of spray insulation from any home improvement store or
supplier.
Disadvantages
Spray insulation also has some disadvantages. For one, instead of expanding,
some types of spray foams shrink on curing, resulting in a messier installation
job. Walls can also be damaged by improper installation, and cracks that are not
evenly filled can lead to air infiltration as well as moisture and vapor
condensation. Most spray insulation materials also cannot be exposed to sunlight
and other solvents. There is also the possibility of the foam losing its trapped
gases over time, which will in turn reduce the effectiveness of the insulation.
Types of Spray Insulation
Spray insulation often consists of one or many chemicals mixed together. A
widely-used chemical is polyurethane, which is known for its fire-resistant
properties and expansion on curing. Commonly used chemicals in spray insulation
cans include polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and phenolic.
It is always recommended to hire a professional spray insulation contractor who
can provide cost estimates for a large scale insulation project. |
