Spray Foam Insulation

Did you know that 40% or more of your home’s energy loss is due to air leakage?

The walls in your home are the main structural component of the building.  In wood frame construction, the weight of the roof, shingles, standing rain water and snow can add weight and exert a downward force on the walls resulting in compression.

Strong winds and gusts from storms impose lateral forces on the walls of your home.  These forces can distort the walls with what is called a “shearing force.”

Building codes require that the walls of your home be designed to withstand these various forces and loads.  However, when walls are built to just the minimum standards, while still safe, symptoms of movement such as creaking and shaking during high winds or occupant usage can still occur.

Building envelopes with increased insulation levels are becoming standard practice.  Homebuyers are increasingly involved in the selection of building products used to construct their homes.  The rising cost of energy and the discomfort associated with allergies, asthma, mold and noise pollution have created a demand for products that exceed traditional insulation performance. 

For these reasons, there is no better home insulating material than Spray Foam Insulation (SPF).  SPF insulation can seal your home from air and moisture intrusion, save on costly utility bills, strengthen your home and can help protect your family’s health from dangerous molds.

Higher density, closed cell spray foam insulation inside your stud walls fully adheres to--and reinforces--both the exterior sheathing and the studs.  With this added support, there will be less wall movement due to wind, vibration and occupant activity.  Additionally, your walls have greater than code required resistance to “racking events” such as hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong wind situations.

SPF insulation plays multiple roles to improve the performance of the building envelope.  Spray foam technology expands 120 times its initial volume, sealing all voids, gaps and crevices.  SPF insulation is the perfect fit to fill cavities of any shape, provide and continuous, protective air barrier that practically eliminates air leakage.

Air moves in and out of a home through every hole, crack and seam, allowing one third of all air to seep into your home.  The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling (space conditioning) account for 40-60% of the energy used in the average American home.  SPF open-cell insulation helps to maintain and comfortable indoor climate while using less energy.  The application eliminates unwanted air and heat exchange and decreases the amount of moist air that leaks through the house, reducing the adverse effects  of mold and mildew growth on the inside walls and ceilings.

Basic benefits of SPF insulation are:

Stops air and moisture infiltration

Makes your home more comfortable

Saves on energy costs

Adds strength to the building structure

It is permanent and will not sag

Keep dust and pollen out of your home

Eliminates ice damming

Improves air quality

Reduces capacity requirements, maintenance and wear of HVAC equipment

Meets all building codes

Construction Benefits:

HVAC equipment downsizing:  Installing SPF insulation to the room underside creates a semi-conditioned space for air handling units and ductwork to operate more efficiently.  Tightening the building envelope allows for HVAC equipment downsizing, which means savings for you!

Flexibility in framing:  High R-value allows for stud and rafter size reduction to increase living space.

Simple installation:  Eliminates steps for air barrier and vapor barrier installation where permitted by code.

Stand out from conventional homebuilders by adding Spray Foam insulation to your construction project.  To find out more information on spray foam applications, call Joel or Lowell at 918.610.7300.