Polyurethane spray foam is an eco-friendly and cost-effective form of home and building insulation. It can be used to decrease your energy costs and help maintain the climate of your home. Here are some frequently asked questions by home owners considering investing in polyurethane spray foam insulation for their home.

What is polyurethane spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation made from polyurethane foam. It is a plastic-like foam that fills in cracks and crevices to efficiently seal homes and buildings from air leaks. Spray foam can be used to seal air and insulate under roofs, in exterior walls, around decks, and in areas prone to air leaks as an more energy-efficient alternative to fiberglass insulation or styrofoam insulation. Home owners who choose to insulate with spray foam can save up to 40 percent on their energy bills as it insulates 50 percent better than other insulation products.

How does spray foam insulation work?

Spray foam insulation is a two-part liquid foam that sets into a solid plastic. When the liquids are heated and combined, the mixture is sprayed out of a hose and onto the surface or cavity being insulated. Within seconds, the foam expands up to 100 times its original size to completely fill the space on which it was sprayed, including the tiny cracks and crevices that allow air leakage. Once set and cured, spray foam insulation protects the home from air leakage, cold spots, mildew, and more.

What are the benefits of spray foam insulation?

Investing in energy-efficient spray foam insulation provides many benefits to homeowners. Spray foam insulation can:

  • Prevent air leakage and cold spots which reduces the load on heating and cooling systems
  • Add structure and sturdiness to your home
  • Make your space more comfortable and help maintain inside temperature throughout the year
  • Pay itself off over the years in energy cost savings. Homeowners with spray foam insulation save 15 to 40% on their energy costs.
  • Help prevent small bugs and rodents from entering the home through small cracks
  • Reduce pollen and allergens that get into the home from the outside air, aiding family members with allergies or respiratory problems
  • Decrease the risk of mold and mildew growth
  • Decrease formation of ice dams in colder climates
  • Last longer than other types of home insulation

How long does spray foam insulation last?

When installed by a professional spray foam contractor, spray foam insulation can last the lifetime of your home. Spray foam is an inert polymer, meaning it doesn’t decay. It resists settling and decomposition over time. Spray foam insulation should be inspected and recoated every 5-20 years to ensure its longevity.

What does spray foam insulation cost?

Unlike fiberglass insulation, polyurethane spray foam rarely needs to be replaced and has minimal maintenance costs associated with it. It also helps you save on your energy costs over time, saving you more money in the long run. In general, it costs homeowners approximately 2-3 times more than fiberglass insulation.

The average payback time on spray foam insulation can vary, but most homeowners can expect their investment in polyurethane spray foam to pay off between 3-7 years. On average, most homeowners pay between $1,463 and $2,926 for spray foam insulation installation.

For more information on spray foam insulation costs, visit our article on spray foam insulation cost here.

Can I install spray foam insulation by myself?

Installing polyurethane spray foam in large areas is a complicated and potentially dangerous process and should only be installed by professionals who have access to the proper gear, training, and protective equipment to safely and properly install it. Small areas like door frames, windows, and electrical outlets can be done on a DIY basis for knowledgeable individuals, but it is best to leave large projects to the professionals.

Where can spray foam insulation be used?

Polyurethane insulation is effective in numerous areas of building construction including:

How does polyurethane insulation save me money?

Spray foam helps insulate your home from air leaks, saving you money on your utility bills. It also helps lessen the load on your heating and cooling systems, putting less stress on them and helping them last longer and require less maintenance. Over time, the amount paid for the investment of polyurethane spray foam will pay itself back in utility bill savings.

How is spray foam insulation different from fiberglass insulation?

Fiberglass insulation does not provide an air-proof barrier like spray foam insulation does. With other types of insulation that is not airtight, air from the outside environment is allowed to mix with the air from inside your home, creating possible air leaks and places for condensation and mold to form.

Can I be in the home when spray foam insulation is applied? Will there be odors in my home?

Home occupants should not occupy the home when polyurethane spray foam is being applied due to the hazardous airborne chemicals emitted during the installation process. After curing time, occupants can reenter the home safely. All odors should dissipate after proper curing time and not be present or noticeable after installation.

Can spray foam be used in existing structures?

Spray foam insulation can be used under roofs, in crawl spaces, and in areas prone to air leaks in existing structures to make them more energy efficient.

How long does installation of polyurethane spray foam take?

Installation length can vary based on the size of the structure and the amount of area needing insulation. For small areas, installation can take as little as an hour or two. For larger areas, spray foam insulation can take a full day. Home occupants should not occupy the home until curing time is complete, which generally takes about 24 hours.

What is the difference between open-cell foam and closed-cell foam?

Open-cell foam and closed-cell foam are both insulators and form air barriers. Open-cell foam is not water resistant and will allow water to move through it, while closed-cell foam is waterproof. For more information about the differences between open-cell foam and closed-cell foam, see this article.

Polyurethane spray foam insulation is an investment that can pay dividends over time in the form of energy cost savings. It can provide your family with a more temperate, comfortable living environment and help decrease deterioration to your home over time. It also decreases your carbon footprint. If you are in the Long Island area and considering spray foam insulation, Long Island Spray Foam can help you

Why is Spray Foam Insulation considered an environmentally friendly product?

  • Permanently Decreases Energy Costs by 30 to 50 Percent
  • Significantly Decreases the “Carbon Footprint” of Your Home
  • Has No Ozone Depleting Chemicals – No Formaldehyde
  • Allows a 25 to 40 Percent Reduction in HVAC Size
  • Doesn’t Support the Growth of Mold And/or Mildew
  • Provides a More Quiet and More Comfortable Home with Improved Indoor Air Quality

Why use the hazmat gear if it’s green and healthy?

As spray foam is used, it expands 130 percent during the first three to four seconds. If you were able to breathe the unexpanded foam during application, it could cause respiratory distress. That is why we wear fresh air masks. The coveralls, gloves and head coverings simply keep the foam from sticking to our clothes, arms and hair, making cleanup fast and simple.

Will closed-cell spray foam insulation installed to the underside of wood roof deck damage the deck because roof leaks are not detectable due to the water resistance of the foam?

No. Closed-cell spray foam insulation has been installed to the roof deck’s underside for more than 40 years. There are no records of spray foam causing wood decking deterioration from roof leaks. Truth be told, Smart Seal closed-cell foam insulation is water-resistant. Closed-cell spray foam seals openings in the wood deck, so any water that gets past the roofing system stays on top of the wood deck and gravity takes it down to the edge of the building and off the roof.