No two attics are exactly alike. Yet, they share at least one commonality. Attics are located directly beneath the roofline of household structures and require some special considerations. Well-insulated attics can make a huge difference in many aspects of your living condition within the home.
Attics are used for a combination of purposes. In some cases, they are transformed into living spaces, complete with HVAC and ducts. Meanwhile, others are used for storage and are essentially incomplete. However, the latter does not negate the incredible importance of insulation.
The configuration of an attic often presents some challenges when it comes to insulation. Many attics are challenging to stand in – and are ostensibly more representative of crawlspaces. The structure plan may even direct the propensity for air leakage. This can serve both a feeling of discomfort in warm weather and a drafty environment when temperatures fall.
Air leakage occurs in attics quite frequently because of its proximity to the roofline. For this reason, it makes sense to seal off vulnerable areas with spray foam insulation.
Why spray foam insulation and not fiberglass?
The composition of fiberglass insulation does not stop air from passing through it. Typically more than 30% of heat or air conditioning escapes where fiberglass insulation is installed. If poorly installed, fiberglass can also leave spaces surrounding fixtures, allowing even more heating or cooling to escape.
On the other hand, spray foam is the most versatile type of insulation. You don’t have to worry about cutting down batting to size. Of course, you could try blowing in fiberglass, but it’s not nearly as effective as spray foam insulation.
Where do you use spray foam insulation in protecting attics? You could start at the roofline and proceed to the attic floors. In doing so, you’re not just creating an impermeable sealant against moisture and air. You are also cutting down on noise levels. Of course, the added incentive is the savings in utility costs.
Here’s another thought. What if your customer wants to convert an unfinished attic into a living space? Insulation is key to that project as well. Because of their location, attics are often the hottest place in the house. Spray foam insulation helps reduce the stuffiness associated with attic rooms.
Like every insulation plan, it is crucial to know what product works best.
Should you go with closed cell or open cell insulation?
Spray insulation is referred to open cell insulation or closed-cell insulation because of the difference between the small bubbles (cells) that make up the foam.
Open-cell foam is full of cells that aren’t fully encapsulated. In other words, the cells are deliberately left open. This makes the foam a softer, more flexible material.
Closed-cell foam is made up of cells that are, as the name suggests, fully closed. The cells are pressed together, so air and moisture are unable to get inside the foam. Because of this, closed-cell foam is much more firm and durable than open-cell foam.
What is the best R-value to ensure efficiency? Experienced spray foam insulation advisers should address these questions. We recommend speaking with a specialist at ArmorThane. They have been in the industry for over 30 years and have some of the industry’s most experienced and helpful specialists.
Although spray foam insulation has been in use since the early 1940s, the last three years have actually seen a surge in its use due to its consistent product innovation and its capability to stay present with the modern-day building codes.
One feature that makes spray foam insulation take the spotlight is its energy-saving properties. According to industry sources, as much as 40% of a structure’s energy is lost through air infiltration.
But not with the spray foam insulation. With an R-Value of 6 to 7 per inch– the greatest among all the alternative insulation alternatives, spray foam insulation does an outstanding job at trapping heat and keeping it from leaving the house. In this post, we’ll take a look at the different reasons that spray foam insulation is making waves in the structure market.
1. It’s a Powerful Insulator
Spray foam’s air sealing properties are what makes it superior to fiberglass insulation and other insulation alternatives out there.
This effective insulator has the special capability to get into seams, fractures, crevices, and voids. Once the foam is applied into the cracks, it expands and dries, sealing all the air escape points. Therefore, spray foam helps to keep the interior temperature of the building it encloses.
2. Saves money in the Long Run
One of the cons of spray foam insulation is that it’s more expensive than fiberglass or cellulose. Nevertheless, in the long run, spray foam is a cost-efficient option.
Sure, you’ll sustain higher in advance costs if you choose the spray foam insulation. However this insulation is energy efficient. A lot that house owners can balance out the expense they paid for it within 5 years in energy-saving expenses.
The spray foam insulation expense depends on the number of square feet you’ll need to cover. But usually, it costs between $0.44 and $0.65 per board foot for the open-cell insulation and $0.90 to $1.50 per board foot for the closed-cell insulation option.
3. It’s Stronger and More Durable
Spray foam insulation makes structures approximately 250% stronger. The hardness and density of the foam can include structural integrity to the walls where the foam is used.
Plus it lasts a lifetime. Standard insulation can lose its efficiency over time. But spray foam is made of hard materials– polyurethane and isocyanate, that have actually been proven to stand the test of time. This insulator lasts 80+ years and doesn’t break down or lose shape.
4. No More Pollen & Allergens in Your Buildings
One of the benefits of spray foam insulation is that it seals fractures and crevices, avoiding pollen and irritants from getting through the walls. Spray foam likewise avoids condensation that causes mold growth, hence also assists to enhance the indoor air quality.
Because insects can’t eat through the foam, less insects indicate fewer irritants in your ductwork. Minimizing the number of irritants that enter into your home is a good health precaution for those suffering from allergic reactions and breathing conditions.
5. Noise Reduction
Spray foam insulation has impressive soundproofing residential or commercial properties, which might be found convenient if your neighbors are celebration lovers. Once installed, the insulation soundproofs your wall by soaking up sound waves so you’ll have a tranquil atmosphere free of any external interferences.
Have you set up spray foam insulation into your buildings? If so, what are your experiences? Show us in the comments section listed below.
Chapter 1: What is Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing?
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing is a product that’s sprayed as a liquid so it can broaden into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.
The typical application of spray foam is to repair and reinvigorate an existing roof by getting rid of the saturated locations, replacing it with like products, and after that spraying foam over top of the entire Roof.
While SPF roofing is not the most recognized kind of roofing material, the technology has been around because the early 1960s for commercial, business, and residential centers. An SPF roofing system can be utilized in any environment, and when properly installed and preserved, can last over 50 years.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) for roofing applications is made on the Jobsite by blending two highly reactive chemicals.
The chemicals, A (polyol/resin) & B (isocyanate), are pumped from separate containers through heated up, high-pressure tubes to an internal mixing spray gun.
Numerous changes have happened in the devices and chemistry of polyurethane roofing in the last fifty years, leading to today’s reliable roof applications.
Spraying Foam on Roof of school with windshield
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing, or spray foam roof, is a product that’s sprayed as a liquid so it can broaden into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.
The typical application of spray foam is to repair and reinvigorate an existing roof by getting rid of the saturated locations, replacing it with like products, and after that spraying foam over top of the entire Roof.
While SPF roofing is not the most recognized kind of roofing material, the technology has been around because the early 1960s for commercial, business, and residential centers. An SPF roofing system can be utilized in any environment, and when properly installed and preserved, can last over 50 years.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) for roofing applications is made on the Jobsite by blending two highly reactive chemicals.
The chemicals, A (polyol/resin) & B (isocyanate), are pumped from separate containers through heated up, high-pressure tubes to an internal mixing spray gun.
Numerous changes have happened in the devices and chemistry of polyurethane roofing in the last fifty years, leading to today’s reliable roof applications.
You’ve come to a point where you require a brand-new roof and are looking for options—perhaps fixing a leak after a leak is becoming a rather bothersome part of your task description.
Modification is hard. I just got a notification from my charge card business that my cable television bill increased $50. Looking into it, after two years of devoted service (and ending my new client prices), I was now handed a greater regular monthly bill.
The majority of people would be lazy and just accept paying more. I wanted to open my horizons to change, presenting me to the world of online streaming services.
I just had to be open for modification and offer it an opportunity.
The same can be said for spray polyurethane foam roofing systems. The majority of people wouldn’t be open to change and simply set up the same Roof they’ve had on for many years.
For anyone to alter, the clear advantages need to be there.
Let’s get rolling …
High R-value
Eco-friendly
Quickly set up
Self-flashing
Smooth
Easy to keep
Proven considering that the 1960s
1. Spray foam roofings have a high R-value
Spray polyurethane foam has the greatest R-value of any frequently used roof insulation. Here are the average R-values for some common roof materials
Spray Polyurethane Foam: 6.6 per inch
Metal: 0.00 per inch
BUR Gravel: 0.34 per inch
BUR Smooth: 0.24 per inch
XPS Insulation: 5.0 per inch
EPS Insulation: 3.85 per inch
Polyiso: 5.5 per inch
R worth is the capability of an insulating material to withstand heat circulation. The higher the R-value, the higher the insulating power.
The greater the R worth, the less heat or cool air that will travel through. Higher R worth = less HVAC usage = lower energy costs.
Total payback of your new Roof usually occurs in less than ten years through savings in cooling and heating expenses.
2. Spray foam roofs are eco-friendly
One of the advantages of a polyurethane roof is its capability to be recoated.
A correctly set up and preserved spray polyurethane foam roof must not need recoating for 10 to 20 years. The very best method to determine when a spray foam roof needs to be recoated is to measure the staying coating thickness on the Roof and recoat before the coating is too thin to offer U.V. protection.
The very first application of the coating is normally used at a density of 20-30 mils.
After ten years, the coating could be decreased to a density of 7-10 mils, depending upon the wear of the Roof.
Lots of coating manufacturers offer extended service warranties with each recoat. Together with arranged maintenance, this choice enables a spray foam roof to be a renewable roof system.
3. Spray polyurethane foam roofings are rapidly installed
A lot of SPF roof jobs include little to no tear-off
Spray foam roofings are spray-applied, implying they can walk around penetrations with ease
Spray foam roofs need less product and devices than standard roofing systems
One example would be roofing around a penetration. With spray foam being “spray-applied,” it would take about 2 minutes to roof around a penetration instead of rubber roofing, which can take a minimum of 30 minutes due to the custom cutting of products.
4. Spray polyurethane foam roofs are self-flashing
Self-flashing describes spray foam’s ability to comply with irregular shapes. See the video below, which shows spray foam being sprayed around a curb:
The video states it may take a conventional roofing contractor 30 minutes to flash around a curb; spray foam can be applied in about two minutes.
Other roofing systems, like rubber, will require to be customized cut to be set up effectively around a curb.
Parapet walls
Vents
Pipes
HEATING AND COOLING systems
Skylights
Drains
5. Spray polyurethane foam is seamless
A big advantage spray polyurethane foam has more than another Roof is that it’s smooth.
Being seamless, and watertight and for that reason monolithic, prevents standard single-ply membrane seams that tend to be the sources of leaks.
Joint separation of a rubber roof. An invite for water penetration that will cause a roof leak.
Seams start to separate over time and allow water to enter. They can permit some water to get in, it freezes, and when it thaws out, it breaks apart the seam even more.
Wind uplift is likewise an issue with seams. Wind will ultimately get beneath a somewhat apart joint, loosen up, and ultimately permit a chance for water to enter the structure.
With spray foam being smooth, there is no chance for the wind to get underneath a spray foam roof.
6. Spray polyurethane foam roofing is easy to keep
Maybe a sharp tool has been dropped, or the HVAC man planted the HVAC panels in your Roof like a weapon.
To repair these minor repairs, all you’ll require is an energy knife and some caulk.
That’s it. Minor repair work can be done by internal maintenance personnel.
Here at ArmorThane, we’ll take some time to show you how easy it is to repair a little incision at the end of the project.
7. Spray polyurethane foam is proven to be useful
Because the early 1960s, spray polyurethane foam roofing systems have been installed and recoated, enhancing the popular expression, “A spray foam roof is the last roof you’ll ever need to install.”
Multiple roofings that have been set up years earlier are going on their 3rd or 2nd recoat.
Polyurethane roofs are set up rapidly, leading to a lower labor expense and less disruption. When considering the many variables in a re-roofing project, the flexibility of a polyurethane roof makes it a cost-effective and logical solution.
Spray foam insulation can crank up the performance of your homes—if you do it right. Check out our daily posts on the Foam Insulation and the Foam Insulation Market. We review each company and relay the information directly to you. Join our mailing list and have them sent directly to your email each and every day.
If you would like to know more about polyurea or spray foam, we recommend visiting ArmorThane
