Spray foam insulation offers a great way to insulate your home and save money on your monthly energy bills. However, many people misunderstand this product. There are numerous misconceptions about spray foam insulation.
Today, we will debunk some common myths to provide more accurate information on these extremely useful materials. Keep reading to discover the real answers to some of these myths and misconceptions regarding spray foam.
1. Spray foam insulation can be toxic
People often mistakenly believe that spray foam contains dangerous chemicals. This misconception is mainly associated with one specific product: low-density, open-cell polyurethane spray foam insulation. The act of spraying this type of foam often leads to the release of low levels of chemicals into the air.
However, it's important to note that low-density spray foam is not the only insulation option available. High-density polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are two types of spray foam that emit negligible amounts of chemicals into the air.
Unlike low-density insulation sprays, these types of insulation require less pressure during the application, and only a small quantity is necessary for a given job. Consequently, they serve as a safe alternative to low-density insulation sprays.
2. Spray foam results in the rotting of wood
Spray foam sometimes causes wood to rot when it expands into areas containing both wood and air, such as wall studs or rafters. This occurs because the moisture within the wood tries to balance with the rapidly expanding foam.
If the area is filled solely with low-density spray foam, there is some truth to this myth. However, if high-density insulation is utilized, no rotting will take place.
3. Spray foam insulation is expensive
There is a common misconception that the installation cost is high, but this is not true. Spray foam insulation is more cost-effective than other insulation types because it requires less product for a given job.
While low-density spray foam can be expensive, this is only the case when large quantities are required.
4. Spray foam can be harmful to your health
It is easy to believe that spray foam insulation is harmful to your health due to its potential inclusion of harmful chemicals. The type of spray foam that emits hazardous gases is low-density polyurethane, and it should never be used for residential purposes.
However, high-density foam insulation does not release chemicals into the air during installation. When you use the appropriate tools and equipment, there is no hazard associated with using spray foam in your home.
5. Spray foam can ruin your walls
When people consider renovating their homes using spray foam insulation, they often assume that walls will need to be removed for its installation. In some instances, this is indeed necessary, such as when insulating a wall cavity.
However, in most cases, spray foam can be directly sprayed onto the internal or external wall. Spray foam proves to be one of the best options for insulating walls since it effectively seals off air leaks compared to other materials.
6. Spray foam insulation isn’t suitable for modern homes
People believe spray foam is not suitable for modern homes due to its rigidity. The notion is that spray foam may not work well in contemporary environments.
However, you can use spray foam insulation to protect your home regardless of its design style. Spray foam can be applied to modern homes just as effectively as it can to colonial homes. The only factor to consider is selecting the appropriate R-value that best suits your insulation needs.
Invest in spray foam insulation for your home!
Using spray foam insulation is an excellent method to reduce your monthly heating and cooling expenses. However, if you fail to use this material correctly, it can prove ineffective or even harmful to your building.
By dispelling these misconceptions about spray foam insulation, we aim to instill greater confidence in your ability to select the right product for your home.
Contact Southern Foam Insulation for the best residential or commercial insulation job!
Today, we will debunk some common myths to provide more accurate information on these extremely useful materials. Keep reading to discover the real answers to some of these myths and misconceptions regarding spray foam.
1. Spray foam insulation can be toxic
People often mistakenly believe that spray foam contains dangerous chemicals. This misconception is mainly associated with one specific product: low-density, open-cell polyurethane spray foam insulation. The act of spraying this type of foam often leads to the release of low levels of chemicals into the air.
However, it's important to note that low-density spray foam is not the only insulation option available. High-density polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are two types of spray foam that emit negligible amounts of chemicals into the air.
Unlike low-density insulation sprays, these types of insulation require less pressure during the application, and only a small quantity is necessary for a given job. Consequently, they serve as a safe alternative to low-density insulation sprays.
2. Spray foam results in the rotting of wood
Spray foam sometimes causes wood to rot when it expands into areas containing both wood and air, such as wall studs or rafters. This occurs because the moisture within the wood tries to balance with the rapidly expanding foam.
If the area is filled solely with low-density spray foam, there is some truth to this myth. However, if high-density insulation is utilized, no rotting will take place.
3. Spray foam insulation is expensive
There is a common misconception that the installation cost is high, but this is not true. Spray foam insulation is more cost-effective than other insulation types because it requires less product for a given job.
While low-density spray foam can be expensive, this is only the case when large quantities are required.
4. Spray foam can be harmful to your health
It is easy to believe that spray foam insulation is harmful to your health due to its potential inclusion of harmful chemicals. The type of spray foam that emits hazardous gases is low-density polyurethane, and it should never be used for residential purposes.
However, high-density foam insulation does not release chemicals into the air during installation. When you use the appropriate tools and equipment, there is no hazard associated with using spray foam in your home.
5. Spray foam can ruin your walls
When people consider renovating their homes using spray foam insulation, they often assume that walls will need to be removed for its installation. In some instances, this is indeed necessary, such as when insulating a wall cavity.
However, in most cases, spray foam can be directly sprayed onto the internal or external wall. Spray foam proves to be one of the best options for insulating walls since it effectively seals off air leaks compared to other materials.
6. Spray foam insulation isn’t suitable for modern homes
People believe spray foam is not suitable for modern homes due to its rigidity. The notion is that spray foam may not work well in contemporary environments.
However, you can use spray foam insulation to protect your home regardless of its design style. Spray foam can be applied to modern homes just as effectively as it can to colonial homes. The only factor to consider is selecting the appropriate R-value that best suits your insulation needs.
Invest in spray foam insulation for your home!
Using spray foam insulation is an excellent method to reduce your monthly heating and cooling expenses. However, if you fail to use this material correctly, it can prove ineffective or even harmful to your building.
By dispelling these misconceptions about spray foam insulation, we aim to instill greater confidence in your ability to select the right product for your home.
Contact Southern Foam Insulation for the best residential or commercial insulation job!
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