Solaqua Solutions"

If you would like to be contacted
about a renewable energy system or
about having a home energy audit
performed on your house please click here.

Top Reasons for Using Spray Urethane Foam

Because of the increase in building codes, more importantly the R-value of insulation in pre-existing homes closed cell foam is the compensation some people are looking for to comply to current codes without having to change the structure of the building.

Urethane foam is one of the most efficient forms of thermal insulation available.

Urethane foams can achieve great STC’s (sound transmission class). Up to 67 or beyond. Often this kind of insulation is used in the production of recording studios and theatres.

Urethane foam is one step in making a “energy smart” home. Therefore, homeowners can qualify for special financing through Energy Smart Loan fund. Up to 4% off normal interest rates.

Because your Heating and cooling equipment is not running nearly as much the life your appliances can extend up to 4 times normal expectancy.

Because of the usage time many people actually down size their heating and cooling equipment. Saving money from the energy cost but also conserving space in a home’s attic or roof.

Spray foam expands to every hole and crack in the envelope of the house creating an airtight seal throughout the entire house. In northern climates it also eliminates the use of raised heels or “energy” trusses because the air does not permeate through the “top plate”.

There is no VOC’s or CFC’s in the cells of the foam, which means that there are no foreign toxins to left to breathe in. Foam also does not allow for moisture accumulation therefore, eliminating breeding grounds for such things as mold and rot.

Urethane Foam acts like a deterrent for pests as well. The foam expands through any hole or crevice that the pest may nest in and virtually eliminating passageways.

Because of the structural value of the foam the structure of the walls after application greatly increase. In fact, companies have created a mold for walls and are using nothing but urethane foam to build homes. The home is built with sheets and then the holes for the windows are cut out only after the entire house has been built. *Some of these homes have an R-value of 45 and greater*

Urethane foam does not shrink, settle or desinigrate over time. This means that the structural value of the foam is the same 20 years down the road as it was when you first installed it.

When compared to the R-value of fiberglass when two times greater than that of Urethane foam the foam has a much higher permeability rating than that of the fiberglass. In independent studies they have found that in weather conditions of 18 degrees F and a 15 MPH wind the R-value of Urethane drops from 19 to 18 while the R-value of fiberglass starts at 19 and drops to 7. Independent studies also show that Urethane insulated buildings perform up to ten times today’s standards.

Urethane foam does not release any formaldehyde, VOC’s or CFC’s during the time of installation resulting in no ozone or atmospheric depletion. Making the process just that more “green” and nature friendly for generation to come.

Because of the price of lumber increasing many homebuilders and contractors have shifted to metal frames and steel structures. These frames and structures are typically built with I beams or channeled steel. This makes insulating the crevices just that more difficult. The foams ability to expand and conform to any size or shape makes it one of the easiest (sometimes the only) solutions.

Also, with the increase in lumber prices and the ability to reach much higher R-values with a thinner application makes it much more valuable to those building their homes. Because the ability to use 2 x 4’s instead of 2 x 6 studs greatly reduces the amount of lumber being used reducing the price and increasing the useable space in the home. And also helping with one of our greatest resources, the our forests.

Farmers find this foam to be most helpful in the winter when trying to keep there fall season crops from rotting. By covering the potatoes in a thin coat of foam it provides just the thermal barrier and watertight seal that farmers need to keep the vegetables fresh until spring when they yield better value.

Spray Foam Navigation: