What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is an alternative to traditional fiber insulation. It provides extra protection from drafts and helps to save on energy costs within a home with increased temperature control. The US Department of Energy shows that 40% of a homes energy is lost as a result of air infiltration. Homes and Buildings treated with spray foam insulation typically have 50% lower utility bills than if traditional fiber insulation was used. Spray Foam Insulation also helps to protect against moisture and creates a sound barrier within a home. Spray Foam insulation is perfect for hard to insulate spaces where traditional insulation can leave gaps.

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What types of Spray Foam Insulation are there?

Open Cell – Open Cell Foam insulation is a full air barrier system that expands 100 times its value, filling gaps and cracks within a structure. It is commonly used on the inside of exterior walls or the underside of roof decks to create a closed attic assembly (no venting needed) for residential and commercial construction. It is imperative that open cell foam is sprayed at the correct thicknesses giving you the full air barrier protection.

Closed Cell – Closed Cell Insulation is denser product (think strong like concrete). It creates a 3 in one air, moisture and vapor barrier. Closed cell is commonly used in industrial applications or on the exterior walls of commercial buildings, or closed cell insulation can be used anywhere in the residential home, but is ideal for exterior walls, basements and crawl spaces.

Injection Foam – Injection Foam is designed for existing residential homes that were built before building code was created in 1976. While many houses may have insulation, injection foam is a frothy foam that can be used within the wall cavity to fill the perimeter of the house to fill the gaps and cracks to upgrade old insulation to bring it to higher energy efficiency


Where can Spray Foam Insulation be used?

Spray Foam insulation can be used anywhere in the home, the same as traditional insulation. Spray Foam insulation is ideal for hard to insulate areas because it spreads to fully insulate the area. These hard to insulate areas can include, but are not limited to:

- Attics
- Cathedral Ceilings
- Basements
- Walls
- Crawl Spaces

Is Spray Foam safe?


Spray Foam insulation is not only safe; it is more energy efficient for your home. During the spray foam process, homeowners, builders and construction workers will need to stay out of the home for 24 hours in order for the product to properly cure. The expert installers at Michigan Spray Foam will work with the homeowner or builder to determine proper reentry times into the home once the spray foam is installed and properly trimmed. This time may vary depending on the homeowner’s sensitivity levels to the aroma of the foam.