We have provided answers to some frequently asked questions about our products. If you do not find the answer that you are looking for, please contact us and we will be in touch shortly.
| Q: |
What is Spray Foam Insulation? |
| Q: |
What is the difference between Open Cell and Closed Cell Foam? |
| Q: |
What is Permeability? |
| Q: |
What is CCMC? |
| Q: |
What is R-Value? |
| Q: |
What makes Polyurethane Foam so effective? |
| Q: |
How long does Polyurethane Foam last? |
| Q: |
Does foam stop rodents? |
| Q: |
Where can Spray Foam be used? |
| Q: |
Does foam adhere to metal or wood studs? |
| Q: |
Is it healthy for a building to have a 100% air-tight seal? |
| Q: |
Does foam contain any VOCs or CFCs? |
| Q: |
What is Spray Foam Insulation? |
| A: |
Spray Foam Insulation (also referred to as Spray Polyurethane Foam) is a method of sealing and insulating that is spray applied like paint. It is a 2-component system typically consisting of petroleum oils, plastics, and resins. The 2 liquids, ISO and Resin, are heated at high pressure and mix at the spray gun. When the 2 liquids hit the target substrate, they react with each other and rapidly expand curing as foam. |
| Q: |
What is the difference between Open Cell and Closed Cell? |
| A: |
Open Cell, 1/2 lb. or low-density spray foam cures soft and the irregular bubbles which form during the expansion reaction are broken or open. These pockets fill with air, and as such, the R-value of Open Cell foam is close to that of dormant air - around 3.6 per inch. Being spray applied as a liquid Open Cell foam conforms to any shape, but it is not a Code Approved Vapour Barrier with a permeability rating of over 400ng. Closed Cell, 2lb. or medium density spray foam cures rigid and the millions of microscopic bubbles which form during the expansion reaction remain closed and intact. This traps the reaction gases, and as such the R-Value of Closed Cell foam is close to that of the reaction gas, around R-7 per inch. The Closed Cell structure is very strong; increasing shear and racking strength by 300%. Closed-Cell foam is a Vapour Barrier with a permeability rating of under 45 ng. Closed-Cell foam stops both air flow through the wall and air flow within the wall cavity. |
| Q: |
What is Permeability? |
| A: |
Permeability, rated in ng, is a measure of the transference of water grains through a material at a standard vapour pressure and temperature. The Canadian National Building Code gives a Code Approved Vapour Barrier rating to materials with a permeability rating of less than 60 ng. |
| Q: |
Who is CCMC? |
| A: |
The Canadian Construction Materials Center |
| Q: |
What is R-Value? |
| A: |
R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance. A higher R-value means a greater ability to resist heat flow. However, R-Value only measures resistance to conduction. Conduction (heat transfer through solid molecules) is only responsible for 20% of a buildings heat loss, while convection (heat transfer by air molecules moving from hot areas to cold areas) is responsible for 80%. Just 1/4" of foam will stop 99% of heat loss by convection. |
| Q: |
What makes Polyurethane Foam so effective? |
| A: |
Polyurethane Foam is much more effective than traditional insulation products because it is applied as a liquid. The liquid then expands as foam 20 to 30 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms to and fills in every single nook, cranny, crevice, hole, crack, and gap to create a continuous thermal envelope.
Polyurethane Foam creates a complete seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not shrink, settle, or disintegrate. Since Fiber Insulations like Fiberglass and Cellulose are settling materials, they cannot seal from stud to stud or around outlets and other penetrations. In addition, Fiberglass and Cellulose can lose their insulation value if water or moisture invades the wall cavity. As a Vapour Barrier, Polyurethane Foam can actually help eliminate moisture problems in a wall cavity. Polyurethane Foam is an inert substance and will not support mold growth.
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| Q: |
How long does Polyurethane Foam last? |
| A: |
Indefinitely. As an inert, long lasting polymer, any residential or commercial structure is a great place for Polyurethane Foam. |
| Q: |
Does foam stop rodents? |
| A: |
Although the foam will help discourage rodents from entering, it is not the purpose of the product and as such, we can't make that claim. |
| Q: |
Where is Spray Foam used? |
| A: |
Spray Foam Insulation is used in all aspects of construction, whether Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Institutional or Residential. In new home construction, Spray Foam Insulation is fast becoming the industry standard for hard to insulate areas such as Rim Joists, Sill Areas, Cantilevers, Bay Windows, Cathedral Ceilings, and Cab-overs. However, homes that are completely insulated and sealed with foam give their owners substantial advantages over traditional insulation methods. Foam can also be used to insulate HVAC plenums and ducts as well as plumbing drains and lines which helps conserve energy and reduce the interior noise of these mechanical systems. Other applications include the exterior of flat roofs, basement floors, underground footings and foundation walls and pools. |
| Q: |
Does foam adhere to metal or wood studs? |
| A: |
Foam adheres well to almost any material - especially wood and metal studs and concrete which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction. |
| Q: |
Is it healthy for a building to have a 100% air tight seal? |
| A: |
No. While having a 100% air tight seal is essential to stopping heat loss and reducing energy bills, occupants require fresh air. Buildings sealed with foam must have a heat recovery air exchanger installed. In the winter, this simple machine brings cold fresh air from the outside and passes it by the war stale air being expelled. This is done without mixing of the fresh and stale air. This allows the fresh air to pick up the heat from the stale air, maintaining energy efficiency while providing a continuous supply of fresh air. In the summer, the opposite occurs giving the same results. |
| Q: |
Does foam contain any VOCs or CFCs? |
| A: |
No. Our foam does not contain any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), nor does it contain any formaldehyde, bleach or any CFCs (Chloro Fluoro Carbons) or HCFCs (Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbons). |
