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Pros & Cons of Spray Foam Insulation

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Spray Foam Insulation, like many things, is no better than the quality of its installation!

Happy Home Insulation is committed to the QUALITY of our work & this standard gives you savings & other benefits.

​​Happy Home Insulation has extensive experience (over 30 yrs & another 20 as the Partridge Family Enterprises) & training with applying Energystar Standards & Energykey Homes.

Happy Home Insulation has thousands of satisfied customers in the Mobile area- many of these were referrals. ​​

Spray Foam Insulation Problems ​

​Spray foam problems are potentially dangerous and must be addressed. It is now recognized that spray foam insulation can off-gas poisonous and toxic fumes that cause personal injuries to humans. Certain chemicals in these products have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have toxic properties that are very harmful to humans.

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During the application process, there are far too many variables at stake that undertrained and untrained applicators simply cannot overcome. For example, if the mix is off ratio and that causes a contaminate (moisture) on the surface between lifts, the result can be an off-gassing and odors. When the proper application temperatures are not followed (these temperatures vary with the weather conditions and the substrate) or is applied too thick, the foam fails to properly cure and can lead to off-gassing and odors. There are far too many variables that come into play to trust an inexperienced installer when your family’s health and welfare is on the line.

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There are serious consequences when contractor-sprayed PUF (polyurethane foam) are misapplied to residential structures by ill-educated or untrained individuals. Polyurethane foam has been known to cause asthma, lung damage and even fatal reactions in people who have been exposed or sensitized to its chemicals. Exposure can also cause eye and skin irritation and induce neurological symptoms. 

According to William Swietlik, co-chair of the EPA's workshop on spray foam dangers, “Both open and closed cell foams are made with diisocyanates, among other ingredients, a leading cause of workplace asthma and are a well known sensitizing toxicant to humans. Once a human becomes sensitized to diisocyonate there may be no safe exposure level". Hence, once a person is exposed to poison gas from spray foam insulation and becomes sensitized to it, because it is so difficult to remove effectively,  he or she may never again be able to live in a property where spray foam insulation has been applied.

Check out the Fire Hazards of Foam

Out-gassing of Spray Foam Insulation

Pros of Spray Foam​​

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• Air Sealing - foam itself is a sealant - it seals cracks and seams in walls and ceiling cavities much better than batt insulation.  It bonds to almost anything, allowing it to be used in difficult areas to connect all of the parts of the envelope in a monolithic seal. 
• Spray Foam can be a vapor barrier - Less Moisture - air movement is the biggest transfer mechanism for moisture movement- so sealing air also retards moisture.
• Less Mold Problems- because there is less moisture there is less mold & fungus.
• Saves on Energy Costs- less moisture also reduces A/C costs.
• Seals Ducts allowing Downsizing of A/C Systems- by up to 25- 40% is an upfront savings & is much more efficient to run.
  
• ​​True R-value- it fills the gaps & voids, & air doesn't kill the R-value like it does in fiberglass insulation.

Cons of Spray Foam​​

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• High Costs - Spray Foam Insulation can cost significantly higher than Cellulose or Fiberglass Insulation.
• Moisture Problems - When Spray Foam is not installed properly, it can form gaps and holes where moisture can accumulate. 
• Shrinkage - Spray Foam can shrink causing gaps and holes where air can infiltrate and eliminate the R-Value. 
• Fumes and Odors - Foam Insulation can cause odors if not installed professionally according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Requires Professional Trained Installation. The chemicals must be mixed, applied, and cured according to specific manufacturer's instructions.  
• Fire Hazard (See Fire hazard Video) - Spray Foam Insulation is not Fire Retardant like Cellulose Insulation is.  An approved coating or fire barrier must also be installed.
• Toxic Chemicals are released when Spray Foam Insulation is burnt.
• Possible Health Hazards (see article below) from Out gassing. (additional Out-Gassing Information)