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Questions about foam insulation: "What is foam insulation?" Foam insulation for buildings is a polyurethane insulation that can be sprayed on site. Two different drums of materials are pumped through a tubing to a hand held gun sprayer. This two part liquid is sprayed in the desired area and it expands over 100 times it original thickness. When it expands, it fills all gaps and voids and cures immediately to form a fully adhered, solid insulation that is a highly effective air barrier.
"What is the difference between open cell and closed cell insulation?" Visually the open cell insulation is a soft foam and the closed cell is a hard foam. The closed cell foam has additional benefits of being a vapor barrier and having structural properties. Water will not pass through closed cell foam. If it is sprayed into a wall cavity, it will make that wall stronger. If it is sprayed under a roof deck, it will help hold down the roof in high wind conditions and will strengthen the roof. Open cell foam has an R value of 3.6 per inch, closed cell of 6.8 per inch. Closed cell is more expensive that open cell for the same R value. ~Tom
"How much should I expect to pay for foam insulation?" Open cell foam insulation prices range from $1.50 sq. ft to $1.85 sq. ft. for a R-19 under the roof deck, the standard sprayed. Closed cell prices go from $2.50 - $2.75 per sq. ft. for similar R value. But remember the other benefits of strength and water resistance. Compare that to insulation sprayed on the floor of the attic of .60 - .75 per sq. ft. for similar R value. Therefore foam insulation can be 2 -4 times greater, depending on the roof pitch of the home and other factors. ~Tom
"How will I know if I have a roof leak if I have closed cell foam sprayed?" With most roof structures, leaks first show up as staining in the soffit and fascia areas. Check a few times each year. If you get a leak, which is fairly rare, you will be able to trace the leak. But thankfully you do not have water coming into your home. ~Tom
"How will I know if I have a roof leak if I have open cell foam insulation?" Check your attic occasionally. You would see water coming through the insulation. Open cell foam will not hold back water. It may absorb it for a short time however. ~Tom
"What is the best type of foam insulation for under my house?" Closed cell foam insulation. We recommend at least 2" sprayed in crawl spaces and under piling houses. Because closed cell foam does not absorb water, it is the foam of choice. Open cell foam will absorb water and then you could get into some mold issues. ~Tom
"Do I need to take the insulation off the floor of my attic if I spray foam insulation under the roof deck?" Yes, you do. Of course, we can do that for you as part of the process of converting your existing home to foam insulation. Since you will then have a non vented attic, there will need to be some air flow between your home and the attic. You will lose some air there, but will gain it back in less duct leakage that is common in the attic. The hotter or colder it gets in the attic, the quicker the ducts leak. Once foam insulation is sprayed under your roof deck, the temperature in the attic should not vary more than 10 degrees from the inside of your home. ~Tom
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Foam Insulation
