Spray Foam Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation
There are two main types of spray foam insulation: Open cell spray foam insulation & closed cell spray foam insulation. Both types of spray foam insulation come in several different densities and flow types and also can be made in winter or summer blends making it easier to work with in different weather conditions. Both types of Spray foam insulation are great insulation products but each is very different and should be used in different applications.
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell spray foam insulation is a denser version of the spray foam making it virtually water proof. It also has a higher R-Value. It is great when used outside such as on a roof or under a home but it can also be used inside a home or structure in certain applications. Closed cell spray foam insulation also can save your raised home from unnecessary deterioration by using it a vapor barrier preventing mold or water vapor damage to the sub-floor decking of your raised home.
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If you notice your wood floors cupping, smelling like mildew or notice larger gaps or cracks in your laminate floors, this may be a sign of vapor drive. If this is not taken care of, it can rot out the sub-floor decking under your entire home or structure.
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When we perform a house raise, whether elevation grant or for a private home owner, we recommend closed cell spray foam insulation under a raised slab house. If the bottom of the slab is not sprayed with closed cell spray foam it can easily have water vapor infiltration (Vapor Drive). Vapor Drive makes the walls of the home sweat, causes the A/C system to not cool the house properly, allows for mold growth, and can cause the ceramic tile or flooring to come up. Much of the time, closed cell spray foam insulation is the most cost effective way of providing a vapor barrier while still insulating under the home. At A-1 Remodeling & Building we know the difference from a vapor drive problem and a shoring problem.
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We also can remove mold if you have any.
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open cell spray foam insulation is used primarily inside of a home or structure. Normally where there is a air-conditioning system or dehumidifier. This is because it has open cells; meaning water can infiltrate this type of spray foam insulation. Open cell spray foam insulation is usually sprayed on the underside of roof decking or between ceiling joist and in stud cavities. When open cell spray foam insulation is sprayed on the roof decking inside the attic; you are more likely to see water if you had a leak in your roof than if you used the closed cell spray foam insulation. Some of our larger remodels consists of retrofitting the home by removing all the exterior siding, cleaning out the stud cavities of mold and old insulation, spraying open cell spray foam in the stud cavity, and installing sub siding with a vapor barrier and then going back with new siding & replacement windows.
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Also due to open cell spray foam insulation’s more spongy consistency, re-roofing is not a problem. Removing the old shingle nails and installing new ones can be performed without damage to the open cell spray foam insulation.
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A-1 Remodeling & Building has been installing spray foam insulation for many years and in many different applications across Louisiana, Mississippi, and other parts of the United States. We are also certified for many different types of spray foam insulation and coatings. We also inject polyurethane foam and do foam jacking on staff so you can be sure that we know what type of foam to use in your application.
