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DIY Spray Foam

Posted by Ecostar Insulation on August 31, 2020

What is spray foam?

Spray foam insulation is one of the best insulation products. Homes which are insulated with spray foam insulation are some of the most comfortable and efficient homes built. Some of the homeowners choose spray foam insulation companies, while others try DIY spray foam insulation processes. 

This insulation product comes in two flavors, closed cell and open cell, and both of the flavors provide both parts of the building envelope, the air barrier and the insulation. The building envelope must completely surround the conditioned space, and the insulation material needs to be in contact with the air barrier. 

Spray polyurethane foam is a mixture of liquid chemical ingredients which react to produce a foam-like substance that can be used to insulate houses. Spray foam expands quickly once applied, and it fills even the smallest gaps and cracks.

What do I need spray foam for?

Spray foam insulation material is used in a myriad of settings, from cold areas to construction. It is sprayed onto walls and provides a layer of protection for winter’s heat losses and summer’s heat. DIY spray foam insulation considerably diminishes the amount of energy expended for cooling and heating, allowing more control over the office temperature or the home. If air leaks are sealed with caulk prior to applying foam, savings of as much as 20% on cooling and heating costs are possible.

Pros and cons of spray foam insulation

We consider spray foam insulation as a high-performance product that is used in both home retrofits and new construction. The benefits of spray foam insulation are both, long and short-term.

  1. Air leakage is virtually eliminated
  2. Home energy efficiency is assured
  3. An air-tight seal prevents heat loss
  4. Seasonal energy bills are lowered
  5. It is an ideal product for attic insulation, walls, floors, roofs
  6. Higher R-value than other installs
  7. Moisture accumulation is reduced
  8. All empty awkward spaces are sealed up
  9. Vapour barrier not needed to be installed

 

Can you do spray foam yourself?

By making your home more energy-efficient you are saving more money, as well as reducing the environmental impact of heating and powering your home. Spray foam insulation products react as a vapour barrier and great insulator. There are kits available at hardware and big box stores which allow homeowners to install it themselves, although experts recommend people to hire professionals to do the insulation process.

When spraying the foam, fire is also a consideration. The actual vapour itself is flammable, so you shouldn’t have any open flames or actual ignition sources anywhere around where you’re working. Professionals say that people who choose DIY Spray Foam may not consider their oil-fired furnace as a possible combustive source.

There are many health issues with the gases given off by the spray, with a requirement that people not occupy their home for at least 24 hours after the spraying has taken place. Actually you can insulate your house by yourself, but the real concern is if you should.

DIY Spray foam insulation kit

While thinking of buying DIY spray foam insulation kits for your house, then fire officials recommend you to think again due to fire and safety issues. It is true that spray foam insulation acts as a great insulator and vapour but it is made up of chemicals and needs to be handled with care.

By using DIY Spray foam insulation kit you are:

  1. Saving energy - By insulating the ceilings and the walls, it means less heat loss.
  2. Helping with allergies - It stops pollen and dust entering your home, due to foam ability to seal up cracks.
  3. Less mold - Because the air is less damp, the chances of mold entering your house are lower.
  4. More Durable - Spray foam insulation doesn’t sag or settle, so it will retain its insulation over the years.
  5. Prevent freeze damage - Spray foam insulation helps to stop the temperature from dropping too low.
  6. Soundproof room - Usually spray foam insulation will work to block out sound, as well as keeping in heat.

 

Where to Use DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits

You can use spray foam insulation kits in any area of the home that is open. These areas include the attic, crawl space, open wall cavities, and rim joist. And also around the doors, windows and to patch existing insulation. You should keep in mind the size of the area that will be insulated, along with the proper thickness in inches of foam needed.

DIY Spray Foam or Hiring a Contractor

If a project seems too big for your abilities, you need to hire a contractor instead of doing it by yourself. Hiring a contractractor would be more expensive, but the extra cost comes with a calm mind that the job will be done correctly. Hiring a professional contractor, is advised to save yourself the stress of wasted materials and to avoid future damages to your home. 

Pros of hiring a contractor:

  1. The job will be done right
  2. You don’t have to worry about anything

Cons of hiring a professional:

  1. You have to wait
  2. Pros cost more

Pros of DIY spray foam:

  1. DIY saves money
  2. Great choice for small areas

Cons of DIY spray foam:

  1. Kit foam isn’t the best alternative
  2. You don’t have the needed experience

Whether you’d like to go the DIY route or hire a professional to install your spray foam insulation, don’t hesitate to give us a call and get any professional advice or even a quote.

Why Ecostar?

EcoStar’s insulation team strives to provide the best quality products and the highest standard of expertise. Our professionalism and experience goal is that you never have to worry about anything less than thorough and complete workmanship. Our professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage. Contact us for your free estimate.

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