Do You Need to Worry About Spray Foam Insulation Off-Gassing?
Spray foam insulation has been growing in popularity over the past few years for both residential and commercial use. Spray foam’s R-value, durability, and overall effectiveness have made it the go-to choice for numerous applications. One thing to note about spray foam insulation in Etobicoke, however, is the off-gassing time needed before returning to your property. The concept of off-gassing tends to worry homeowners, however, it is essential to note that it is a natural process that needs to occur for your health and safety. If you are looking to invest in new insulation, contact EcoStar Insulation for a quote on spray foam insulation costs.
Here, we will aim to address whether off-gassing is something that you need to be concerned about or not.
What is Off-Gassing?
Off-gassing refers to a process in which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful chemicals are released into the air. Many different household products, like paint and new furniture, require time to off-gas, and this is what happens after spray foam insulation is applied to the walls and surfaces of your home. The issue with off-gassing is that it results in harsh chemical smells throughout your home, and this can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, not to mention the fact that the VOCs being released can be toxic and harmful to your health.
Does Spray Foam Insulation Off-Gas?
Since spray foam insulation is a product that goes from a liquid to a solid, it does off-gas during the drying process. The liquid compounds in the spray foam will evaporate into the air, releasing VOCs and effectively drying the insulation. Once your spray foam insulation is applied, it can take anywhere from one to three days for it to completely off-gas. While your insulation is off-gassing, it is crucial to ensure that your home has strong ventilation, as this will help remove the VOCs from the air and promote fresh airflow throughout the property.
Is There a Reason to Worry?
Although off-gassing has the potential to release harmful chemicals into the air, you are not going to be residing in your home when this process is happening. When you get spray foam insulation in Etobicoke, your installation team will go through the rules with you for your health and safety. In addition to this, the off-gassing period is relatively short and only takes as long as the insulation is fully cured. Once this is done, off-gassing will stop. So there is no reason to worry about off-gassing, as it is a temporary process. If you notice any odd odours after installation, simply stay out of the house for another day and/or increase ventilation significantly to help eliminate the smell.
Choose Stress-Free Spray Foam Insulation with EcoStar
Overall, off-gassing is natural after getting spray foam insulation in Etobicoke. Although off-gassing does result in the release of volatile organic compounds, this process is temporary and should not harm you or your home’s residents once the process is over. So there is no need to be concerned about off-gassing, especially if you are working with a reputable insulation contractor like EcoStar Insulation. For a quote on spray foam insulation costs, contact us today!
