Insulating On A Large Scale: Expanding Foam Insulation
Perhaps you have seen a building contractor insulating the interior walls of the house with expanding foam insulation. Typically, a building contractor will mix the various chemicals making up the insulating material right at the job site, and then sprays this material in-between the surfaces that are to be insulated. Expanding Foam Insulation -- Advantages and Disadvantages of This Type Expanding foam insulation is a great choice for many applications -- and there are both advantages and disadvantages to using it (just as with any other type of building insulation material). Perhaps the biggest advantage of expanding foam insulation is that, when properly done, it will completely block all flow of air through wall cavities -- and this type of insulating material can be installed without the need for removal of wall panels. In addition, expanding foam insulation tends to fill up small areas better than blown in insulation (insulating panels or blankets). Expanding foam insulation can also offer a certain amount of sound-dampening, due to the fact that it completely expands to fill the available wall cavity. Also, unlike blown in insulation, expanding foam insulation can actually increase the structural stability of your walls and other areas where it is used. Are there any disadvantages to the expanding foam insulation method? Yes, a few: For one thing, expanding foam insulation (depending on the type) may release toxic fumes when it burns. Also, some types of expanding foam insulating material will shrink as it cures. What Types of Expanding Foam Insulating Materials Are Available? One popular choice for an expanding foam insulating material is Air-Krete foam. This is of the "cementitious" type. The advantage of this type of expanding foam insulation material is that it is nonhazardous and fireproof. Typically this material is blown into your walls with regular air, and will not shrink or settle. It is also mold-proof and a sound insulator as well. Another type of expanding foam insulation material is Sealection 500. While it is a Class I fire-retardant material, it has a disadvantage in that it can be a lung irritant. Another expanding foam insulating products is "Great Stuff" -- made by the Dow Chemical Company. This expanding foam insulation is designed for use in insulating small areas, but is very popular with homeowners because you can purchase it in convenient metal cans. An additional expanding foam insulation material is open-cell polyurethane. This material is very interesting as it expands very slowly after being blown into your wall cavity so as not to damage your walls or other nearby structures. It is also resistant to fire. |
