Day: August 30, 2023

One of the questions people ask when choosing spray foam insulation Houston, TX, is whether spray foam insulation is flammable. While it may not look like a significant question, most homeowners want to know if spray foam insulation is flammable, as fire safety is vital in any home. The right insulation can make your house feel safer and more energy efficient.
More people are turning to spray foam as a home insulation option, and it’s hard not to see why. First, spray foam is non-toxic. It is also an effective insulation solution. So, let’s find out about fire safety.

Is Spray Foam Flammable?

Yes, spray foam is flammable; However, it only burns and ignites if exposed to an adequate heat source. Spray Foam usually self-extinguishes when the heat source is removed.
Spray Foam manufactures send their products for testing before their products are available to the marketplace. After testing, a Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR) is provided. This report shows the foams Flame Spread Index and Smoke Development. Building codes dictate how spray foam should be protected by an ignition barrier or thermal barrier. Barriers commonly used include drywall or tested coatings that go over the foam.
Depending how the end user configuration of the space is completed will dictate what path your installer will need to take to ensure code compliance is achieved. Considering spray foam in Houston, Tx? Our team of experts understand code compliance and can guide you in ensuring you are covered by the correct products.

Is Spray Foam an Excellent Insulation Option for your Home?

Despite being flammable, spray foam is still an excellent insulation option for your home. Here’s why spray foam is an excellent solution:

Roofing and Exterior Applications

One of the primary reasons spray foam is the go-to insulation is that it is effective in sealing roofs and other exterior areas in the home. Spray foam creates a powerful bond with the roof and helps strengthen the resistance to pressure and wind. It also reduces sound as it creates a barrier against loud noises.

Attic Applications

Spray foam expands. This expansion feature enables the insulation to fill up all the holes and cracks in crawlspaces and attics. By creating an airtight seal, the insulation makes your attic less penetrable to air infiltration. This insulation also gives your attic a moisture barrier by keeping water from seeping through crevices, holes, and cracks.

Interior Cavity Fills

Spray foam insulation provides better protection against mold and mildew. The polymer contained within the spray foam material creates a barrier from moisture, which ensures that there is no food source for bacteria or mold.
The walls of any building are its main structural component, as they help it withstand any amount of force, like strong winds. The spray foam insulation fills the wall’s interior cavity and efficiently provides additional strength and support to the building.
While every type of insulation is flammable, it still doesn’t impact spray foam’s benefits. Therefore, ensure that you don’t expose your spray foam to any external heat source and keep your family and loved ones safe. But if you are looking for further information on how spray insulation works, you can read about how insulation works.

First Defense Insulation
12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147 Houston Texas 77046,
713-808-9853

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When it comes to applying spray foam insulation, getting an effective result should not be the only thing you aim for. You must also take safety seriously. Trained spray foam insulation contractor Houston understands the dangers of misusing spray foam. This is why they make sure to educate people who plan on going the DIY way.

If you are considering DIY spray foam insulation, here are some essential safety tips to follow.

Use Respirator and Goggles

The first step to ensuring safety while installing your spray foam is using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The recommended respirator is a full face fresh air mask.

Protect Your Body

Asides from your eyes and nose, other parts of your body also need protection during spray foam installation. This is because spray foams are aerosols designed to stick and expand on surfaces. Therefore, your skin should be well protected before carrying out the installation process. You can do this by wearing a disposable overall that leaves no part of your skin exposed. It should come with a hood to protect the other parts of your face that are not protected by the goggles and respirator. It is also necessary to use disposable, hand and wrist covering gloves to carry out this task. Taping your gloves to your sleeves is a great way to ensure that they don’t slip off while working.

Prepare The Workspace

Before starting work, you must ensure that everyone not in protective gear has vacated the building. For safe and effective spray foam insulation, you also have to consider the safety of others. You must also ensure that the surfaces that you are applying the spray foam on are dried. Spraying a surface with a moisture rating of over 18% will lead to improper adhesion. To effectively measure the surfaces’ dryness level, you may need a moisture meter.

Always Have A Spray Plan

For an effective result, you will need a spray plan. This plan should include how the spray will be applied, the locations that it will be applied on, and when the building can be reoccupied again. You should ensure that your spray tanks are at the right temperature— 75°F-85°F. You should also check if the spray contents are coming out evenly by first pointing the gun into an empty bag.

Generally, after installing your spray foam, unprotected people will have to wait for up to 24 hours before re-entering the premises again for their safety.

To know more about spray foam insulations and others, make sure to visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/

First Defense Insulation
11715 Anderson Road
Willis Texas 77318
713-808-9853

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Whether you like it or not, at some point, you will need to remove your old attic insulation. In case you don’t know, having old insulation in your attic is a major cause for concern. Not only does it compromise your home energy consumption rate and overload your HVAC system, but it also has several health ramifications.
Importantly, not taking care of your old attic insulation will also make any needed insulation measures redundant. This is why it is quite important that you have them removed before getting in touch with a spray foam insulation contractors Houston.
Meanwhile, here are some of the advantages of removing your old attic insulation.

Prevention of Moisture Problems

Moisture control helps to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool the home, thereby reducing cost. However, old attic insulation such as fiberglass absorbs moisture and can allow it to leak into the ceilings, floorboards, baseboards, and walls. Leading to high energy consumption.
Moisture problems also affect the effectiveness of your insulation and air sealing efforts. Although moisture can be controlled by ensuring proper ventilation, leaving the old attic insulation after spray foam insulation will make the attic cooler during winter. This negates the effect of spray foam which is to give the attic a conditioned and warmer space.

Improved Air Seal

Spray foam does not only insulate the home; it also acts as an air barrier. When handled by professionals who can get the spray foam in the major areas, such as the eaves, where air leakage occurs, it insulates and reduces air leakage in the home by acting as a seal tight against air.
However, leaving the old attic insulation interferes with the spray foam insulation. When spray foam is mixed and applied, it enlarges and gets into every nook and cranny of the attic, thereby creating a barrier against air. Leaving the old insulation prevents this purpose and hinders the spray foam from getting into the cracks and crevices. This is because spray foam insulation should be done in a clean space to adhere properly.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Since the old insulation contains debris, dust, rat poop, food remains, and a whole lot of other dirty things, is it not best to remove it? Considering the fact that anything could be hiding in the old attic, it’s ideal to get rid of it before the spray foam insulation.
Leaving the old attic may also affect the quality of air that enters the home. The dirt and dust contribute to air pollution. This is a big risk to the health as the pollutants may contain volatile organic compounds as well as fine particles. These two indoor pollutants enter deeply into the lungs and gradually into the bloodstream.
Leaving the old insulation reduces the quality of air in your home since the odor is in your conditioned space, and you now have direct access to it.

Improved Health

Before deciding on leaving the old attic insulation, consider the health hazards associated with doing so. Cellulose and fiberglass absorb allergens and moisture that lead to the growth of mildew and mold. The presence of molds and mildew in the home is a big risk to every living thing in the home, including pets.
Leaving the old attic insulation can also mean creating better habitat and source of food for squirrels, rats, bats, and so on. These rodents and pests love dark and cool spaces, which is why the old attic is perfect for them. They also come with different diseases that can be a threat to your health.

Improved Air Circulation

Spray foam insulation helps to protect the roof, gives the attic a conditioned space, and prevents drafts in the attic. This helps to cool and warm your indoor space as required. To enjoy this benefit, there must be a free flow of air. Unfortunately, the presence of a layer of cellulose or fiberglass insulation on the attic floor hinders its circulation.
Also, lack of proper circulation of air may prevent some home appliances like the HVAC from working effectively. This is because more power will be required to make them absorb and release air back into the house; hence, they wear out faster than normal. This will increase the cost of maintaining them.

Factors That Can Compromise The Lifespan Of Your Insulation

Whatever type of insulation you have installed in your house, it is still prone to some harm. So you need to keep this in mind and make sure to avoid things that could compromise your insulation. Meanwhile, here are some common factors that could compromise your insulation and render it ineffective.

Water Damage

Since most insulation materials are made from fibrous and porous material, water becomes a natural enemy. Unfortunately, getting water out of insulation material is almost impossible. So once water gets into your insulation system, prepare to change it sooner than you should.

Fire Damage

After experiencing a fire accident, one of the key things fire remediation companies will do is to replace your insulation. When exposed to fire, most insulation material will start to shrink and break apart, rendering it inefficient.
Importantly, even if the fire didn’t touch the attic insulation directly, smoke can still get trapped within the insulation. This will inevitably lead to a pungent smell circulating all through the home. So after a fire accident, you should remember to include changing your insulation as part of remediation plans.

Pest Infestation

Pests are another major factor that could lead to damage to your insulation. When rodents like rats, raccoons, and squirrels target your home, they usually eat through any protective wall you may have installed. This will end up compromising the integrity of any installation you may have within the walls: such as your insulation material. So after pest extermination, you must always check your insulation.
In conclusion, all old attic insulation should be removed before applying a new one, no matter the cost or inconvenience. Without doing this, it may be difficult to enjoy the numerous benefits of new spray foam insulation. You can learn more about spray foam insulation by visiting our website here: https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/.

First Defense Insulation,

12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147 Houston Texas 77046,

713-808-9853

Follow Us On Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/FirstDefenseInsulation
https://www.instagram.com/firstdefenseinsulation/?hl=en

Foam ranks among the most popular insulation choices across the U.S. Not only is it effective at blocking out heat and cold, but it also helps reduce noise levels and prevent mold growth. However, some people have concerns about the safety of foam insulation installation. As such, you might harbor some reservations if you’re casting about for spray foam insulation Houston.
You might be wondering, can you or your pets be inside your den while the installer does their thing? It depends. Generally, when installed correctly, foam insulation poses no risk to human health.
The key is to install it properly, using the correct type of foam and following all manufacturer instructions. Foam insulation can provide years of safe, reliable performance. Here’s a breakdown of some variables that could determine whether it’s safe to hang around your house as a pro installs spray foam.

Ventilation

When installing foam insulation, ventilation is key to ensuring a successful process. Without proper ventilation, the chemicals in the foam can become concentrated and cause health problems for those in the surrounding area. In addition, the build-up of heat can cause the foam to expand and potentially damage the structure.
Open windows and doors to enable the circulation of fresh air. By ventilating the area during and after installation, you can help ensure the chemicals are properly diluted and that the foam will harden correctly.
In addition, ventilation helps prevent any harmful fumes from accumulating. As a result, taking a few minutes to ensure proper ventilation can safeguard your family’s health in the long run.

Curing Time and Off-gas

Off-gassing has to do with the VOCs in the spray foam. Typically, a product with a high VOC will result in a longer re-occupancy time (as long as 48 hours).
RetroFoam, for instance, is easy to apply and cures in about two hours, transforming into a rigid state over time. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for creating an air-tight seal on concrete block walls.
If you’re a little apprehensive, you may consider leaving your house while the foam insulation cures, and there is no need to worry about fumes or VOCs. Fortunately, with reduced re-occupancy time, you would be back in your den in no time! And once the foam cures, it won’t continue emitting an odor- as some people mistakenly believe.

The Type of Foam You Use Matters

Each insulation material on the market has its pros and cons. For instance, fiberglass is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is relatively affordable and easy to install. However, fiberglass can be challenging to work with and may not provide enough insulation for frigid climates.
Another common insulation type is cellulose, made from recycled newspapers and other paper products. Cellulose is an environmentally friendly option, but it can be flammable and is not as effective as other types of insulation.
RetroFoam is another option gaining popularity due to its safety and effectiveness. It is injected into walls, so it does not require cutting or drilling. Plus, it contains a small amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safe option for homes with children or pets. And while RetroFoam may be more expensive than other types of insulation, it provides superior insulation value and will help reduce energy costs over time.

Steer Clear of the Work Site

Full disclosure, during the application, spray foam produces a slight odor. Since this can be a little off-putting, your contractor may set up a fan in the work area to promote airflow. By so doing, they air out where they’re installing spray foam.
Plus, it’s best to stay away from the work site. The chemicals used in the spraying process can be harmful if inhaled, and it’s essential to give the crew plenty of space to work. If possible, use other rooms in the house or go outside until the job is done.
Hovering can be a safety hazard. It can be very distracting and even unsafe if a worker is trying to focus on their work and has someone constantly in their peripheral vision.
In addition, the professionals know what they’re doing and can complete the task quickly and efficiently. If you’re in the way, it will only slow them down and potentially cause problems.
So, while you don’t need to leave your home during the installation, it’s probably best to take a step back and let the experts handle it. You can always ask questions before the project commences or afterward. But, due to safety and efficiency concerns, it’s best to let them work uninterrupted.
Fortunately, we use spray foam products with the most negligible concentration of VOCs. As a result, even if you’re in the home during the installation, you’ll only notice a slight smell, which dissipates in as little as two hours (as we’ve noted before).

Proper Insulation Is Critical

Most people are conversant with the basic idea of insulation- wrapping your home in a material that will keep the heat in during winter and out in summer. As such, it might be tempting to hire the first contractor who offers to get the job done. After all, it does seem straightforward, right?
Well, that could not be further from reality. Foam insulation isn’t for everyone. For instance, the task can be a fool’s errand without the proper equipment and know-how.
Once you’ve decided that foam installation is necessary, the next step is to find a qualified and experienced professional for the job. You may also need to remove your old insulation material, and often the complex and potentially dangerous process is best left to a trained insulation contractor.
Such professionals understand the nuances of insulation removal in Houston. Thus, they can handle the job without damaging your home or harming you and your family. They also know how to properly dispose of insulation, which is vital from an environmental and health perspective.
Contact a pro for assessment and proper insulation. Getting the job done right means avoiding health hazards and saving money in the long term. Our spray foam insulation installers will work with you to ensure your safety and the quality of the installation. Check us out at https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ to learn more or for assistance in selecting the ideal type of insulation material.

First Defense Insulation,
12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1147, Houston, TX 77046,
(713)808-9853

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