Author: John Blackwelder

How to Get Better Indoor Air Quality | Spray-On Foam & Coating

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

The air we breathe has a significant impact on our overall health, and the quality of indoor air is often far worse than outdoor air. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Even if you have a HEPA air purifier, it’s crucial to improve the air quality in your home or office by using spray-on foam and coating. A spray foam insulation contractor can apply a thick layer of foam to your walls and ceiling, which will create an airtight seal that prevents outside air from entering.

What is Spray-On Foam & Coating?

Spray foam is insulation created by mixing two substances and spraying them onto an object or surface. The substances, known as isocyanate and polyol resin, react with each other when mixed and expand to up to 30-60 times their original volume. This expansion makes spray foam an ideal material for packing or insulating objects and surfaces. It is also commonly used in construction to provide thermal insulation and minimize air infiltration.
There are two types of spray foam: polyurethane and polyisocyanurate. Polyurethane foam is the most common type of spray foam insulation, while polyisocyanurate foam is typically used in commercial and industrial applications. Both types of spray foam are created by mixing isocyanate and polyol resin, but the ratio of these substances varies depending on the type of foam being created.

How Does Spray-On Foam & Coating Improve Air Quality?

One of the most common questions we get asked is how does spray-on foam and coating improve air quality? Most people are familiar with the benefits of insulation in terms of energy efficiency but don’t realize that it also plays a vital role in protecting indoor air quality. What they don’t know is that spray-on foam and coating can help improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for them and their family.
One of the main ways spray-on foam and coating improve indoor air quality is by sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s envelope. These cracks and gaps can act as pathways for pollutants to enter your home, so sealing them is integral to keeping indoor air clean. In addition to sealing gaps, spray-on foam and coating can also help prevent mold growth by creating a barrier between your home and outside. Mold spores are a common indoor air pollutant and can cause respiratory problems, so preventing mold growth is essential for protecting your family’s health.
Another way that spray-on foam and coating improve air quality is by reducing noise pollution. External noise can be a significant source of indoor pollution, so by reducing the amount of noise that enters your home, you can create a quieter and more peaceful environment. In addition to reducing noise pollution, spray-on foam and coating can also help protect against external noise by creating a barrier between your home and the outside world.
But to enjoy these benefits, you have to make sure the Spray-On Foam & Coating is applied by a professional. We, First Defense Insulation, are one of Houston’s most experienced and reputable spray foam insulation companies. We have a team of certified professionals who use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that your home or business receives the best possible insulation job.

What is the Process of Installing Spray-On Foam & Coating?

The process of installing spray-on foam and coating is relatively simple. First, our team of certified professionals will assess your home or business to determine the best course of action. Once we’ve determined the type and amount of spray foam insulation needed, we’ll prepare the area for application. This usually involves removing any insulation material and cleaning the surface to be sprayed.
Once the area is prepared, the team will apply the spray foam insulation using a high-pressure sprayer. The spray foam insulation will expand as it’s applied and quickly harden into place. Once the insulation is in place, our team will clean up excess material and ensure that all gaps and cracks are properly sealed.
The entire process usually takes less than a day, and once it’s complete, you’ll immediately notice a difference in your home or business. Your indoor air quality will be improved, and you’ll enjoy a quieter and more comfortable environment.

Is Spray-On Foam & Coating Safe to Have in My Home?

Spray foam and coating are two of the most popular insulation methods for homes and businesses. They are also two of the most controversial due to their potential health risks. Many people are concerned about having these products in their homes, but is there really cause for concern?
There are two main types of spray foam: closed-cell and open-cell. Closed-cell foam is made up of tiny cells that are filled with a gas, usually propane or butane. These cells are closed off from each other, making the foam more dense and durable. Open-cell foam is made up of larger cells that are filled with air. This makes the foamless dense and less durable.
The main concern with spray foam is releasing harmful chemicals into the air. When the foam is applied, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are gases that can cause various health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory problems. In addition, VOCs can damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
Another concern with spray foam is that it can trap water vapor and moisture. This can lead to mold growth and wood rot.
However, if applied correctly and allowed to cure correctly, spray foam and coating can be safe products in your home. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying these products. In addition, it is a good idea to have the area well-ventilated during and after application.
Spray-on foam and coating can be great additions to your home or business. They can improve your indoor air quality, reduce noise pollution, and help protect against external noise. However, it is crucial to have these products installed by a professional. First Defense Insulation is a reputable and experienced spray foam insulation company in Houston. Visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ for more information.
First Defense Insulation,
12 Greenway Plaza Suite
1147 Houston Texas 77046,
713-808-9853

 

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spray foam insulation in crawl space

How Much Does Insulating a Crawl Space with Spray Foam Cost in 2022?

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Insulating your crawl space with spray foam can save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills. However, if the spray foam insulation installation is not done professionally, you may incur the cost of completely redoing the job. Thus, the cost of insulating your crawl space will depend on how much work you plan to do yourself, as well as if you’ll hire a professional to install your insulation. It’s prudent to contract insulation contractors because their experience allows them to apply the spray foam properly and ensure it stays in place for decades.
Costs also vary according to geographical location, local labor rates, and material costs, considering spray foam is one of the most expensive crawl space insulation materials. That said, you should be prepared to fork out an average of $3,500 for a 1,000 square foot crawl space. In this article, we will give you insights into how much you should expect to pay for your insulation job and the factors that go into pricing.

The Crawlspace Size

The size of your crawlspace is probably the largest determining factor when it comes to the overall cost of installing spray foam insulation. The larger the crawlspace, the more material and time you will need to complete the installation. In other words, a smaller crawlspace will normally cost less than a larger one.
The cost will also depend on whether you’re only applying insulation underneath the floor or insulating the walls and the floor as well. The crawlspace’s wall height can also factor into the cost – the higher the walls, the more insulation you’ll use.

Crawl Space Condition

If you have an older, uninsulated crawl space, you may be wasting energy, impacting your indoor air quality, and contributing to excessive moisture problems.
Signs of damp, rotting wood, mold, or sagging floors above the crawl space, indicate that you need to do some prep work before insulating. You’ll need to inspect your crawl space, and if you identify mold, contracting a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold before insulating is recommended. This mold remediation step will add to the overall cost of your insulation job, but it’s a necessary step if you want to prevent future problems.
In addition, your contractor may recommend other changes to the environment of your crawl space before insulating. For example, if you have an older home with a dirt floor, you may need to install a vapor barrier before insulating. This step will increase the cost of the insulation project but will also protect the crawl space from moisture, which can cause mold. A vapor barrier might cost around $640 for a 1,500-square-foot home.

Crawl Spaces: Whether They Are Vented or Unvented

As a general rule of thumb, vented crawl spaces tend to cost more to insulate than closed crawl spaces. Since the presence of vents will allow moisture and humidity to build up in your crawl space, insulated installations need to include additional sealing. Unvented crawl spaces don’t require this step, which means installation is quicker and less expensive.

Type of Spray Foam Insulation

You have two choices when it comes to the type of foam insulation that you use. The first option is open-cell spray foam insulation, which has an R-Value between 3.5 and 4 per inch. This fills most gaps but doesn’t have a vapor barrier, so it’s not recommended for homes in colder climates where moisture might enter the crawl space.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation provides leak protection and extra durability because of its high R-value (6.5 per inch). Closed-cell foams are more expensive than open-cell foams, but they will generally provide better results when installed properly by a professional contractor; this makes them worth the higher cost.

The Thickness of Foam Insulation

The cost of installing foam insulation in your crawl space will depend largely on its thickness. The thickness of foam insulation required in your crawl space depends on your local climate. Homes located in mild climate areas that do not experience significant temperature changes might only need a thin layer of foam insulation. In contrast, homes located in climates that experience greater fluctuations in temperature will require thicker insulation. While this will increase the cost, creating a more completely sealed space will result in lower energy bills.

Taking Out the Old Insulation

If the insulation has been in place for many years and has absorbed moisture, it should also be professionally removed. Old insulation in crawl spaces isn’t as energy-efficient and is a source of wasted energy, higher monthly utility bills, and an uncomfortable living space.
The main reason to have a professional remove the old cellulose insulation is that they have the tools and equipment needed to safely remove and dispose of any hazardous material that may have been present in the insulation. Unfortunately, this will also add to the cost of insulating your crawl space.
Crawl space insulation is a cost-effective way to reduce energy loss and make your home more comfortable. Spray foam insulation will provide your home with better thermal resistance and improved air quality. The cost of installing foam insulation in your crawl space will depend in a large part on its thickness. The thickness of foam insulation required in your crawl space will depend on the climate where your home is located. Homes located in climates that experience greater fluctuations between cold and hot seasons may require thicker insulation, thus increasing the overall cost. Other considerations include whether or not the crawl space is vented (closed) or unvented; if you have an older home with dirt flooring then installing a vapor barrier before insulating may also increase costs.
For more information on installing foam board or spray foam insulation in your crawl space, visit our website at https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ today

First Defense Insulation,

11715 Anderson Road Willis Texas 77318,

713-808-9853

What Is an Insulation Contractor

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Throughout thunderstorms, an insulation contractor keeps us dry, warm in the winter, and cool during the summer. With their help, we are shielded from the elements no matter where we are. Even in oddly shaped rooms, they determine which insulation is ideal for the project, remove the old insulation, and install it. With optimum performance, heating and cooling costs are reduced, and occupants have less noise pollution and safety concerns. Read on to learn more about insulation contractors.

Instructions for becoming an insulator

Most insulation workers don’t need a formal degree since they learn on the job. Someone in this situation could begin as a helper. Both labor unions and private contractors offer apprenticeship programs. Workers must complete OSHA-mandated courses on safely handling insulation and asbestos with this on-the-job instruction. Accreditation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is another option available to insulation workers who want to learn how to remove and dispose of asbestos safely. For mechanical insulators, an apprenticeship of four to five years is required. Internships are still paid on-the-job training.

Typical responsibilities for insulation workers

In addition to installing insulation, an insulation specialist would also be responsible for replacing it if necessary. A person would be required to know how much material they would need and then cut or trim the fabric to fit. Insulation contractors may also use hand tools to apply the insulation. Other forms of insulation are available as well. An insulation worker who uses a spray foam application method would need an air compressor. As an insulation professional, you may also insulate anything to preserve energy and not lose heat or maintain a constant temperature. For example, insulation installers may use them to protect pipelines, machinery, and even broilers. Like a heated pipe, an item may burn someone if they come into touch with it without proper insulation. Asbestos removal training is available to certain insulation workers. After cautious handling and removal of any old insulation containing asbestos, the installation may then proceed.

Know essential techniques

Insulation-focused businesses often employ professional energy contractors. Insulation installation is a top priority for these companies. Because of this, they are well versed in the use of vapor retardants and other essential insulating methods. Insulation-related tasks need familiarity with this information.

Insulation contractors for commercial and industrial buildings

Working closely with architects, builders, and project managers to satisfy building standards and requirements is a specialty of commercial and industrial insulation contractors. Their projects include commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and factories, all of which need insulation. Many home insulation contractors will do some small commercial insulation work, but most commercial and industrial contractors will not undertake any residential work since their firms are set up differently.
When it comes to installing insulation, technicians must weigh the costs and advantages of several options before deciding. Visit our website at https://fdinsulation.com/ if you have a problem at home and need drywall, steel, or insulation services. Our company has an experienced and skilled insulation contractor devoted to serving our customers well. We devote ourselves to delivering quality services to have customers repeatedly come for more services.

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

Safest Ways to Insulate the Top of the House

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

You deserve to feel comfortable and cozy in your house, so ensure to check the state of your roof before making a decision on whether to do the insulation yourself or contact us for spray foam Houston. Do-it-yourself work is feasible if the area is readily accessible and there are no symptoms of wetness. However, our insulation contractor should be called in if there are any signs of water damage or mold growth.
Look around your home to determine if you’re losing any heat. Typical problems could be located in chimneys and fireplaces that do not have functional dampers. Air leaks from window openings, ducts, electrical outlets, and recessed lighting are a few more things to keep an eye on. Keep reading to discover ways of insulating the top of your house.

Vented attic

If you do it correctly, this one is the most frequent and least likely to create any issue when insulating the top of your house. Inadequate air sealing and insulation cause the condensation and ice dams on the roof of many homes in cold climes, not by the presence of a vent in the attic. As soon as you reduce the amount of air leakage and conductive heat loss, those issues go away. However, how to handle the heating and cooling systems and ducts is a significant consideration. All of the stuff should be kept out of the attic if you want to install a vented system. Contractors in the West often use deep-buried ducts for this purpose. Condensation may occur when ducts are buried in a moist environment. With this option, you have a second advantage. If you want to insulate your attic, the most cost-effective method is to employ vents.

All insulation is placed on top, or part is placed on top, and fibrous insulation is placed underneath

After that, we’d want to add part or all of the roof insulation on top of the roof. As a result, the roof sheathing is protected from water damage since it is kept warm. Mineral wool or stiff foam may be used as roof deck insulation. With a hybrid construction, our contractor recommends using fibrous insulation on the bottom. If you want to save money, you could use open-cell spray foam there, but cellulose or fiberglass would work just as well and be much easier to work with. To ensure that the sheathing stays above the dew point in a hybrid assembly, be sure to adhere to the ratio rule. Insulation on top of the roof deck eliminates the need for roof deck ventilation. If you’d like, you may install ventilation tubes above the insulation on the topside, but don’t vent below. Your R-value will go down as a result of this change.
Our insulation contractors can help you seal your ducts to lessen the loss of warm or cooled air while also minimizing the chance of mold growth and moisture forming in your attic space. Reduce heating and cooling expenditures by installing First Defense Insulation in your house. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. For better spray foam, Houston installation in your home, visit our website https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ .

First Defense Insulation ,

11715 Anderson Road Willis Texas 77318,

713-808-9853

 

Spray foam insulation

What Are The Types Of Thermal Insulation?

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Thermal insulation helps prevent heat from flowing in and out of a building hence enabling homeowners to keep their house warm during winter and cool during summer. There are different types of thermal insulations including concrete blocks, insulating concrete forms, blanket insulation, structural insulated panels, spray foam insulation among many others. Many homeowners opt for spray foam to insulate their homes. Spray foam is not only energy efficient but also offers comfort. For the best spray foam insulation for both residential and commercial premises, visit First Defense Insulation. Below we look at the various available thermal insulation options.

Spray Foam Insulation

The foam seals spaces where doors and windows meet walls and any other areas such as pole barns and rim joints. It is also used on walls, attic, and other free crawl spaces. Unlike other conventional insulation materials, spray foam fills gaps, crevices, and cracks without losing its shape. The foam does not sag, settle or compress over time making it one of the most preferred insulation materials. Spray foam has many benefits including reduced airflow, sound dampening, and also deters mold growth. It has also been proven to improve indoor air quality.
Spray foam also helps prevent air condensation on the walls. Condensation is mainly caused by different temperatures in and outside the house, especially if there is little or no insulation. The foam insulation creates a barrier that makes it difficult for the air outside and inside to meet.

Concrete Block Insulation

This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective insulation methods which involves filling the concrete rows with insulation material. This may incorporate foam boards, injection foam insulation, and loose fill masonry insulation. Some incorporate spray foam insulation which comes in different forms such as polystyrene, and polyurethane. Since the spray is externally applied on the walls it prevents thermal bridging while increasing thermal resistance.

Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are made of two rigid boards and an insulated foam core. The foam could be polystyrene foam or polyurethane which are pressure laminated together to form a strong core. If the SIPs are intentionally installed to meet energy star requirements, they have been proven to offer significant energy savings. SIPs provide many benefits such as insulation, air, and vapor barrier.

Concrete Forms (ICFs)

ICFs are made of polystyrene foam where concrete is poured on the space in between the foam. The blocks are interlocked and once in place concrete is poured in between. The two insulation layers both inside and outside reduce heat loss. ICFs have been proven to provide sealing and prevent air leakage.

Blanket Insulation Or Batts And Rolls

This is one of the most common and widely used insulation methods. The blankets are made of fiberglass which comes rolled in batts and rolls. The rock and slag option is made of mineral wool, natural fiber such as cotton and plastic fiber.
When choosing a thermal insulator, prioritize insulation that will save energy, provide comfort, and improve indoor air quality. To learn more about spray foam insulation visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/.

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

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Spray Foam Houston Tx

Advantages Of Spray Foam Insulation

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

There are many ways of insulating your home. One of them is spray foam. It is considered to be one of the most popular solutions for insulating your home and commercial buildings. Many people often wonder whether spray foam insulation Houston is a good choice for their home. Let us take a look at the advantages of spray foam insulation.

Moisture Deterrent

Moisture can easily seep through openings and cracks around vents and pipes. This can put your home at risk of mold infestation and other effects of water damage. These leaks can lead to your insulation getting wet as well. Wet insulation needs to be replaced, hence it can lead to additional costs. Spray foam also gets into the tiniest nooks of the wall preventing moisture from having an entry point to your home.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

One of the biggest benefits of spray foam insulation is its ability to reduce indoor allergens like mildew, mold, dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Most of these allergens can enter your home through your walls. Even pest waste can affect the air quality in your home. However, rodents and other insects don’t get attracted to spray foam because it is not ideal for food and nests. So, if you want insulation that reduces asthma and allergy symptoms, you should consider spray foam for your home or commercial building.

Easy Installation

Spray foam insulation is easy to install. It can even be added to areas that are hard to reach, like your crawl space. Installation of spray foam is a non-intrusive process. Professionals use a spray foam gun to spray the material to the desired area in the house. The insulation will dry quickly, and the room can be used in a day.

Adds More Strength To Your Building

Spray foam is extremely dense as the spray has strong adhesive qualities. It glues building materials together and provides more strength to any residential or commercial building structure. Spray foam adds a protective layer to the building against wind and humidity. It makes your ceilings, walls, and floors stronger.

Reduces Sound

Spray foam insulation helps to reduce the sound of traffic and neighboring rooms. Spray foam fills the crevices and cracks of your walls and absorbs any sound waves that travel to your room. It soundproofs your room, making it quieter.

Lasts Long

Any traditional insulation can lose its effectiveness over the years. Since spray foam is made from powerful chemical products, it stays as it is for years. Spray foam is made of isocyanate and polyurethane. When these two materials react, they harden and expand, ensuring spray foam doesn’t lose shape. Once spray foam cures, it stays in one place for years, even in extreme temperatures.
Contact https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ to get spray foam insulation installed for your buildings. We offer spray foam insulation in Houston and Dallas and offer applications for residential and commercial buildings. Get in touch today for a free estimate.

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

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Open Cell Spray Foam in Unvented Attic

High Energy Bills: How To Lower Cost

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Receiving high energy bills has happened to many of us at one point or another, and it’s never a fun experience. You’re not alone, the 13 largest U.S. metropolitan areas have seen higher bills this year. After receiving a high energy bill, we wonder how does this happen and how do we fix the problem. Everyone can save energy in their home. Saving energy or becoming more energy efficient, makes our homes more comfortable and saves homeowners money. 

Audit Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

The first step to improving savings and comfort of your home is obtaining a Energy Assessment, also known as a Home Energy Audit. Knowing where energy is potentially being wasted is important. If you’re not testing, you are guessing. Professionals will use interviews, inspection of the home, and diagnostic tools. The process should take about one hour to complete. The professional will review findings and make recommendations for improvement. 

Air Sealing

Among the greatest sources of energy loss in a home is air leaks. Imagine driving down the freeway on a hot afternoon with the vehicle’s air conditioner on high. We feel pretty comfortable, right! Now roll down the windows. All of sudden we are hot again. Our homes work the same way. We want to keep air that we pay to heat and cool on the inside of the home. One of the best money saving task you can perform to your home is to caulk, seal, or weatherstrip all cracks, openings, and seams to the outside. A homes conditioned space are areas and rooms in the home that the air conditioning system serves. Unconditioned space is the outside, and sometimes is found in our homes: vented attics, kneewall spaces, room above garages, or crawl spaces.  According to the Department of Energy, sealing uncontrolled air leaks, you can save 10%-20% on heating and cooling bills. First Defense Insulation provides expert air sealing services.   

Insulation

After air sealing, the second most energy saving task is looking at the homes insulation. Insulation is an essential piece of limiting heat flow through a homes outer shell (building envelope). Insulation is a home’s thermal boundary, separating outside from inside. The greater the difference between the outside and inside of a home temperature, the more energy it will take to maintain a comfortable environment inside the home. R-value is a measure of insulations resistance to heat flow. The higher the value, the more effective the insulation is at slowing heat flow. So how much insulation do we need? The U.S. is broken up into 8 climate zones. Homeowners in south Texas are in Zone 2. U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation to be between R-30 and R-60. Local and state codes also have an effect on minimum accepted R-Values. If you need help determining the correct R-value for your home, First Defense Insulation comfort specialist can help you. First Defense Insulation provides different options with regards to insulation products.   

Heating and Cooling

35%-40% of a homes energy usage comes from heating and cooling. You can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining, using, and upgrading your HVAC equipment. Air ducts are very important. They are in charge of delivering heated or cool air to the home. Improperly sized, poorly sealed, or poorly insulated, they are likely contributing to higher energy bills. As discussed previously, a home has a inside and outside. Duts located in a vented attic are considered to be outside. This is not ideal placement. Ducts that leak, are literally leaking air you pay to heat and cool to the outside, never to be seen again. Underinsualted ducts do not have a good resistance to heat flow. Remember that the under insulated ducts are located in the “outside”, the same outside that gets incredibly hot in Texas. The 55 degree air that is supposed to be inside the duct can’t stay cool long as the Texas heat bakes the air before distributing to the home. Imagine placing your duct work through an oven and hoping you get cool air at the end, you don’t. The same principles apply during cold months. 155 degree air is cooled by a cold vented attic space. Ducts perform better and save money when air sealed, better insulated beyond current offerings, or located on the inside of the home. Houston area homeowners are turning to spray foam insulation for superior air sealing and R-Value properties. Spray foam can be used to better insulate ducts or be used to convert the attic to unvented, thus allowing duct work to remain on the inside of home and protected from the Texas heat. 

Window Solar Film 

Tinting windows from the inside is an economical way to boost energy efficiency. Solar film absorbs or reflects up to 99% of UV rays. This helps keep rooms cooler during the summer and reduces the chance of interior furnishings fading. There are considerations before just installing the film as not all film is compatible with all types of window glass. Before installing, a simple check with the window manufacture is recommended.

High Energy Bills? We Can Help

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Spray Foam Insulation: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

When winter comes along, air leaks around the doors, windows, and foundation can push your monthly energy bills to a new high. And things can get even worse if you’re dealing with worn-out insulation. That’s why we recommend checking the thermal performance of your home every year. And if you find any issues, Houston spray foam insulation is a great way to correct any issues found.

What Is Spray Foam?

Fiberglass and other batt-type materials have been the standard for wall insulation for a long time. But just like most things in life, they come with limitations. For example, they are hard to use when working with tiny cracks. That makes batt-type insulation a bad idea for small repair jobs. And that’s where spray insulation comes in.

Spray foam can seal hard-to-reach areas, and the application process is surprisingly simple. The professionals may decide to use cans or foam cannons depending on the project’s size, translating to fast results. The only problem is that foam cures in irregular shapes and needs to be trimmed to size.

Types of Strayfoam

High Density Spray Foam

This is the most preferred type of insulation because of its great R-value and strength. It is often used to insulate roofs and exterior walls because of its monolithic nature. And its closed-cell structure makes it a great option for people looking to keep out water, vapor, and air infiltrations. That means you’ll never have to worry about mold in your walls when dealing with high-density spray foam.

Medium Density Spray Foam

This foam is not as dense as the first option, but it is an excellent insulation material for interior walls and unvented attics. It is also a closed-cell foam, so you’ll get the best R-value per square foot. It will also not allow water, vapor, or air to get through it, and it can also cancel noise.

Low-Density Spray Foam

Also known as ½ pound foam, this open-cell variant is your go-to option for filling cracks and preventing airflow. This open structure means it is susceptible to vapor and water leaks, so it is rarely used as the primary type of insulation. Still, some people spray it in their rarely used spaces, such as an outdoor man cave or shed.

What Are the Drawbacks of Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam helps reduce the amount of energy you use in your home, but the return on investment takes longer to pay for itself and is more of an upfront cost. Traditional insulation is more budget friendly upfront; however, costs more over time with less energy friendly properties. Spray foam is not DYI friendly and requires skilled applicators and routine equipment maintenance.

Feel free to visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/ for more information, quotes, and to see why we are industry leaders in innovation and training of our staff.

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

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Spray Foam - First Defense

Tips For Efficiently Operating Froth-Pakâ„¢

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Spray foam tanks are widely used for building insulations by sealing any cracks or gaps within. These are readily available in the market and are meant to make your home more energy-efficient and soundproof from outdoor noise. Spray foam is a form of spray-applied plastic produced from chemical reactions. A professional spray foam insulation contractor can efficiently use the technique for the proper insulation of your house. Here we discuss essential tips for operating a spray tank.

Maintain Tank Temperature

Temperature is critical for producing superior quality foam in terms of its density and other physical properties. Optimum tank temperature could ensure maximum yield of foam for your purpose. You should maintain this optimum temperature for the chemicals inside the tank between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Anything less or more could push down foam yields substantially. You may require prior warming of the tank during winters to get to this range of temperature. External air heaters might do the job of warming up the internal chemicals for you.

Controlling the High Pressure

Foam spray tanks come in pre-pressurized forms, which keep the chemicals inside in their liquid forms. This tank pressure decreases gradually with the decrease in the volume of chemicals inside. The amount of pressure you apply on the release trigger defines the force for the dispensed chemicals. Controlling the trigger pressure gives you control over the foam spray as per your application needs.

Shake the Tank Well

After you ensure the optimum temperature for the tank chemicals, you should shake the tank vigorously before spray operations. Such forceful agitations lead to proper mixing of the propellant before the spraying. Shaking the foam spray canisters with your hands for a couple of minutes should be sufficient for this purpose. Proper mixing of the propellant gives you uniform pressure release until the tank goes empty. Some spray tanks could need more shaking time than others, depending upon the chemicals inside and their properties.

Check on the Nozzle Tip

Foam spray tanks would have a nozzle tip attached to the end of the application gun. The primary purpose of this nozzle tip is to act as a mixing chamber for both types of chemicals to produce foam. This nozzle would have a ribbed internal structure. This would support mixing the chemicals in an internal whirlpool effect when they are released under pressure from the tank. A rest time of 30 seconds or more between foam spray sessions is perfect for changing the nozzle tip.

The hardening time for released foam could be around 30 to 45 seconds typically. As such, the mixture inside the nozzle tip may also harden and block the passage for further chemical flow if interrupted for rest. A continuous flow of the chemical mix would not allow the mixture within the nozzle to solidify. But you might still need a new nozzle tip after consistent application of about 8 minutes to avoid any chemical leakage that might disintegrate the tank assembly. For further information on spray foam insulations, you should visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/

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

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Spray Foam Insulation

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam: Which Should I Choose?

Posted on | by John Blackwelder

Open-cell foam is a spray foam in which cellular structure is not completely encapsulated. That is, they are left open on purpose to make the material more flexible. Closed foam, on the other hand, has completely closed cells that make them more rigid. In case you are not sure of which Houston spray foam insulation option to go for, we have listed the major differences between the two below.

What Are The Differences?

The difference between open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam is that the latter is more rigid than the former. However, these two materials also differ in density, cell structure, expansion, R-value, and Cost. These differences make one more preferable than the other for certain projects.

Cell Structure

As mentioned above, the difference between closed-cell spray foam and open-cell spray foam is that the former has completely encapsulated cells, and the latter does not. Open-cell foams tend to have room inside each cell that is somewhat like little air bubbles. This makes them relatively softer and more flexible. As a result of the cell structure of an open-cell, it will retain less than 5% of the water that comes in contact with it and dry up naturally afterward. On the other hand, Closed Cell Foam has no space in their cells to retain air or moisture. The rigidity of a closed-cell also helps the structural integrity of the building.

Density

Due to the cell structure of closed-cell foam, it is much denser than open-cell foam. The density of a Closed-cell spray foam insulation is enough to prevent drafts, protect it from air movement, and trap regulated temperatures. Its higher density also helps prevent and slow down the growth of molds. It does this by reducing the level of humidity. On the other hand, open-cell foams have a density of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, which is about three times less than the value of closed-cell foams.

R-Value

The R-value of spray foam is determined by how well the material insulates, that is, its ability to resist the flow of heat. Closed-cell foam has a higher R-value than open-cell foams, which makes them more suited for extreme temperatures. In terms of expansion, an open-cell can expand up to 120 times its original size because of its lower density. A closed-cell, on the other hand, can only expand up to 33 times its original size.

Cost

Due to the chemical makeup of the two cell foams and their expansion rates, it may be more expensive to use closed-cell foam. This is because you will need more of it to cover up a larger space.

So Which Insulation Should I Use?

Your choice of spray foam is usually determined by your budget, insulation goals, the location of the house, and the climatic conditions of the region. However, if you need more help choosing the right insulation for your current project, visit https://fdinsulation.com/attic-insulation/spray-foam/.

First Defense Insulation

713-808-9853

11715 Anderson Road

Willis Texas 77318

Social Accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/FirstDefenseInsulation

https://www.instagram.com/firstdefenseinsulation/