Is Spray Foam Insulation a Good Choice for my Home?

You can pick out all the right appliances, countertops, and furniture but few decisions are as important as what you choose to insulate your home. Spray foam may be the newest trend in home building right now but before you make that decision, there are a few important things to consider. Here we’ll discuss some of the risks associated with spray foam insulation from installation and cost, to potential hazards and structural damage.

You can pick out all the right appliances, countertops, and furniture but few decisions are as important as what you choose to insulate your home. Spray foam may be the newest trend in home building right now but before you make that decision, there are a few important things to consider. Here we’ll discuss some of the risks associated with spray foam insulation from installation and cost, to potential hazards and structural damage.

Installation and Costs

The first thing to consider is installation and costs. Spray foam insulation must be sprayed by certified professionals because of the type of chemicals used and the way in which they have to be mixed. This alone drives up costs and can slow the progress as no one can be inside during the curing process. Workers must wear protective gear and respirators during installation and homeowners are asked to leave the property for 24 hours while the foam cures. If at any time, the spray foam insulation needs to be removed, certified professionals are the safest bet.

Potential Hazards

There are several potential hazards associated with spray foam insulation:

Fire Hazard

Like any foam plastic material, spray foam insulation is flammable. In comparison, fiberglass batting insulation is non-flammable. Spray foam has a “class 1 hour fire” rating. Hunker.com recently explained fire ratings. “Fire resistance ratings are expressed in the number of minutes or hours a structure can withstand a fire simulation test,” they said. “According to the Engineered Wood Association, a one-hour rating indicates that a wall constructed in a manner similar to the one tested will contain flames and high temperatures, and support its full load, for at least one hour after the fire begins.” Fiberglass batting insulation was designed to be non-flammable and only melts once fire temperatures reach 1000 degrees.

Chemical Hazard

Spray foam, like we mentioned earlier, has to be mixed. It has 2 “sides” that must be combined when sprayed in order for it to cure correctly. If these chemicals are not mixed exactly as required, the insulation may not fully cure, leading to chemical fumes that can lead to asthma, skin rashes, eye irritation and sensitivity. This is also why the professionals must wear protective gloves, eye covers, and respirators. Exposure to these chemicals is the leading cause of occupational asthma, according to The Laborer’s Health & Safety Fund of North America. Not only that, a recent article on treehugger.com highlights a consumer, Keri R. and her husband who were exposed to spray foam during installation and are still struggling with sensitivity to all chemical smells. Keri says in the article that her husband can walk into any home, office, or building and he can tell if spray foam insulation was used due to his sensitivity.

So while spray foam insulation may be the newest trend there are multiple things to consider before making this important decision. From the costly professional installation to the potential health problems, this type of insulation may not be the best option for your home.

Call the professionals at Bourbon Country: Roofing, Exterior, and Custom Homes to further discuss the options we have available for you.