FAQs

R rating in insulation is a measure of how well the insulation can resist heat flow. The higher the R rating, the better the insulation is at keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. R rating stands for thermal resistance, which means how much the insulation material can slow down the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. Different types of insulation have different R ratings per inch of thickness, and you can also increase the R rating by adding more layers of insulation. The recommended R rating for your home depends on your climate zone and the part of your home you want to insulate.

This type of home insulation refers to thick clumps of thick material filling the gaps in walls and on attic floors to improve heat exchange in your building.

The best products are made of recycled paper materials, such as newspaper or cardboard. Other materials are made of glass or waste minerals.

Yes, because it fills in gaps better and has a higher R-value. Cellulose insulation carries an R-value of 3.8 per inch, while batts and rolls typically have an R-value of 3.2 per inch. This means that the more inches of insulation you add, the better it insulates versus the same thickness of batts or rolls.

Yes, many types of insulation contain borate, which has fire-resistant properties. The best blow-in insulation brands have a Class A fire rating, which is the best rating you can find for reducing the spread of fire. This rating means a type of insulation withstands fire than other classifications.

Spray Foam Insulation is commonly referred to as SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) and is comprised of two liquids: an “A” side and a “B” side. The “A” side of a spray polyurethane system is usually comprised of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). The “B” side is typically a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agent, flame retardant, and surfactant, although the chemical compounds vary per manufacturer. The “A” side & “B” side chemicals come in separate drums, and when combined, a chemical reaction forms the polyurethane spray foam.

Yes, spray foam insulation is considered flammable. No matter what a salesperson may try to convince you of, all foam plastic materials must be considered flammable in accordance with the IBC (international building code). However, it’s important to note that different manufacturers of spray foam insulation offer different levels of flammability.

Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam, a type of plastic, like the foam used in your couch, car seat and bed. As a plastic, spray foam does not sag, settle, or deteriorate and is expected to outlast the life of the building.

Yes, like most building products, spray foam will burn in the presence of a flame. However, SPF is a thermoset material and will char and flake when burned, it will not melt and drip like a foam coffee cup. Additionally, most commercially available spray foams, intended for use in construction applications, meet Class I fire standards with a flame spread index of less than 25 and a smoke developed index of less than 450.

Inhaling smoke results in a lack of oxygen and all smoke is dangerous, spray foam is no different. Breathing in smoke from burning foam is not recommended.

R-value requirements are typically based on local code regulation. In many climates, common R-values are R-13, R-19 and R-21 for walls and R-30, R-38, and R-49 for attics. An appropriate R-value is necessary to get optimal performance from a building envelope but having an air barrier in direct contact with the insulation, as in the case of spray foam, is even more important than the R-value. Energy analysis can be used to document the projected performance of a residential or commercial project based on various design factors including the insulation, air leakage rates, windows, orientation, and HVAC.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is made from fine glass fibers and is most often used in batts, rolls and loose-fill insulation. Fiberglass is a good choice for insulating walls, ceilings, attics, and floors. Fiberglass has a high R-value, which means it resists heat flow well. Fiberglass is also fire-resistant and moisture resistant.

Cellulose: Cellulose is made from recycled paper, wood or plant fibers and is usually blown into wall cavities or attics as loose-fill insulation. Cellulose is a good option for insulating existing homes, as it can fill the gaps and cracks in the walls. Cellulose has a moderate to high R-value and is treated with chemicals to make it fire-resistant and pest resistant.

Foam: Foam insulation can be either rigid foam boards or spray foam. Foam boards are made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane and are used to insulate walls, roofs, foundations, and floors. Spray foam is made from liquid chemicals that expand and harden when sprayed into a space. Spray foam can be used to insulate any area of the home, as it conforms to the shape of the space and creates an airtight seal. Foam insulation has a high R-value and can also reduce air leaks and moisture problems.

Batt Insulation: Batt insulation is a type of insulation that comes in pre-cut, rectangular sheets made from different materials, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, or natural fibers. It is designed to fit between wall studs, floor joists, or ceiling rafters, creating a barrier that prevents the transfer of heat or cold. Batt insulation is one of the most common and affordable types of insulation for residential and commercial buildings. It can have different R-values, which measure the insulation’s thermal resistance, depending on the thickness and material of the batts.

Yes, the U.S. government has certified that borate is safe when used as part of home or commercial insulation.

How long spray foam insulation will off-gas depends on the size of the project. Off-gassing begins immediately after application and may continue for 24 hours or more. During the off-gassing period, indoor air quality will plummet and begin to fluctuate before finally recovering after an average of 24 hours.

Many spray foam insulation companies recommend homeowners stay out of the house for at least 24 hours. However, property owners may wish to stay away from their homes for a full 48 hours out of an abundance of caution, especially when installing closed-cell spray foam. Open-cell spray foam usually stops off-gassing within 24 hours.

Temperature and humidity may affect how long it takes for open and closed-cell spray foam to cease off-gassing. If the environment is cold and humid, the spray foam insulation will take longer to off-gas.

You can not stay home while doing foam spray if you live in a typical home. Even when installed correctly, spray foam insulation emits chemicals into the air that require ventilation during the curing time and off-gassing stage. The 24 or 48 hours spent away from the home are worth it, though, due to the savings on energy bills during the entire lifespan of the insulation materials.

Spray foam insulation does release harmful gasses after the installation process. However, this effect is only temporary, and neither open-cell foam nor closed-cell insulation will harm homeowners once the spray foam insulation is allowed to cure properly. Many homeowners can re-enter their houses 24 hours after the insulation is installed.

Spray foam is safe after a minimum of 24 hours. In some cases, the spray foam insulation company may ask the homeowner to stay out of the house for 48 hours just to be sure no one inhales any of the off-gas. After the curing process is complete, homeowners do not need to worry about inhaling any chemicals.

How long fumes last from spray foam insulation will depend on the insulation materials used. For small projects using low volatile organic compounds (VOC), re-occupancy may occur between two and four hours. However, in most cases where high-VOC products are used, the fumes from the spray foam insulation will last for 24 to 48 hours.

Now that you know how long to stay out of the house after the installation of spray foam insulation, you can plan ahead and find accommodations for your family for a night or two during the curing and off-gassing stages. But first, you need to find the best spray foam company. Call iFoam at 225-495-6708 to schedule a free consultation today!