Spray foam insulation is considered one of the strongest choices for insulating your home. Compared to other types of insulation, it creates a more airtight seal and is much more energy-efficient, leading to its increase in popularity.
Installation should only be done by professional installers as it requires a particular skillset and equipment to pull off properly and safely. In this guide, the installation process is broken down to give homeowners a better idea of what is involved when putting in spray foam insulation.
Start with the Right Tools
From the materials you choose to the insulation company you work with, you’ll always put your best forward when you have the right tools at your disposal. A quick search for “insulation installation near me” won’t always cut it. Investigate and do some research to ensure you’re working with a team that puts your needs and safety first.
As far as materials, spray foam is an umbrella term for an extensive range of insulation. These spray foam insulations come with varying costs as well as different capabilities in insulating and handling moisture. Talking with your insulation installation company can help you get materials that fit your needs depending on what’s important to you.
Preparation
As the saying goes, preparation is key, and that’s true with insulation installation. During the preparation, the goal is to make accessing the work area as easy as possible. That way, installers aren’t working around awkward situations while trying to install the foam. This step usually requires removing the previous insulation.
At this point, safety becomes crucial as well. Provisions are made for proper ventilation both for installation and curing. Workers will also be wearing personal protective gear while working inside the installation area. Any clients should stay out of their homes until after the curing process, which generally takes around 24 hours.
Spraying the Foam
Spray foams are technically made on the installation site by mixing two components to create a chemical reaction that leads to the foam in your home. This process is vital to the home’s air quality, as any problems with the mixture can lead to issues once the insulation has been installed.
The chemical mixing process is just one of the many reasons it’s recommended that you have this installation done by a team of professionals.
And it’s not just the ratio that makes a difference in the final product. The temperature also needs to be within a specific range designated by the manufacturer of the spray foam materials. If the components are too cold, the spray foam could be less effective in insulating your home.
Quality Control
Even the most talented insulation team knows that spray foam installation is a tough gig. It’s notoriously tricky to install evenly, and gaps can also occur. Because of this, the company performing the installation must come back to check on the installation.
During this step, technicians can start to address any lack of coverage and do a final check-in with you.
Without quality control, it’s easy to end up with entirely uninsulated pockets in your attic. Any company worth their salt will do some checkups on the efficacy of their spray foam installation.
As long as you’re working with an accomplished company familiar with the spray foam installation process, your installation should look similar to the process just described.
Spray foam insulation is a very effective and green option for homeowners looking for insulation, but the value of the insulation is only as good as the means with which it was installed in your home.