A Few Basics About Spray Foam Insulation

If you are not familiar with spray foam or are new to insulation overall, you probably have some questions about the meaning of some of the industry lingo. In this post, we will provide you with a few basics about spray foam and tell you a bit more about the general concepts and terms for spray foam insulation.

What Does R-Value Mean?

R-value is the measurement of how well an object can resist heat flow. The more significant the R-value, the more advanced the heat resistance, therefore the more efficient the insulation features of the object. Described in simple terms, a Styrofoam cooler generally has more R-value than that of a paper bag. Bear in mind that R-value goes both ways. For instance, a thermos work by keeping either cooled or heated air trapped where you need it. Insulation is measured in R-value, that signifies how efficient every inch of thickness is. The higher an object’s R-value is per inch, the more efficient it is. Spray foam has some of the most substantial R-value per inch in the field.

What Does Board Feet Refer To?

Board feet is basically equal to square feet, but with depth, or thickness included. A board foot is one foot by one foot by one inch thick. Therefore, a 200-board foot kit will cover two hundred square feet at a singular inch thick. It is essential to use board feet when determining a spray foam project since multiple one-inch layers can be utilized to offer the preferred final R-value needed for a project.

What Does Two-Component Refer To?

Spray foam insulation kits have two different tanks. They include the two primary ingredients utilized for creating the foam. Similar to household epoxy, these two chemicals are inactive until they are mixed to make the foam. Dissimilar to household epoxy, thankfully no little mixing sticks are entailed. Once the hoses are joined, the two tanks blend the contents automatically. When the ingredients go into the hose, the chemicals start reacting, and the two combined liquids create spray foam. You can visit all seasons insulation for all your spray foam requirements.

The Two Primary Kinds Of Spray Foam

There are two different kinds of spray foam, and even though they are alike, they contain different components and are utilized for various end uses.

Open-cell Foam

This kind of foam utilizes less materials as opposed to closed-cell foam, however it provides a lesser R-value. Once applied, it enlarges to about three inches of thickness. Open-cell foam has an average R-value of 3.5 to 3.6 inches. This means that a singular application will provide an R-value of ten to eleven which is perfect for soundproofing, plus it is an economical option for milder climates.

Closed-cell Foam

Closed-cell foam is a denser type of foam than open-cell spray foam. Its R-value is about 6.5 to almost 7 per inch. The advanced R-value provides closed-cell spray foam with more significant thermal protection making it the hard worker of the spray foam industry. It grows to one inch thick, and multiple applications can provide higher R-values. It is effective for keeping spaces warm or cool in excessive temperatures. If that is what you want, then closed-cell foam is precisely what you require.