What you need to know about spray foam insulation
8 Sep 2022
While there are various types of insulation available, spray foam is the most efficient. A spray foam insulated home not only enhances comfort but also increases in value and can help you save up to 56% on your heating bill*. If you’re not familiar with spray foam insulation, read below to find out everything you need to know about this innovative and superior insulating material.
What is spray foam insulation and how does it work?
Open-cell spray foam insulation is a chemical product designed to provide homes with superior levels of insulation. Applied in liquid form, it expands up to 100 times its original size, fitting into every corner and gap – even in the most hard-to-reach spaces.
Once the foam has been sprayed, it expands rapidly to create an effective barrier that protects homes from cold and heat all year round. Hardening with a day of application, spray foam insulation will never lose its shape or R-value, providing homeowners with a long-term solution which delivers uncompromising performance year and year.
What is R-value?
R-value is the measure of how good a material, such as spray foam insulation, is at resisting the conductive flow of heat. If it resists the flow of heat well, it will have a high R-value, so the higher the better. In simple terms, it is a “resistance value” and the number indicates how fast heat is transferred from one side of the material to the other.
An authorised installer will help to identify the correct R-value required for insulation for your home.
Types of spray foam insulation
There are two main types of spray foam insulation: closed-cell spray foam insulation and open-cell spray foam insulation.
Closed-cell insulation
Closed-cell insulation contains cells that are fully closed and pressed together to stop air and moisture from infiltrating the foam. It features a very high density and cures into a hard substance. This makes it well suited to exterior applications and commercial projects, with this type of insulation rarely used in residential settings in the UK.
Open-cell spray foam insulation
Open-cell insulation comprises cells that aren’t fully encapsulated. Instead, they are intentionally left open, contributing to a highly effective vapour-permeable insulation. Once applied, open-cell spray foam insulation forms into a softer, spongier state and has a lower density than closed-cell spray foam insulation.
Open-cell spray foam is often recommended by HBS authorised installers for roof, underfloor and wall insulation. It’s a cost-effective solution that offers excellent efficiency.
Best spray foam insulation
HBS offers a range of open-cell insulation solutions for homeowners:
Each comes with its own thermal resistance properties, but with the same key advantages you’d expect from home and building insulation. Your HBS authorised installer will advise you on the benefits and suitability of each product to ensure you have the best product in your home.
Benefits of spray foam insulation
Now you have a greater understanding, it’s important to ask: why spray foam insulation? The long term savings, insulative properties and other benefits more than make up for the initial cost of installing it. The key benefits include:
Reduced heating bills
With spray foam insulation, you will find that your house is warmer in winter, and you will save up to 56%* on your heating bills. With prices rising rapidly, it’s vital that you take the necessary steps to reduce your bills.
Insulating power
Spray foam insulation cuts down heat loss during the winter and regulates heat gain during the summer. The high resistance value of spray foam insulation means it can give you the insulating power you need in your home.
Fills cracks and gaps
Traditional insulation can often miss those important nooks and crannies in homes which cause heat loss and, in turn, more expensive heating bills. With spray foam insulation, those gaps are filled, offering a more efficient insulating layer.
Stops moisture
Traditional insulation absorbs moisture and holds it, creating the potential for problems further down the line. Spray foam doesn’t do this and, as a vapour-permeable material, will reduce the amount of moisture held within the space.
Spray foam insulation process
Spray foam installers can complete the process quickly to ensure you feel the benefits as quickly as possible. Once the application area has been assessed by an authorised installer, spray foam can be applied. During the process, professional equipment will be used to achieve consistent coverage and ensure the finished insulation delivers the thermal qualities required.
After the application process is finished, the installer will clean the area and dispose of any unnecessary materials. When applying spray foam in the attic of an average home or building, the process can usually be completed within a day.
How long does spray foam insulation last?
Spray foam adheres extremely well to practically all substrates and, when applied correctly, will not shrink or compact over time. This means it will continue to provide the same high levels of thermal insulation in the decades to come as it will on day one. Spray foam from Huntsman Building Solutions has a minimum warranty of 25 years, giving you complete peace of mind.
We’ve got you covered
If you’re interested in spray foam for your home insulation, you can get in touch with the team at Huntsman Building Solutions today and we’ll help you find a local HBS authorised spray foam installer.
Huntsman Building Solutions (HBS) is the world-leading polyurethane spray foam insulation manufacturer with 110 years of combined expertise from Huntsman, Icynene and Demilec.
*Based on a study led by RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University and Icynene (now known as Huntsman Building Solutions) in September 2018.