Expanding Foam Insulation » R-value http://expandingfoaminsulationguide.com Expanding Foam Insulation info, tips, and resources Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:50:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Expanding Foam Wall Insulation http://expandingfoaminsulationguide.com/expanding-foam-wall-insulation/ http://expandingfoaminsulationguide.com/expanding-foam-wall-insulation/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:15:29 +0000 admin http://expandingfoaminsulationguide.com/expanding-foam-wall-insulation/ Although the emphasis on saving home heating and cooling energy has been on attic insulation, exterior walls have a similar surface area that transmits energy.

Homes built prior to 1960 had no insulation or at best R-5. Between 1960 and 1980’s average R values increased to about R-11.

Insulating wall cavities that were empty or under-insulated will save energy. A 2″ x 4″ stud framed wall filled with expanding foam insulation will provide an insulating value of R-22.

Before insulating side walls you need to find out what is in there. Visual inspection through openings may reveal what is already in place, if anything, or an infrared thermal imaging will reveal heat loss in areas that are hidden or have varying insulating value.

Sometimes cellulose, fiberglass, or rock wool may have been blown in, and either not installed at the proper density or settled and lost effectiveness.

Adding insulation to partially filled wall cavities is difficult and a job for a well-qualified installer. Expanding foam insulation may be the best solution when done correctly. Beware of old knob-and-tube wiring because of the possibility of creating a fire hazard. Be sure to check with a licensed electrician.

If you are replacing exterior siding, it may be a good time to add insulation. Installing rigid board under new siding may not be the most cost effective method and complicates window and door opening depths and sills. Injecting expanding foam wall insulation could be your best choice and not require modifying window sills and trim.

If exterior walls are opened for remodeling consider in place expanding spray foam insulation for best R-value and reduced air infiltration.
Technicians with special equipment can test your house for air leakage. This test measures the air leakage of your structure at all localities and can reveal where hidden air flow occurs around framing, wall penetrations for plumbing and wiring, and chimneys and attic access.

Insulating wall cavities not only saves energy, but also improves comfort in winter and summer, drafts are reduced, and your home will be quieter with expanding foam wall insulation.

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Spray insulation also carries the advantage of filling uneven areas well. The sprayed foam expands to fill cracks and fit into irregular spaces that would be difficult to work around with other kinds of insulation.]]>

Spray Insulation is worth looking into for many reasons, even if it’s not always the ideal solution. Although it is more likely to be the best option for new construction, its features also serve the needs of many existing homeowners who are adding to or trying to improve their homes.

For example, even if the spraying must be done by professionals, and therefore is more costly than other options, the high R-value of spray insulation can make it cost- effective over time, through lower heating bills. In very cold or hot climates this advantage may be well worth the cost.

Spray insulation also carries the advantage of filling uneven areas well. The sprayed foam expands to fill cracks and fit into irregular spaces that would be difficult to work around with other kinds of insulation. The do-it-yourself handyman might be very relieved not to have to work in difficult nooks and crannies, and to just let expansion of the foam do the work.

Another advantage is that spray insulation adheres well to the surface onto which it is sprayed. If a house is being expanded upward, to a second story, then spray insulation under the new floor will be securely in place and offer good insulation for years. It might be a better solution than trying to attach other forms of insulation in such a space.

There has been some debate about the moisture barrier qualities of closed-cell foam spray insulation. Such foams, e.g., polyisocyanurate or polyurethane, offer higher R-value than open-celled foam, e.g., polyicynene. The latter allows for some passage of water vapor after the insulation is installed. The advantages and disadvantages in relation to moisture barrier issues are important to discuss with an insulation expert on a case by case basis.

When a wall is already closed in, the most practical and economical way to insulate it is with spray foam insulation.

Foam is not the only product that can be sprayed for insulation. Cellulose and fiberglass fibers also can be sprayed, if they are mixed with some sort of adhesive or foam to keep them in place.

Because various forms of insulation can be used together and because every situation has its own considerations, the homeowner considering spray insulation would be well advised to consult several insulation contractors to weigh all the options before deciding how to proceed. Ask each of them to make a bid in writing for insulating a defined area to a certain R-value. It might also be useful to have a home energy audit if your purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of your house. Contact your local utility company for information on this.

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