New developments in insulation mean more options and opportunities for developers and renovators to make significant improvements.

With R-value and energy efficiency being some of the primary considerations, spray foam insulation often tops the list. This guide explores everything you need to know about the benefits of spray foam insulation and how it may be the right choice for your home.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation, or spray polyurethane (SPF), is a spray application air-tight material used in walls, floors, and ceiling cavities. It seals the building envelope by providing an airtight seal, preventing hot or cold air, vapour, and moisture from penetrating the home’s interior. SPF is often used in residential, commercial and industrial properties for new construction and retrofitting projects.

The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

If you are wondering how beneficial spray foam insulation is, the answer is: quite! Here are several benefits of SPF to consider:

• Insulates and seals gaps
• Acts as a sound barrier
• Highest R-value per inch
• Advances HVAC performance
• Installs into difficult areas
• Energy efficient
• Sustainable materials
• Lasts between 80 - 100 years

With savings of up to 20% on your energy bills, paired with longevity, it is easy to see how your SPF investment can more than pay for itself over the lifetime of your house.

The Difference Between Open-Cell and Closed-Cell SPF

As you research spray foam insulation, you will find references to open-cell and closed-cell SPF, each with specific uses. Open-cell has a lighter, less dense consistency, expanding to 100-120 times its size and an R-value between 3 and 4. Closed-cell expands to 33 times its size, which means it is heavier with an R-value of around 6.

The following gives you a better understanding of how each SPF type works:

Open-Cell SPF

• Light density
• Air barrier
• Vapour permeable
• High expansion rate
• Sound dampening
• More affordable compared to closed-cell

Ideal for: Garages, bonus rooms, soundproofing and hard-to-reach areas.

Closed-Cell SPF

• Medium density
• High R-Values
• Air barrier
• Vapour barrier
• Structural Durability

Ideal for: Below-grade, crawlspaces, roofs and exterior applications.

For example, closed-cell insulation, such as Elastochem’s Insulthane Extreme, is watertight, whereas batt insulation can be damaged and lose effectiveness when it comes into contact with moisture.

Weighing the Cost of Spray Foam Insulation

While it is true that SPF can cost three times as much as traditional batt insulation, it more than pays for itself with an extended lifespan and highly effective energy efficiency. Further, a well-insulated property can also increase its value, making it a worthwhile investment for developers and homeowners while reducing your home’s energy bills.

Furthermore, the latest SPF products are more environmentally friendly. For example, Elastochem, a leading spray foam insulation company, says, “Our spray foam products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified by UL Environment. That means they’re scientifically tested for prolonged exposure in environmental chambers to meet rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and phthalates.”

Corrine Tam of Elastochem says, “We are committed to sustainability and the environment and use post-consumer plastics in our materials. Each year, our Insulthane Extreme closed-cell insulation diverts over 200 million plastic bottles from landfill and is repurposed into energy-saving insulation.”

Spray Foam Insulation and the Ready Set Reno Project

The Ready Set Reno project involves renovating a 1960’s style bungalow into a unique design space. Part of the renovation process includes adding spray foam insulation to the exterior basement walls where space is limited for batt insulation.

Elastochem is a Canadian company that manufactures and designs insulation products to meet the unique Canadian building code and climate demands. Our products use advanced technologies and undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal, consistent performance.

With warehouses conveniently located across Canada, Elastochem provides top-of-class SPF products for every renovation project. They are also conscious of their environmental impact. “We've evolved the spray polyurethane insulation industry by being the first in Canada to adopt Honeywell Solstice^® Liquid Blowing Agent to reduce global warming potential (GWP) by 99.9%.”

For more information about Elastochem’s spray foam insulation products, contact them online or by calling 877-787-2436 today.

Jenny Kennedy of Kennedy Literary Agency provides written copy and content for the design-build industry and is the author of “Launch Into Interior Design.”

Photo provided by Elastochem.