3 Pitfalls Homeowners Should Avoid When Working With Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation  is an innovative and versatile product that can be used to seal wall cavities, exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, knee walls, and other tight spots in a home. It also limits air movement throughout a house, which helps save energy and money. However, just like any other insulating material, spray foam can have issues. In this article, Allison Bailes from the energy efficiency experts at Energy Vanguard will discuss some of the pitfalls that homeowners should keep in mind when working with spray foam.

1. Spray foam expands.

Whether it’s closed or open cell foam, spray foam stretches up to 100 times its liquid volume during installation. The resulting insulation conforms to the unique design of a structure, filling all its nooks and crannies to create an air and moisture barrier. This is one of the main reasons that spray foam is so effective.

2. Spray foam can be a fire hazard.

Closed or open-cell spray foam can be flammable, releasing toxic gases upon contact with water or flame. For this reason, it’s important to cover all exposed piping and electrical wiring with a fire-resistant drywall prior to the application of spray foam.

 Spray foam can be difficult to clean up.

Foam that’s sprayed too fast or into tight crevices can overflow, leaving a messy residue that must be scraped off nonporous surfaces once it sets. It can be more challenging to remove from wood and other porous materials, but if done quickly, the mess can usually be removed with a utility knife before it fully dries.

Spraytech Insulators
“N4310 Ebbe Acres Dr
Waupaca, WI 54981”
715-227-3317