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Types of Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation has become popular in recent years, due to its ability to permeate in small cavities and its generally high R-value, or the measure of how well a material insulates. Although usually more expensive than batt insulation, spray foam has many weatherization advantages, including the ability to be an air-barrier. Spray foam insulation is sprayed from containers into hallow areas that need to be insulated, such as those between walls or in roofs. The foam then expands and hardens as it cures, filling the empty space and acting as a sealant . There are four types of commonly used spray foams for insulation.

  1. Cementitious

    • Cementitious insulation is a non-toxic type of spray foam insulation. Minerals extracted from seawater, such as magnesium oxide, make up cementitious. This insulation is sprayed into closed cavities in buildings and adds an R-value of about 3.9 per inch. Air-Krete™ is one brand of spray insulation that is a type of cementitious.

    Polyisocyanurate

    • Polyisocyanurate, also known as polyiso, is a form of plastic that holds low-conductivity gas within its cells. The most common of these gases are hydrochlorofluorocarbons. These gases have high thermal resistance, making them well suited for use as insulation. Polyisocyanurate can be used as insulation in three forms: spray foam, liquid or a foam board. A typical R-value of polyisocyanurate insulation ranges from 5.6 to 8 per inch.

    Polyurethane

    • Polyurethane is a widely used, low-cost and effective foam spray insulator. Like polyisocyanurate, polyurethane has a low-conductivity gas within its cells. The gas has a high thermal resistance, giving polyurethane an attractive R-value of approximately 8 per inch. However, this R-value can lower slightly as out-gassing occurs over the first two years after manufacture. After that time, the R-value stays constant, usually still at around 7 per inch. There are several types of polyurethane spray foams, each tailored for different uses.

    Icynene™ Foam

    • Icynene™ is another spray foam insulator. This product ordinated in Canada, but entered the United States market in recent years. Icynene foam does not contain the harmful gases found in polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. Instead, the product consists of a mix of water and carbon dioxide, making it less harmful to the environment. However, it also has a lower R-value, at 3.6 per inch.

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Energy Efficient Homes
  1. Foam Ottoman Types
  2. Thickness of Spray Foam Insulation vs. Fiberglass
  3. DIY Foam Roof Insulation
  4. Do-it-Yourself Polyurethane Foam Insulation
  5. What Is the Yield for a Barrel of Spray Foam Insulation?
  6. Foam Insulation to Spray in the Attic
  7. Ceiling Insulation Types
  8. Dense Blown Insulation Vs. Foam Insulation
  9. Cellulose Vs. Foam House Insulation
  10. Foam Vs. Foil Home Insulation
  11. About Roof Insulation
  12. Five Types of Home Insulation

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