SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM (SPF) is an insulation and sealant like no other. It can form a continuous air barrier on walls, roofs, around corners, and on many surfaces in and around a home or building. It is created at the jobsite by mixing two liquids that react very quickly, expanding on contact to create rigid foam. It not only insulates, but seals gaps, and some foams can form a barrier against moisture and vapor.
By creating a tight barrier around a building, SPF helps prevent hot and cold air, moisture and vapor from infiltrating a building’s comfortable interior environment. SPF insulation is known to resist heat transfer extremely well, and it offers a highly effective solution in reducing unwanted air infiltration through cracks, seams and joints.
Learn more about spray foam and about polyurethanes.
Indoor Environment and SPF
Generally, the building occupants and others not involved in the spray foam application are instructed by the professional contractor and SPF installer to vacate the building or a designated areaaround the jobsite during the application process and for a specified time after application.
Before the job, consult with your professional contractorand SPF installer to determine the appropriate reoccupancy time—that is, how long after the job is completed before you should enter the building. The amount of time varies based on a number of factors, including the type of spray foam used, the amount of foam applied per volume of space, temperature, humidity, the degree of ventilation and other variables.
SPF insulation can improve indoor air quality and the indoor environment by closing cracks and leaks that allow allergens and pests to enter the home. It can also eliminate drafts around windows, doors, attics, and floorboards, providing you with greater temperature control.
By air sealing a home or building, SPF insulation can help keep the air you want in and can help maintain a desirable indoor temperature at lower energy costs.