Jul 28, 2021 · Spray foam insulation can be airtight, insulating and vapor barrier, but it is also made of toxic chemicals that pollute indoor air and are hard to remove. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of spray foam insulation from a sustainability perspective.

Jun 30, 2023 · Spray foam dust is a byproduct of spray foam insulation that can harm indoor air quality and health. Learn how to test for spray foam dust and VOCs, and how to remediate them with HEPA vacuuming and air duct cleaning.

Sep 16, 2023 · Spray foam insulation can have negative health effects, including respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution.

Oct 19, 2024 · While spray foam insulation provides effective insulation properties, it is important to consider its fire hazards. Spray foam insulation is highly flammable and can contribute to the rapid spread of fire if not properly protected or treated with fire-resistant coatings.

Jul 2, 2024 · Spray foam insulation can cause various problems, from structural issues to health complications. It could even devalue your home. Find out more.

Oct 9, 2022 · Made from either polyurethane or polyisocyanurate, spray foam can seal small gaps and tight areas of home framing, but it isn’t the safest insulative material. In fact, the negatives to using spray foam insulation for homes might outweigh the positives.

Apr 8, 2024 · Learn why spray foam insulation can have problems and how to avoid them. Find out the truth about mold, odor, termites, airtightness, shrinking, and eco-friendliness of spray foam.

Nov 20, 2024 · There are many reasons why insulating with spray foam is a bad idea. Perhaps most obviously it doesn’t make sense to insulate under the roof slopes unless you want to actually use the loft space as accommodation – in which case a loft conversion would require much thicker layers of rigid PUR or PIR type insulation for example.

Mar 29, 2024 · Spray foam has increased in popularity due to several benefits, such as effectiveness and reduced energy costs. However, improper installation or exposure to spray foam dust can be catastrophic for your health or wallet. Once spray foam insulation is installed, it creates a tight seal within the home.

There are a lot of roofing and sheathing problems creeping up from spray foam installs. I much prefer rockwool for high efficiency insulation. The fundamental is that a wall or roof assembly with organic materials like wood always needs to vent in at least one direction. Unfaced mineral wool or fiberglass let’s this happen.

Mar 9, 2023 · For many high-performance-home builders, spray foam is a go-to solution due to its efficacy not only as a reliable thermal insulator but also as an air barrier, yet it comes with a weighty environmental penalty.

Jan 14, 2025 · Spray foam must be mixed and applied with precision. Poor technique or incorrect ratios can result in ineffective insulation . Temperature and humidity during installation can affect foam performance. If installed in cold or damp conditions, the foam may fail to adhere properly .

4 days ago · Spray foam insulation works by helping create an airtight seal, which is great for energy efficiency but can also lock in air pollutants. Have your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system inspected to help ensure airborne contaminants — such as fumes from the foam, carbon monoxide, humidity and even mold spores and dust mites ...

1 day ago · Spray foam is so permanent that people sometimes have concerns about its environmental friendliness and life cycle. However, spray foam insulation can be broken down by ultraviolet rays in the sunlight. When spray foam is exposed to sunlight, the color of the foam begins to change. What was initially a creamy white starts to turn yellow.

I put DIY spray foam insulation to the test and compared it to hiring professionals. I first tackled my basement playroom using a Froth Pak 200, but I quickl...

3 days ago · While spray foam insulation can be a popular choice for improving energy efficiency, Scearce's situation serves as a warning: bad installation can cost you more money and maybe also your health ...

3 days ago · Upgrading your attic insulation is one of the best investments you can make to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. If you’re considering spray foam insulation for your attic, there’s one crucial step to tackle first: removing the old insulation.Whether it’s fiberglass batts, blown-in insulation, or another material, removing old attic insulation is essential to …

5 days ago · Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) insulation is used in exterior roof and wall assemblies to effectively combine air/vapor/thermal barrier and sometimes weather barrier. A critical aspect of ccSPF is it can undergo post-installation dimensional changes that are problematic when they result in breaches of the intended barriers. This ...