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What Is Spray Foam Insulation Made Of & Is It Safe?

Spray foam is foam. It’s in the name! But if you’re wondering about the exact compounds that make up the foam, you’re in the right place. The contents of spray foam insulation are a bit more complicated than the name lets on which is why we put together this useful guide to help you better understand what you’re putting in your home. To learn more about spray foam insulation, just ask your local spray foam experts at Foam Bear Orlando!

The Chemical Makeup of Spray Foam Insulation

To put it simply, spray foam insulation is a combination of isocyanate and polyol. While handling it without the proper expertise can be considered hazardous, leaving it to a professional can result in completely safe insulation. In fact, spray foam contributes to a healthy home by preventing mold, pests, and allergens from entering the premises!

Isocyanates are highly reactive organic compounds that are known to be used for many commercial polyurethane products involving plastics and foam.

Polyol is an organic compound containing multiple hydroxyl groups. They are flexible in their uses like sweeteners as a sugar alcohol and the production of polyurethane when fused with isocyanate.

Other chemicals that you might find in spray foam insulation to help boost its insulative properties include flame retardants, blowing agents, and more. Every product is different which is why it’s worth it to ask your spray foam installer about their product of choice before starting on the project.

Common Safety Concerns Regarding Spray Foam Insulation

Many people will tell you the chemicals that make up spray foam insulation are hazardous. This is a debate that has been going on for years because the answer is far from being clear as day.

One of the main safety concerns that homeowners worry about is the possibility of health hazards surrounding isocyanates like skin and eye irritations or respiratory issues. Exposure to off-gassing is also a common concern for those who question the safety of spray foam insulation.

While these are all technically valid concerns, it is only an issue when in the wrong hands. The trick is to hire seasoned professionals who know exactly what they are doing to guarantee your safety!

Negate Safety Hazards When You Call Spray Foam Professionals

The difference between DIY spray foam and expert spray foam application is astronomical. As a DIYer without official certification, the risks associated with spray foam insulation is incredibly high. Hiring a spray foam professional, however, can significantly reduce the risks with expert handling.

Spray foam experts pay attention to the following practices:

• Thorough vacuuming of old insulation during removal
• Avoiding misuse of spray foam compounds like heating or grinding
• Ensuring proper ventilation in the insulated space
• Knowing where not to apply spray foam to prevent fire hazards
• Allowing adequate time for curing and off-gassing

This might be a lot to take in, but that’s why hiring an expert spray foam installer to handle it with industry-level care is worth investing in your safety!

Trust the Experts at Foam Bear Orlando For Safe Spray Foam Installation!

As professionals who are passionate about spray foam insulation, you can trust us to equip your home with premium spray foam products all while keeping your safety at the forefront of our minds. Reach out to Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 to learn more about our installation process before requesting a free quote!

What Are The Best Places In An Attic To Insulate With Spray Foam?

“Insulate the attic,” they say, but does anyone ever tell you how? That’s what we’re here for. Find out how to properly insulate your attic and why you should rely on your local spray foam professionals at Foam Bear Tampa! We know exactly what to do for top-notch attic insulation and we make sure to touch up every little crevice for the best results.

The Roof Deck – Make Sure You Get the Edges!

Arguably the most important part of the attic to insulate is the roof deck. All of the common threats to your attic space hits the roof, first. That basically makes the roof of your home your very first line of defense (and hopefully the only defense you will need). You want to make sure your roof is able to handle everything Mother Nature has to throw at it and spray foam insulation can give it the support it needs to take on anything.

Consider using closed-cell spray foam for the roof deck for its ability to completely repel moisture, especially in rainy areas like Tampa.

Get Between the Roof Rafters Easily With Expanding Spray Foam

The roof deck should be your highest priority, but you shouldn’t forget your roof rafters underneath, either. Your roof rafters serve as the backbone of your roof deck. If that goes down, it all comes down. Adding spray foam insulation around your rafters can boost their structural integrity and promote a properly conditioned attic space at the same time. Spray foam professionals will know all of the best techniques for insulating between your rafters for optimal support.

Seal Off the Attic Floor – Separate the Attic Space From Below

If you don’t plan on incorporating your attic space with the rest of your home, your best bet is to separate your attic with spray foam insulation along the attic floor. This will prevent outdoor air that gets into your attic from leaking into your actual living space. To effectively pull this off, you will need to completely seal off the edges, corners, and gaps in the floor. A spray foam expert may utilize air leak or pressure tests to find these exploits for targeted spray foam touch-ups.

Spray Around Attic Penetrations But Do It Safely!

Lastly, you can benefit from adding spray foam insulation around any fixtures or appliances that may leave exposed areas to your livable space. Think chimneys, vents, and electric systems that can make your attic susceptible to air leaks. Targeting these areas can be a tedious task which is just one of the many reasons why you should leave it to the pros. Without the right knowledge or expertise, DIYing spray foam around these penetrations can lead to serious safety hazards.

Contact Your Local Attic Spray Foam Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Tampa

You can trust Foam Bear Tampa to insulate your attic with premium spray foam products and top-notch installation. We know exactly where to spray-foam your attic for a healthy and comfortable home, so call us today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate and to schedule an on-site consultation!