Category: Uncategorized

How Thick Should Closed-Cell Foam Insulation Be?

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is dense, there’s no question about that, but does it need to be a certain thickness for it to be effective? The requirement varies depending on the area being insulated, and it’s possible to go overboard with too much foam. The experts at Foam Bear Tampa will help guide you through how to properly apply closed-cell spray foam so you can achieve the best outcome!

Why Closed-Cell Foam Is the Better Choice

Open-cell spray foam is popular with homeowners who want to cover the most area on a budget, but there’s a reason why some people prefer closed-cell spray foam instead. They both have their advantages, but closed-cell foam has a higher r-value of 7 which makes it much more effective at regulating temperatures and saving energy. Much of this has to do with the density of the compound, plus its ability to close off gaps and repel water. Learn more about the ways that spray foam insulation preserves r-value before we move on to the exact measurements for closed-cell spray foam insulation.

Recommended Closed-Cell Spray Foam Thickness: Wall vs Roof Deck

Did you know that closed-cell spray foam can expand up to one inch? That might not be as much as open-cell foam which can expand up to three inches, but as you can probably guess, that has a lot to do with its dense structure. That’s why there are separate recommendations for each type when it comes to the thickness of each layer, and as promised, we’ll be going over closed-cell foam today:

Closed-cell spray foam needs to be 2-3 inches thick on the walls and 4-5 inches thick on the roof.

Why does there need to be a difference in thickness between these areas of the building? Wall insulation is important, but insulating the ceiling (or roof deck) is crucial because that’s the area that takes the brunt of most weather conditions. Therefore, it needs added protection from thicker insulation.

Read more > Can You Spray Foam the Underside of Your Roof?

Can I Stack Multiple Layers of Spray Foam?

The reason why we stick with the recommended measurements for spray foam insulation is because any more than that the solution won’t cure properly, resulting in poor results. But is it possible to add multiple layers on top of one another for added protection? That won’t work, either, and here’s why:

Closed-cell spray foam, when installed properly, will already give you the maximum amount of protection that it can offer. Piling more foam on top of it, even after it’s fully cured, won’t change the fact that your property will receive an R-value of 7. The only thing that you will accomplish by doing this is spending more time and money than you need to.

It can be easy to go over or under the recommended thickness for spray foam insulation which is why it’s always best to go with a reputable spray foam installer near you like Foam Bear!

Get Premium Closed-Cell Spray Foam at Foam Bear Tampa!

Reach out to Foam Bear Tampa at (727) 580-1090 to receive the best closed-cell spray foam experience! Whether you need to insulate your walls or roof deck, we have the tools and expertise to equip your property with exactly what it needs. Ask us about our flexible financing options to help you get started!

A Look Into The Lifespan Of Every Type Of Insulation

No one wants to replace their insulation every few years, and most people don’t. It’s better to call it one and done, but is there a type of insulation that could pull that off? Let’s find out together! Read up on the expected lifespans of these common insulation materials before reaching out to your reliable spray foam installers at Foam Bear Orlando for top-notch insulation near you.

Fiberglass Has the Shortest Lifespan

Being the most common type of insulation, fiberglass is known for its low cost and availability. Its biggest flaw, however, is that it carries the shortest life expectancy out of most other types of materials. But despite only lasting around 15 years, countless homeowners throughout the country neglect to replace it once it outlives its use, causing many homes to remain poorly insulated.

Read more > Spray Foam vs Batt and Roll Insulation

Cellulose Degrades Quicker Than Most

Those who have gotten wise to the downsides of fiberglass sometimes turn to cellulose as an alternative, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s that much better. Although cellulose has an average lifespan of 25 years, it doesn’t work well as an insulator primarily because of its inability to air-seal the property. It can also begin degrading as early as 15 years when exposed to moisture which is impossible to avoid in a state with stormy seasons.

Read more > Blown-In vs Spray Foam Insulation for Florida Homes

Mineral Wool Doesn’t Last In Florida

Like the previously mentioned insulation material, mineral wool also deteriorates faster in the moisture-ridden climate of Florida. As you can imagine, the softness of wool doesn’t offer the best protection against natural elements. That’s why the expected lifespan of mineral wool insulation spans 30 to 100 years depending on the location of the property, and in Florida, that would unfortunately be the lower end of the spectrum.

Read more > Spray Foam vs Mineral Wool Insulation For Florida Homes

Foam Boards Are Extremely Fragile

When untouched, foam boards can last a few good decades. However, assuming that styrofoam will stay perfectly preserved for that long is quite the reach. Like a foam cup, it wouldn’t take much for these boards to break or wear down from various elemental factors that can occur throughout the state. Because of how particular these boards are, they’re also not ideal for buildings with uneven walls and structures.

So far it’s looking like most insulation materials don’t seem to last any more than 30 years, especially in Florida. Spray foam is here to change that.

Spray Foam Easily Lasts a Lifetime

Spray foam is the top choice in Florida because it can last up to 100 years with proper installation even when exposed to moisture. This is achieved through expert innovation and practical design, being able to effortlessly air-seal buildings and repel moisture for guaranteed longevity. No maintenance required, no strings attached. The key is to make sure you hire qualified professionals for the task like the team at Foam Bear!

Learn more > Here’s How You Can Ensure Your Spray Foam Lasts Longer

Get Long-Lasting Spray Foam Insulation From Foam Bear Orlando!

For top-notch spray foam insulation near you, call Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 for a free estimate! We’ll gladly teach you everything you want to know about spray foam before treating your home with effective insulation that will last a lifetime. Ask us about old insulation removal for your convenience.