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Does Spray Foam Insulation Attract Mold? No, Here’s Why

With so many people trying to sell their own products, it can be difficult getting a straight answer as to which types of insulation are prone to attracting mold and which ones can defend your property against it. No need to worry because we have your honest answer! Learn more about how spray foam insulation doesn’t attract mold and how Foam Bear Tampa can provide you with expert installation for the results that you’re looking for.

How Mold Grows Where You Can’t See It

Mold growth in tight areas like crawlspaces and small, unoccupied attics is a valid concern because it can be difficult detecting the signs before they escalate. Unless you’re a hired contractor, you wouldn’t normally take the time and effort to peek into your walls to check for any indicators of mold. But how does mold get into these spaces, to begin with? The stark contrast between hot and cold air is often followed by traces of moisture in the air. When moist air slips through the cracks and into your crawlspaces, it creates the optimal environment for mold to grow and spread. To the average person, it can seem nearly impossible to notice the signs until they start reacting with health-related symptoms.

Why You Want To Avoid Mold At All Costs

When mold grows in your crawlspaces and attic, it’s not contained to just those spaces. Even if you can’t directly see it with your own eyes, your body may react to the presence of mold in other ways. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and sometimes skin irritations. Mold growth can also cause the building’s structure to become weaker and prone to caving under pressure. This is why it’s crucial to make sure your property is prepared to defend against mold, and installing spray foam insulation is a great way to do it.

Spray Foam: The Best Guard Against Mold

There are many misconceptions about spray foam being able to house mold and support its growth, but the exact opposite is true. Even under extreme circumstances, there’s nothing about the composition of spray foam that makes it ideal for mold. Depending on the type of spray foam, the chemical layout can fend off mold in a couple of ways. For instance, the density of closed-cell spray foam is able to repel moisture because water droplets aren’t able to penetrate the surface. Open-cell spray foam has the capacity to take in moisture, but the water often dries up long before it can cause any damage.

Another way that spray foam combats mold growth is by sealing up air leaks so that hot and cold air isn’t able to meet. Effectively sealing up these gaps can also help your AC run at peak efficiency to better regulate the air thus preventing the creation of moisture from extreme temperatures. And of course, spray foam can be applied in unseen areas like crawlspaces and attics where mold would normally grow undetected.

Get Expert Spray Foam Insulation In Tampa!

For professional spray foam installation that can fight against the growth and spread of hazardous mold, call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 to learn more about how our high-quality products can benefit you! Our friendly and knowledgeable team will tell you everything you want to know before giving you a free estimate on your next spray foam installation.

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In What Areas In Your House Should You Not Use Spray Foam?

You may have heard about the many ways that spray foam insulation is the superior material to be used for home insulation, but are there parts of the home where it’s actually not a good idea to have it installed? This easy and long-lasting form of insulation is among the best and can be safe as long as it’s handled properly. That’s why the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando will be teaching you the areas in your home where you shouldn’t be using spray foam, or at least how to use it safely.

Steer Clear Of Direct Living Spaces

As with any type of insulation, it’s best to apply spray foam in confined spaces like inside walls and crawl spaces where people won’t be in direct contact with it. Although spray foam is generally safer than other materials like fiberglass in the sense that it doesn’t deteriorate and leave behind particles as quickly, it’s still best practice to keep it away from areas with high foot traffic like living rooms and bedrooms, at least when it’s applied without a top coat or barrier to act as a layer of protection. Either way, proper application can help keep residents from getting sick from exposure.

Pay Mind To Potential Fire Hazards

One of the major concerns with insulation has to do with fire-related risks. Some types of insulation like cellulose or loose-fill materials are capable of catching fire almost immediately, but spray foam insulation is a special case. Spray foam is often considered passive fireproofing because it has a higher fire resistance compared to other materials. This means that it can resist catching fire for a while and allow you more time to evacuate safely. Even still, it’s best to try and avoid installing spray foam insulation too close to potential fire hazards even with the protection of thermal barriers which can provide it with even greater fire resistance.

What About Moisture-Prone Areas?

Mold growing in insulation is a common occurrence with traditional materials like fiberglass, especially in water-prone areas of the home like bathrooms, but you won’t have to worry about that as much with spray foam insulation. The properties of spray foam are water resistant which means that it is able to repel moisture better than other types of insulation. There’s less chance of water penetrating the material and increasing the risk of mold growth. But to ensure that your home is equipped with these moisture-repellent properties, it’s best to leave the installation to the professionals since there are many things that can go wrong with DIY spray foam installation.

The Safest Way To Live With Spray Foam Insulation

Even though spray foam is ideal for avoiding, preventing, or assisting with the usual concerns with insulation in the home, you’ll only get the best results if you leave the application to skilled and trained professionals who know what they’re doing. Spray foam isn’t as simple as just spraying it where you want it and leaving it be. It takes proper planning and careful application techniques to achieve the desired effect, and Foam Bear Orlando can provide you with premium spray foam insulation with expert handling in Florida.

Call Foam Bear Tampa For Premium Home Insulation

Looking for spray foam insulation for your home? Call Foam Bear Tampa at (727) 580-1090 for high-quality spray foam products installed by qualified professionals. Receive all the wonderful benefits of spray foam insulation in your home with less worry by contacting our team of professionals today!