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Injection Foam vs. Spray Foam Insulation – Our Comparison

Contrary to what you may believe, spray foam and injection foam are not the same thing. Just because they both consist of foam doesn’t mean they have similar traits or have the same uses. The professionals at Foam Bear Orlando aim to clear up this misunderstanding by comparing the differences between injection foam and spray foam insulation!

The Difference In Physical Attributes

Water and oil are both classified as a liquid, but one is clearly thicker than the other. In a similar concept, injection foam and spray foam have distinctly different properties despite them both being categorized as foam. Spray foam insulation is rather lightweight and expands shortly after it’s applied. On the other hand, injection foam does not expand and has a looser composition almost like a liquid (or as close as you can get to a liquid while still being considered foam). This may not sound like a big deal at first, but for someone who understands and installs insulation, the physical traits of each kind make a huge difference.

Comparing The Application Processes

To put it simply, injection foam is used to fill in a space while spray foam can be sprayed onto any surface. It’s like the difference between filling up a glass with water and spray-painting a wall. The consistency of applying spray foam is much easier to control for an even coating which is essential for peak effectiveness. And since it expands, you can minimize the amount of substances you use. Closed-cell spray foam can expand by one inch while open-cell spray foam can expand up to 3 inches which is ideal for covering more ground.

When To Use Spray Foam Over Injection Foam

If you were looking to use foam for the entirety of your insulation, whether you’re replacing existing foam or working on new construction, then spray foam would be the better choice. Injection foam is sometimes used to touch up (or retrofit) existing insulation that has degraded but it’s impractical for insulating your entire property. One of the main reasons is the fact that it doesn’t expand, so more material would need to be used to protect the entire building. Since spray foam can expand, it’s good for touching up poor insulation and providing full coverage when necessary.

Reviewing The Benefits Of Spray Foam Insulation

Other than being more practical and efficient than injection foam, spray foam insulation offers many more benefits that any property owner would be glad to have for long-lasting results. Of course, spray foam is an excellent insulator with an R-value of up to 7 which is enough to maintain ideal temperatures, but it can preserve the building in other ways. You’ll notice fewer pests, less chance of mold, and lower energy bills. This is because spray foam offers zero nutrients for bugs and wildlife, it’s unaffected by moisture, and it seals up gaps to prevent air leaks.

Call Foam Bear Orlando For Premium Spray Foam Insulation!

For high-quality spray foam insulation in Florida, call Foam Bear Orlando at (727) 580-1090 for a free estimate on our premium-grade products that are guaranteed to last! We offer both loved-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation to bring you optimal results backed by excellent service.

Does Spray Foam Insulation Need To Be Covered?

Upgrading to spray foam insulation is one of the best decisions you can make for your property, but you should also know how to use it safely. Many people apply spray foam without covering it afterward, but is that really safe? Today, the professionals at Foam Bear Tampa will be teaching you when you should be covering your spray foam to preserve your health.

How To Use Your Better Judgment

Spray foam is rather safe compared to other types of insulation, but just like those other methods, you should still avoid making direct contact with it or being in too close of a range. Does that mean spray foam should always be covered? That would be best practice, but it’s not always necessary. It all depends on the area of your home or property, and how often people occupy that space.

When To Cover Your Spray Foam

Since it’s best not to be near exposed spray foam, it should always be covered in areas that receive high foot traffic or are very livable. For homes, these areas would be your living room, kitchen, and any bedrooms or bathrooms. Commercial properties may be more strict with building codes by requiring a covering in all areas, but especially main entrances, lobbies, waiting rooms, and so on.

What About Attics And Crawlspaces?

When it comes to residential homes, you may choose to leave your spray foam exposed in areas where you don’t normally see. Crawlspaces are a great example since this is a spot where you would never go unless you are a contractor, but you could also get away with exposed insulation in your attic if you don’t use it. But to play it safe, you can never go wrong with installing a covering no matter what.

The Usefulness Of Thermal Barriers

If you’ve decided to cover your spray foam, thermal barriers are the most common and effective way to do it. Other than the health risks that may come with direct exposure, one of the other main reasons for covering spray foam is to decrease the chances of a fire. This reason alone is enough for someone to cover all instances of insulation even in areas that aren’t lived in. Spray foam on its own already has a higher fire resistance than most other forms of insulation, but that doesn’t mean this substance is completely invulnerable. In fact, the higher fire rating refers to how long it can prolong catching fire, not how well it can prevent it. But for greater safety in terms of fire hazards, thermal barriers add even more fire resistance to spray foam.

Tips For Being Safe Around Spray Foam

DIY spray foam installation is typically advised against because of the risk of exposure. If you don’t know the proper techniques for handling spray foam as you’re applying it, the health risks could be dire. Always leave it up to a professional who has the right knowledge and tools to get the job done safely. It is also a wise idea to allow the spray foam to fully cure before re-entering the property to give time for any particles to disperse.

Get Expert Spray Foam Installation At Foam Bear Tampa!

For the safest way to install spray foam insulation onto your property, call Foam Bear Tampa at (727) 580-1090 for a free estimate on your next installation. We know how to properly apply spray foam for optimal safety and efficiency so you don’t have to worry!