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Common DIY Spray Foam Mistakes To Avoid

The idea of spray foam as a better insulator is becoming increasingly popular by the day which is causing many property owners to try their hand at installing it themselves. Since it’s just a foam that you spray onto the area you want to insulate, it should be pretty easy, right? Before you get started, the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando want to warn you of common mistakes to avoid and why might be better to call a spray foam company to do it for you.

The Most Common Mistakes

Too many people believe that they can just buy a spray foam kit and spray away. This is a fast way to waste your money because it actually takes some prep work, a decent amount of knowledge, and the right techniques to really get the most benefit out of your spray foam insulation. That being said, plenty of people have made the same crucial mistakes when applying their spray foam:

• Applying spray foam that is too hot or too cold won’t settle properly, thus affecting its structural integrity and effectiveness.
• Failing to keep the atmospheric temperature in mind can prevent your spray foam from curing the right way and making it brittle.
• Spraying on the foam too fast can cause it to not achieve the thickness that it’s supposed to rise to.
• Spraying too much foam will make it difficult or impossible to cure properly.
• Going too cheap on the product will end up in overall poor insulation which will defeat the purpose of switching to spray foam in the first place.
• Ignoring your spray nozzle can lead to an inconsistent application process leading to uneven layers of coating.

Reasons Why People DIY Their Spray Foam

With so many things that can go wrong, why would anyone want to choose to do it themselves? Most of the time, people choose to DIY their spray foam insulation solely to skip the cost of labor and they think that it’s easy enough to wing it. However, going this route will prove to bite you later by presenting you with additional costs that could have been avoided by calling a qualified professional from the get-go.

Why It’s Better To Call A Professional

If your DIY spray foam ends up in poor insulation quality, it will end up costing you much more to fix it later on through maintenance and repairs, or simply the cost of having it completely redone from scratch. It can take years of education and training to effectively apply spray foam for maximum efficiency, and that’s not something that can be achieved overnight after watching some online videos. The bright side is that hiring a professional might not be as costly as you might think as long as you know where to look!

The Benefits of Spray Foam (When Done Right) ● Fewer drafts that can overwork your air conditioner ● Reduced moisture which can build up and affect the structural integrity of the building and induce mold growth ● Lower energy bills from reduced HVAC usage ● Fewer bugs and other pests that could slip through the cracks in poor insulation

Call Foam Bear Orlando Today!

Want to make sure your spray foam insulation is installed the correct way the first time around? Call the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 to hear more about our products and services before receiving a free estimate!

Can Termites Eat Through Spray Foam?

You’ve likely heard many stories about homeowners dealing with termite worms after installing spray foam insulation. It seems to be a common enough occurrence that many people tend to draw misconceptions about the material attracting these bugs and leading them inside the home. However, proper research will show you that it’s not the insulation itself at fault, but rather the lack of preparations when getting it installed. The professionals at Foam Bear Tampa will teach you the truth about whether termites can eat through spray foam.

The Attraction Of Spray Foam To Termites (There Are None)

People often believe that spray foam insulation acts as a substantial source of food for termites, with the giant wall basically being an endless supply to these bugs. In truth, spray foam doesn’t actually offer any nutrition at all. There is nothing about the material that would draw them in, and there is nothing for them to gain. So then why are there so many claims about termite infestations after spray foam installation? This is because termites can still technically burrow through the foam, but they will only do so if given a reason. The trick is knowing how to properly prepare for your spray foam installation so that this doesn’t occur.

Keeping Your Home Termite-Free

One of the main mistakes that people make when installing spray foam is that they don’t check for termites first. They’ll apply the foam over the area where the existing termites are living, and when the termites burrow through to escape, it creates the misconception that the bugs are drawn to the substance. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prevent this.

Proper Spray Foam Installation

An expert in spray foam will know how to install the insulation in a way that would allow bug control professionals to effectively inspect the area for termites and treat the problem accordingly. With an improper spray foam application, there is no way for these termite experts to thoroughly inspect your home and take the necessary measures. Poor insulation can cause other problems around the house as well which makes hiring a professional even more crucial.

Top-Grade Spray Foam Insulation Spray foam can come in two different kinds: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell foam is commonly used to cover wide areas since it has a greater expansion radius while still providing adequate protection. If you’re worried about termites, try asking your local spray foam professional about using denser closed-cell foam in spots where termites might be so that they have a harder time burrowing through your insulation.

Other Pest Control Methods

When it comes to termites, it also helps to prepare your home in other ways. For instance, pay attention to the type of wood that your home is made of and if you could benefit from adding sealant to some spots. There are also some pesticides that you can place in areas that termites are known for occupying, or you can block them out with metal panels.

Handle Termites With Expert Spray Foam Installation!

For spray foam installation that allows for easy termite control when needed, contact the professionals at Foam Bear Tampa! Call (727) 580-1090 today to ask about our products and for more information about our application process.