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Is Spray Foam Flammable?

One question we get asked often is whether or not spray foam is flammable. You’ll soon find that the answer isn’t so simple. Let the experts at Foam Bear Tampa fill you in on the fire-resistant properties of spray foam insulation!

Does Fireproof Insulation Exist?

To tell the absolute truth, every type of insulation is technically flammable to some degree. But despite there being no fully fireproof option, some types are still more fire-resistant than others. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind when choosing an insulation company near you for your next home insulation project so you can know exactly what to expect. When in doubt, you can always ask your local licensed contractor!

The Difference Between Fireproof and Fire-Resistant

These two descriptors are constantly thrown around as if they’re interchangeable but knowing the difference between being fireproof and fire-resistant could save you some confusion when it comes to purchasing certain products. Fireproof implies that something is completely impervious to fire no matter the conditions. Fire resistance, on the other hand, is more accurately defined as something that can hold off heat and fire damage for a certain duration.

Class Fire Ratings Explained

Now that you understand that insulation is fire-resistant rather than fireproof, we can move on to class fire ratings. These ratings let you know how well a certain type of insulation can resist heat and flames until it’s prone to becoming flammable and is usually measured by a set amount of time. For example, a “class 1 hour” fire rating means that the insulation can endure up to an hour of a fire hazard. You can always ask your local spray foam contractors about the class fire rating of your spray foam insulation when getting it installed.

Fire-Resistant Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation has among the best fire resistance out of most other forms of insulation, especially fiberglass. In comparison, some spray foam products are designed to self-extinguish flames in the aftermath of an accident to help lessen the blow, but poor insulation like fiberglass can have a higher chance of exacerbating flames which can prolong the duration of a fire.

What Kind of Spray Foam Is Best?

Closed-cell spray foam has a high-class fire rating to give you more time to evacuate the premises in the case of a spreading fire. While insulation isn’t completely fireproof, every single second counts when it comes to your safety and well-being in the midst of a disaster. Just make sure that you go with the best spray foam company in the area!

Top-Rated Spray Foam Insulation in Tampa

At Foam Bear Tampa, we sell both open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation from top brands for your comfort and safety. Call us anytime at (727) 580-1090 to ask about the fire-resistant properties of our spray foam insulation so you can be prepared for anything! Your safety is our top priority and the amount of care and detail that we put into our work is a testament to our values. When you come to us, you’re in good hands!

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Can Spray Foam Insulation Help Reduce Condensation in My Home?

When a house is equipped with poor insulation, you’re more likely to see rot and mold plaguing the walls. This is due to condensation forming inside the building, but how does that happen? Foam Bear Tampa will let you in on the secret to condensation and how spray foam insulation can prevent this occurrence.

What Causes Condensation in the Home?

As you might have guessed, mold is the result of moisture building up in a certain spot until the area becomes comfortable enough for bacteria to thrive. But how does that moisture get inside the house in the first place? Moisture is carried through the air, and so any existing air leaks act as a pathway for water molecules to travel inside. These air leaks are typically the result of poorly-installed or outdated insulation. Any minor gap or crack is all that’s needed to instigate this phenomenon. If left unchecked, the moisture collects and grows until it promotes a hazardous environment. The presence of mold can induce allergic reactions, sneezing, coughing, and even permanent damage to the lungs. Needless to say, keeping your home moisture-free is crucial.

How Spray Foam Insulation Prevents Moisture Buildup

To avoid air leakage into your home, you’ll need the most efficient form of insulation that provides a completely tight seal while being resilient enough to last a lifetime. Spray foam insulation is the best type of insulation for the job! When it comes to spray foam, there are two different kinds to consider, both of them being a great choice for preventing condensation in the home:

  • Closed-cell spray foam doesn’t absorb water, which makes it a great moisture repellant.
  • Open-cell spray foam absorbs moisture, but dries it up so it cannot do any damage.

It’s common for contractors to utilize the benefits of both types of spray foam for the most ideal setup in protecting your home against the elements. But no matter how good the foam is, having the right contractor makes all the difference.

Why Expert Installation Matters

Spraying a compound onto your walls may seem like an easy task at first, but there’s much more to it that only an expert in spray foam will know about. First, the home must be evaluated in order to find the best areas for applying the foam. Even if you know where to apply it, it’s still possible for spray foam to be completely ineffective if it’s not applied well enough to provide a completely tight seal. This is the most important step in ensuring that moisture doesn’t make it into the home. An expert will also know the correct thickness when applying and how to properly mix the compounds for maximum efficiency.

The Best Spray Foam Company in Tampa!

By consulting the spray foam experts at Foam Bear Tampa, we’ll make sure your home is sealed up nice and tight to prevent condensation from forming inside of your home. Closing up any gaps for air leaks will also save you a great deal of money on your energy bill due to a more efficient HVAC. Call us today at (727) 580-1090 for a free quote!