Category: Uncategorized

Is Spray Foam Considered Passive Fireproofing?

Fire hazards are always a viable concern for any type of building, but what can you do to help protect yourself should an accident occur? For the best chance of making, it out of an emergency situation safely, you may want to upgrade your property with some passive fireproofing components. Does spray foam insulation fall into that category? The experts at Foam Bear Tampa are here to show you how you can equip your home to better handle fires.

Understanding Class Fire Ratings

When it comes to fire-resistant features, there is a system referred to as the class fire rating. Since most components are resistant to fires rather than being completely fireproof, it’s more practical to judge them by how long they can fend off flames rather than if they’re impervious to flames or not. These class fire ratings typically go by the number of hours a structure can last before combusting. For example, having a “class 1 hour” fire rating means the structure can resist flames for an hour before it’s prone to igniting. This is especially helpful as it can give people enough time to properly and safely evacuate the premises.

Building Components With Fire-Resistant Properties

Having fire-resistant elements with class fire ratings is nice to have for your property, but what type of building features qualify for passive fireproofing? Anything that can slow down the spread of flames is applicable, including:

• Fire doors, window frames, walls, floors, and ceilings that have a fire-resistant coating
• Fire-resistant glass panes
• Coated cables
• Anything that gets in the way of flames entering openings like vents
• Spray foam insulation with a class fire rating

Types of Fire-Resistant Spray Foam Insulation

People often wonder whether or not spray foam insulation is flammable. While spray foam is technically considered flammable, top-grade closed-cell spray foam insulation comes with a class 1 hour fire rating meaning that it can help stop the spread of the fire for a safer means of escape. While you shouldn’t completely rely on it to protect you, it will certainly give you more time to evacuate. This is why spray foam insulation can be considered passive fireproofing to some degree.

Out of the different types of available spray foam insulation, closed-cell foam is the denser type which is how it’s more likely to repel natural elements like fire, air, and moisture. It’s commonly applied to corners and crevices where there’s direct exposure to the outside, ensuring adequate protection. Open-cell spray foam is still a great insulator, but closed-cell is the better choice when it comes to preparing for fire-related accidents.

Where to Get Closed-Cell Spray Foam In Tampa

Want to equip your property with fire-resistant properties? Huntsman-brand closed-cell spray foam from Foam Bear Tampa has a class 1 hour fire rating which can help you in case of a spreading fire. Your safety is our priority which is why we will install your spray foam with the utmost care and precision for the best possible application. Call us today at (727) 580-1090 for a free estimate!

Is Spray Foam Insulation Waterproof?

If your home is frequently exposed to rainfall or humidity, you may want to consider getting waterproof insulation to keep water from getting inside. But what harm could a bit of water do to your home, and what kind of insulation can help keep it at bay? The experts at Foam Bear Orlando are here to teach you about the waterproof qualities of spray foam and how it can protect your home.

Why Insulation Needs to Be Waterproof

Whether you have poorly installed insulation, or your current insulation doesn’t have waterproof qualities, your home could be at risk of many unpleasant conditions. The main culprit is mold which only needs a bit of moisture to grow and spread. Mold in your home poses a risk to your health and can cost much in repairs. When cold water finds its way inside, it can make the entire house cold thus making your AC work overtime. By replacing your old insulation with a newer waterproof material, you can avoid certain illnesses while being comfortable in your home. Spray foam insulation is the only type of insulation that can effectively achieve these kinds of results.

How Spray Foam Reacts to Moisture

There are two different kinds of spray foam, and they each react differently to moisture in a way that benefits your home. Closed-cell spray foam has a dense composition that is able to repel moisture. This is a great first line of defense in an attempt to keep moisture from finding its way inside from the get-go. Open-cell spray foam is more expansive meaning it’s not as dense as closed-cell foam, but it’s capable of absorbing and drying out any trapped moisture before it can grow any further and become a larger problem. This works amazingly as a backup layer of defense against the elements. With the two types of spray foam working together, it will be as if your home has a nearly impenetrable shield that can also reduce condensation buildup.

Which Kind Should I Use?

Both closed and open-cell spray foam sound fantastic, but which one should you actually go with? That depends on the exact area in need of attention. Cracks and gaps that are directly exposed to the outdoors, like in corners and crevices, can benefit from the density of closed-cell spray foam. Open-cell spray foam is great for widespread coverage of an area for adequate protection. If you’re still unsure of what kind of spray foam should go where, you can’t go wrong with hiring trained and experienced professionals to handle the job for you!

Where to Get Waterproof Spray Foam Insulation In Orlando

The experienced and licensed experts at Foam Bear Orlando know exactly how to evaluate your home and determine the best spots for the different types of spray foam and apply it with precision. The moment you first speak with our friendly staff, you know you’re in good hands for a safe and comfortable home. Call (727) 580-1090 to get started on a free estimate! You can also ask us about any current deals that we might have by scheduling a consultation with us.