Foam Insulations

       Foam insulation is a kind of insulation which is usually sprayed onto walls or into very small and hard to reach places. Although this type of foam insulation is more expensive than polystyrene and fiberglass insulations that is installed in preformed sheets or blocks, foam insulation is more effective in areas like attics, where there could be unfinished walls or ceilings. A satisfactory, solid home insulation is critical for the reduction of heating and cooling expenses, and also for the prevention of damage from moisture and rats.

Polyurethane foam insulation is then mixed with water, then it is sprayed under high pressure from pneumatic pumps. As the foam mixes with oxygen coming from the air, the water dries and the foam expands, then solidifies and is cured within a few minutes. The volume of the dry spray foam is about five to ten times more than that of the wet spray foam. Spray foam is also self-adhering to wall surfaces. Thus it possible to spray this type of foam under the floor without taking down the floor, and it is also very easy to apply it to ceilings compared to sheets of insulation that needed to be glued or stapled.

Polystyrene and fiberglass insulation may cover small holes, but they are not capable of sealing them. Spray foam insulation can expand to fill up crevices, and it can be easily applied into places which other types of insulation cannot reach. The foam will prevent not only the entrance of hot and cold air, but it can also stop insects, rodents and other vermins, and water too. Spray insulation is typically used in newly built houses as they are being constructed, but they can also be used in already existing buildings to properly insulate places that the old fiberglass insulation cannot reach, or in crevices/cracks that had developed as the structure was erected.

Unlike polystyrene/fiberglass insulation, the spray foam insulation is capable of being airtight and watertight. Because it can expand to completely fill the place where it was applied, it also creates an airtight seal preventing air from coming in or out. Hot air will not mix with cold air and create moisture inside the walls, which then stops the buildup of high quantities of moisture that can cause walls to rot.

Spray foam insulation is usually used in combination with fiberglass or polystyrene insulation. Spray foam must be applied by professionals for large-scale jobs, because if too much spray foam is used, it can also crack walls or destroy pipes, and a very inexperienced user can end up with foam insulation bulging out in unwanted areas. Kits are readily available for DIY jobs, usually to make repairs around your home.

Foam insulation board

       Foam board insulation is an excellent solution for insulating your walls and attics. It is available in three different types - polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. You'll need to learn and understand about the use for each of the type of foam board insulation before you buy. Attics usually suffer from moisture problems that is why it is very important that you select the right type of foam board so that you are properly protect against water vapor.

If you are looking to buy any type of insulation, then you must also know the safety regulations required for the area. For example, various areas of your home will need fireproof or flame resistant materials. Installation of the wrong type of material may result in unexpected problems. Knowing this facts before you begin any of your home project is extremely important.

Polystyrene insulation is usually the most expensive of the three types but it is also the strongest. There are many different kinds of insulation that you may use inside your home, and selecting just one to install inside your home can be a bit overwhelming. If you want the best in your home but you don't want to spend large sums of money on it, this is where the difficulty in choosing comes in.

Rigid Foam Insulation

       There are 3 different types of rigid foam board insulation these are; polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. Each type has its own use, and some are better suited for some specific purpose. We will talk about the uses and safety measures that you should take when installing them in attic insulation. Let's talk about polystyrene first. This kind of insulation uses deep, high intensity heat and high pressure to mold them into shape. This is best used in walls and in installing attic insulations. Although it is generally more expensive compared to the other two, its characteristics makes it a very strong and more durable compared to the others. The next type of rigid foam insulation is what we call the bead board. It is made in a way that bead expands to fit, which makes a better insulated area. This type of insulation is usually found in day to day products.

Due to the bead spacing, some moisture is allowed to be absorbed. The last type is polyisocyanurate and polyiso foam boards. Because of their high strength and great durability to withstand very high temperatures, they are ideal when installing attic insulations. It has a great moisture barrier property when it is applied with the aluminum foil facing. There are also some things that you will need to know before using the rigid foam insulation. Let us discuss the flame retarder. This kind of product takes a lot to ignite but if ignited, it will burn in a steady manner. Sometimes it would smolder. Safety regulations require everyone to use flame resistant materials like panel, gypsum wall board, or dry wall over the insulation.

It also degrades in direct sunlight so when you are installing an attic insulation, it needs to be protected with acrylic silicone, rubberized paint asphalt, roofing felt, or tar. Bugs also like to make nests on the insulation so when you are insulating those basement or floors it would be a good idea to use some insecticide on the insulation. You can also place the insulation on the inside to discourage bugs. Rigid foam insulation can soak in water and also traps moisture.