The Value and Types of Foam

To be effective, an insulation system must address six factors "(understanding insulation)":

• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
• Air infiltration
• Air Intrusion
• Moisture

Spray foam is applied to open cavities as a liquid and rapidly expands to completely seal any opening in the building envelope.  Our Air Krete retrofit foam is pumped into existing walls and flows to fill the cavities before setting up.  Both systems effectively address all of the factors listed.  In contrast to other insulation materials such a fiberglass and cellulose, which do not stop airflow, foam delivers. 

The advantages of foam insulation can be easily summarized:

Foam seals the building and stops drafts and noise.
Foam insulates the building with superior energy performance.
Foam keeps out pollutants, which improves indoor air quality.
Foam contains no loose fibers that can become airborne and cause an allergic reaction

In short, a home insulated with foam is more energy efficient, quieter and healthier.

At Pure Seal, we choose our foam based on the application:

Open cell spray foam (R = 3.5 to 4 per inch, installed weight 0.5 pound per cubic foot) offers the most cost effective way to build up R-value.  These products expand at a dramatic rate, typically 100:1, and they work well in most applications.  Water is used as the propelling agent in open celled foam.

Closed cell spray foam (R = 6 per inch, installed weight 1.7 to 2.0 pounds per cubic foot) is costlier per “R” but it does offer significant advantages in some applications.  It will act as a vapor barrier and because of its density, it will add significantly to the rigidity of a building.  Closed cell foam depends on chemical propelling agents.

Air Krete pumpable cementitious foam (R = 4 per inch) is ideal for insulation of existing wall cavities where spray foam can not be used.  Cementitious foam is an ultra light concrete.  It contains no petrochemical components, is non-allergenic and will not burn.  It can be used in framed and block walls with excellent results.