Benefits of Sprayfoam

With some of the best u values available, Sprayfoam technology improves heat management effectiveness and comfort. Spray applied polyurethane is a versatile insulation and barrier that creates a continuous air barrier on numerous surfaces in homes or structures, including soffits, ceilings and walls at first fit or retrofit. 

It is created by mixing two components in the applicator, a resin and a isocyurnate that expand to create a foam when mixed.

Open cell has a lower u-value per m2 than closed cell and is usually 30% cheaper. Due to the lower u value, open cell should be applied in a thicker coverage. Due to this, it lends itself to areas that offer more space, such as lofts and between floor joists. 

In most cases low density is used in confined spaces like stud walls and sloping ceilings due to its breathable density. It’s excellent for reducing airborne sound levels too.

Closed cell is a more expensive option, but that investment is paid back in a higher u-value and a much tougher, durable product. Due to its adhesive nature and rigidity once set, it can also provide increased strength to commercial and industrial structures.

Air leakage and Infiltration 

Up to 40% of a building's energy loss is due to cold air infiltration. Gaps and holes allow precious heating and air conditioning to be wasted and increased energy costs. The estimate by Government departments is 56% of a home's energy is used for heating and cooling.

As a distinct advance in technology and alternative to cellulose, mineral and fibreglass insulation, Sprayfoam technology negates heat transfer and seals gaps. The product creates a seamless barrier and prevents hot and cold air, vapour and moisture from infiltrating a building's interior. 

Energy savings 

When introduced Sprayfoam expands to insulate and fill gaps and holes to provide a seamless air seal. According to The Independent Energy Consulting Group, using polyurethane insulation can reduce your heat loss through the roof by 45%. That’s massive in todays environment of ever increasing energy bills. Furthermore, unlike other forms of insulation, you never need to replace or increase its depth. It’s a one fit installation for the life of the building.

Sprayfoam technology can be utilised to seal areas that typically are hard to access traditionally, that have air leaks such as:

• Plumbing vents
• Lofts
• Wiring gaps
• Cellars
• Basement rim joints
• Windows and doors
• Open soffits 
• Ductwork 

Thermal insulation and u-values 

Sprayfoam technology offers superb thermal performance and the highest u values (a measure of thermal resistance) per m2 for better potential energy retention as against other forms of insulation of comparable depth. The lower the u-value the greater the insulating qualities of the material.

U-values for Sprayfoam technology are shown in the graph below. To further demonstrate the effectiveness, if all the millions of single family homes in the U.K. used Sprayfoam, residents could save at the very least 30% of their heating costs. That’s even with 100 mm of traditional fibreglass / mineral wool.