EcoPolySeal™
Spray Foam Insulation Indianapolis
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Spray foam insulation in Indianapolis is ideal for home insulation and commercial insulation projects. There are many advantages of spray foam insulation which is why it is a popular choice among home and business owners. Spray foam is the only insulation that can create an air seal and it has a high R-value that directly leads to energy savings.
Read on to find out more about what spray foam insulation is, why it is a great choice, some of the misconceptions of spray foam insulation in Indianapolis, where it should not be used, and other facts.
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What is Spray Foam Insulation?Spray foam insulation is essentially a mixture of two chemicals. These two chemicals are kept in separate containers and when mixed, they foam spray foam insulation. One part contains isocyanates and the other part contains a resin mixture. These are commonly referred to as side “A” and “B”.
When spray foam insulation contractors in Indianapolis install insulation, they mix these two chemicals at the job site itself. When the two parts react with each other, spray foam insulation is formed. Upon reaction, it expands between 30 to 60 times in volume. The history of spray foam insulation lies in the invention of polyurethane which was first invented in 1937 by Otto Bayer. It was first used for various applications like shoe soles, cushions, and industrial applications including airplanes in the 1940s. By 1979 polyurethane was used as an insulation material for building applications. Spray foam insulation in Indianapolis is of two types, i.e., open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam insulation. |
Why Use Spray Foam Insulation?
If you are wondering why you should use spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property, there are many reasons. Spray foam insulation is a great product that homeowners, as well as business owners, choose.
Are you experiencing high energy bills throughout the year because your building cannot maintain a constant temperature? Spray foam insulation may be the answer. When spray foam insulation is sprayed, it seals the building envelope and air cannot enter your home nor can it leak out.
Are you experiencing high energy bills throughout the year because your building cannot maintain a constant temperature? Spray foam insulation may be the answer. When spray foam insulation is sprayed, it seals the building envelope and air cannot enter your home nor can it leak out.
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When you air seal a building, air leaks are prevented and this means your HVAC system won’t have to run constantly. This cuts down the amount of money you spend on energy bills each month. Spray foam insulation in Indianapolis is the only type of insulation that seals every nook and cranny.
Spray foam also helps to prevent condensation. Condensation takes place when there is a great difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of your building. Condensation takes place when you have little or no insulation coverage. Spray foam insulation in Indianapolis prevents condensation from forming because it creates a barrier and the outside and inside air cannot meet. Another issue that most homeowners face is the formation of ice dams in the cold winter months. Ice dams form when water freezes on your roof and the heat loss from the attic melts the ice. This causes the water to run down your roof and create an ice dam at the gutters. When you use spray foam insulation on your roof, it can help prevent the formation of ice dams. This is because the warm and treated air in your home will circulate and head up to the attic. An insulated roof deck prevents the conditioned air from escaping through the roof. |
Misconceptions of Spray Foam Insulation
There are many misconceptions regarding spray foam insulation. Let’s take a look at some of them.
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Spray foam insulation ruins roof shinglesEarlier, many people believed that insulation was a source of heat. That is not true because the insulation is a barrier between two areas that have different temperatures. In the case of the “hot roof theory” with an unvented attic, the temperature of your roof does go up a little bit but not so much that it can cause damage to your roof shingles. There is no difference in the lifespan of shingles when you use spray foam as roof or attic insulation in Indianapolis.
Open cell spray foam absorbs waterIn the earlier days, open cell spray foam insulation used to absorb water like a sponge. Today some open cell spray foam products absorb water. However, if your insulation contractor uses a premium product, no water will be absorbed. In fact, one of the benefits of using open cell spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property is to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This is because the open cell spray foam allows water to pass through it but will not soak it up.
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You will have to leave your home for an extended periodDepending on the quality of the product that your insulation contractor uses, you will have to leave your home for a couple of hours. Premium spray foam insulation products require you to leave your home for only 4 to 6 hours.
Foam insulation cannot be installed during the winterFoam insulation can be installed during all weather conditions including the winter. It is only when the weather conditions are very harsh outdoors that workers cannot work outside since they may find it difficult. The season has nothing to do with the foam and if spray foam insulation needs to be installed indoors, contractors can easily install it.
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Spray foam insulation will shrink over timeSpray foam insulation in your Indianapolis home or office will not shrink if it is properly installed. Only the insulation that is not mixed or applied well will have adverse effects. Experience is a very important factor when it comes to installing foam insulation. This is why you need to hire a good insulation contractor who knows exactly how to install spray foam insulation.
Electrical wiring cannot be done when you install foam insulation in wallsWhen open cell or injection foam is used in walls as wall insulation, any type of wiring can be done because the foam is a pliable material and the fish tape can be pushed through it. If the wall is unfinished and still open, a section of the foam insulation can be cut with a knife.
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Spray foam insulation is completely soundproofIt is a common misconception that open cell spray foam insulation is soundproof insulation. However, in reality, it only reduces outdoor noise but will not completely eliminate it. Keep in mind that the location of your appliances, ductwork, pipes, and construction of your building also has an impact on sound. Open cell spray foam insulation is not 100% soundproof but it can dampen up to 80% of sounds.
Closed cell spray foam is superior to open cellEven though many contractors might tell you that closed cell spray foam insulation is better than open-cell spray foam insulation, both types of spray foam are good because they both create an air seal. Open cell spray foam insulation is relatively cheaper and can be used in houses. Closed-cell spray foam is more expensive but it is good to use in commercial buildings and pole barns.
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Using extra insulation is betterSometimes less is more. You could use plenty of cellulose or fiberglass as attic insulation or crawl space insulation, but this will not prevent air leakage as both cellulose and fiberglass insulation allows air to pass through it. On the other hand, only with 2 to 3 inches of spray foam insulation, your Indianapolis home can be completely insulated. This is because spray insulation blocks air out.
You cannot insulate exterior walls without tearing them downIt is not necessary to tear your walls down to install spray foam insulation in Indianapolis. Depending on what type of siding your home has, your exterior walls can be insulated using injection foam. The process is fairly simple because it involves removing the siding, drilling holes in the wall cavity, injecting the foam, and plugging the holes.
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Does Spray Insulation Need a Vapor Barrier?
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A vapor barrier is used to prevent moisture from diffusing to the wall. With traditional types of insulation like fiberglass or cellulose, a vapor barrier was often required. Vapor barriers are recommended to be used in very hot or very cold climates, but only when traditional types of insulation are used.
If you are using spray foam insulation for your Indianapolis home, a vapor barrier is not needed. This is because the spray foam itself acts as a vapor barrier. Spray foam is the only type of insulation that provides a complete air seal, acts as an air or vapor barrier, and a thermal insulator. However, you can always speak to your insulation contractor and find out whether you need a vapor barrier or not. |
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What is Off-gassing?
You may have heard that spray foam insulation off-gases. Off-gassings is a term used to refer to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when spray foam insulation is installed. It is true that spray foam insulation off-gases because it contains isocyanates. Isocyanates are highly reactive chemicals that cause off-gassing.
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Though off-gassing happens when spray foam insulation is installed in your Indianapolis property, you need not worry about it too much. This is because once the spray foam insulation is installed correctly and it completely cures, it does not off-gas anymore.
Curing time ranges between 24 and 48 hours for most spray foam insulation products. Nowadays, spray foam can cure as soon as 4 to 6 hours. Before your insulation contractor installs the spray foam insulation in Indianapolis, always speak to them regarding off-gassing and find out how long you will be required to leave your home. |
How Thick Should Spray Foam Insulation Be?
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As a homeowner, you may be wondering how thick spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property needs to be. Any good insulation contractor will tell you that an air seal can be created only if the spray foam is installed at the correct thickness.
Additional layers of insulation will provide a higher R-value, but that is not the only factor when it comes to spray foam insulation in Indianapolis. Besides the R-value, air sealing is more important. Using excess spray foam insulation in Indianapolis would only be a waste of resources. Even though there is no perfect number when it comes to the thickness of spray foam insulation needs to be, your insulation contractor will know how much to apply. The thickness of spray foam insulation will differ for attic insulation, wall insulation, crawl space insulation, and so on. For example, open cell spray foam is usually applied in a thickness between 6 and 10 inches on a roof deck. However, when it is being applied on the walls, the thickness is usually about 3 inches. When closed cell spray foam is used for the ceiling the thickness is between 4 and 5 inches but is about 2 to 3 inches when used on the walls. Always consult your insulation contractor to find out how much spray foam is needed for attic insulation, wall insulation, crawl space insulation, basement insulation, and so on. |
Can You Use Spray Foam Insulation Over Mold?
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You may be aware that spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis home or office helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew because it prevents moisture from entering a building. The short answer is yes, foam insulation can be sprayed over mold.
But spray foam insulation should not be directly installed over mold or mildew. This is because foam insulation sprayed over mold will not get rid of the root problem. The substrate that is affected by mold will continue to rot and this can cause problems with the building structure itself. Thus, before using spray foam insulation in Indianapolis in your home or commercial space, the mold has to be removed and the substrate needs to be completely clean |
Where Should Spray Foam Insulation Be Avoided?
Spray foam insulation can be used in almost all places within a building, but there are some places that it should be avoided.
- In areas close to electrical boxes - Insulation can be used between an electrical box and the wall outside but spray foam insulation should be avoided here. This is because spray foam can get inside the box and damage the parts. It is also flammable and there could be a risk of fire. It is best to use low-expanding foam in this area.
- In areas next to ceiling light boxes - Spray foam insulation in Indianapolis should be avoided near ceiling light boxes because too much of spray foam here can trap heat and increase the risk of fire. Some canister lights are fire-rated. But only a professional insulation contractor can advise you regarding this.
- Enclosed gravity spaces - It is always better to use injection foam in closed cavity spaces because spray foam insulation expands too fast. So, when insulating the enclosed cavities of brick exterior or walls, or between studs, spray foam insulation should be avoided.
- If you have a history of respiratory or skin diseases - The highly reactive isocyanates in spray foam can cause breathing as well as skin problems. If you have existing respiratory or skin issues, when you are introduced to isocyanates, these problems can be aggravated.
Why Hire a Professional Insulation Contractor?
Are you considering doing a DIY spray foam insulation project? While a DIY project may seem like a good idea, many homeowners do not have any training or experience using spray foam insulation.
You should not waste money trying to experiment with foam insulation. It is best to hire a professional insulation contractor so that you can enjoy the benefits of spray foam insulation in Indianapolis.
Some homeowners assume that installing foam insulation will only take a couple of days to complete, but when it comes to installing spray foam insulation in Indianapolis, there is no area for guesswork. Here are some reasons why it is best to hire an insulation contractor.
You should not waste money trying to experiment with foam insulation. It is best to hire a professional insulation contractor so that you can enjoy the benefits of spray foam insulation in Indianapolis.
Some homeowners assume that installing foam insulation will only take a couple of days to complete, but when it comes to installing spray foam insulation in Indianapolis, there is no area for guesswork. Here are some reasons why it is best to hire an insulation contractor.
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A contractor will install it rightOnly an insulation contractor can install spray foam insulation correctly the first time. Insulation contractors have proper training and the necessary equipment to do a good quality job. Since spray foam insulation needs to be mixed at the job site itself, it can end up becoming too thick or too thin and the problems of inconsistency may not allow it to properly stick to the substrate. Insulation contractors know exactly how thick or thin spray foam insulation should be.
SafetyProfessional insulation contractors have the protective gear and equipment to install spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis home or office. However, they also know how to remove the old insulation. If you try removing the old insulation by yourself you may be exposing yourself to mold and asbestos.
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KnowledgeableSpray foam insulation is of two types, i.e., open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam. An insulation contractor will know which type of insulation is best for a certain area in your home or commercial building. They have the experience and knowledge to help you decide which type of spray foam insulation to choose and install. Installing the correct type of spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property will help maximize the benefits. If you have any concerns or questions regarding spray foam insulation, the installation process, or any other queries, you can always ask your insulation contractor.
Avoid damageIt is very important to install spray foam insulation correctly to maximize benefits. Insulation is meant to last for many years. But incorrectly installed insulation could lead to issues that could have been prevented if an experienced and knowledgeable professional had installed it. Poorly installed insulation leads to problems like drafts, shrinkage, mold and mildew, moisture, and higher utility bills.
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Tips for Hiring an Insulation Contractor
It is important to hire the right person for the job when it comes to spray foam insulation in Indianapolis. Keep these following tips in mind:
- Speak to at least four or five different contractors and ask for a quote. This way you get a general idea about what each one is offering and common factors.
- Try to find a good contractor through a referral.
- Always ask for reviews and testimonials. Most professional insulation contractors in Indianapolis have a website with reviews.
- Hire local and ask for a warranty. If anything goes wrong with your spray foam insulation project you can always contact the insulation contractor immediately.
Safety Gear Used by Insulation Contractor
All professional spray foam insulation contractors take precautions and follow safety guidelines when using spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property. Spray foam insulation is safe only when it is installed correctly using the right equipment. Here is some safety gear that insulation contractors use.
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Skin protectionInsulation contractors dealing with spray foam insulation in Indianapolis use a full bodysuit for protection. The best type of bodysuit that is used for protective clothing is made out of chemically resistant material and is usually disposable. Bodysuits cover the whole body and prevent toxic chemicals from touching the skin.
GlovesGloves are available in different materials and sizes. Examples of different types are butyl rubber, fabric gloves, and PVC gloves. No matter what type of gloves the insulation contractor uses, care should be taken that it is chemically resistant and can fully protect the walker.
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Eye protectionAll our insulation contractors use eye gear while installing spray foam insulation in Indianapolis. Spray foam might splash into the eyes when it is being installed and other than this vapors, dust and aerosol can cause irritation.
RespiratorsAir Purifying Respirators (APRs) or Supplied Air Respirators (SARs) are used by most insulation contractors. Respirators help to supply clean and fresh air to the wearer and are an important part of protective equipment for spray foam insulation in Indianapolis.
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Contact Us
At EcoPolySeal, we have a team of insulation contractors who have the training and experience to install spray foam insulation. If you need to install spray foam insulation in your Indianapolis property, contact us today for further information. We also offer a free assessment and quote for all insulation projects, whether it is home insulation or commercial insulation.