FAQ

When properly installed, spray foam should last 80-100 years (or the lifetime of your home, barn, or commercial building). This long lifespan is due to its durability and resistance to chemical breakdown.

Yes, the U.S. government has certified that borate is safe when used as part of home or commercial insulation.

This type of home insulation refers to thick clumps of material, such as cellulose or fiberglass. The insulation is blown into walls and attics to improve heat exchange in your building.

We install two types of blown-in insulation:

• Blown-in Cellulose Insulation. Blown cellulose is typically made from recycled paper. Cellulose is known for its excellent thermal performance and sound absorption qualities.
• Blown-in Blanket Insulation. Blown blanket (BIBS) is made from fiberglass. It's an efficient and eco-friendly option for insulating your home or business.

Both types of blown-in insulation can improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort.

Yes, like most building products, spray foam will burn in the presence of a flame. However, SPF is a thermoset material and will char and flake when burned, it will not melt and drip like a foam coffee cup. Additionally, most commercially available spray foams, intended for use in construction applications, meet Class I fire standards with a flame spread index of less than 25 and a smoke developed index of less than 450.

Yes, spray foam insulation is considered flammable. No matter what a salesperson may try to convince you of, all foam plastic materials must be considered flammable in accordance with the IBC (international building code). However, it’s important to note that different manufacturers of spray foam insulation offer different levels of flammability.

Yes, many types of insulation contain borate, which has fire-resistant properties. The best blow-in insulation brands have a Class A fire rating, which is the best rating you can find for reducing the spread of fire. This rating means a type of insulation withstands fire than other classifications.

Spray Foam Insulation is commonly referred to as SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) and is comprised of two liquids: an “A” side and a “B” side. The “A” side of a spray polyurethane system is usually comprised of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). The “B” side is typically a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agent, flame retardant, and surfactant, although the chemical compounds vary per manufacturer. The “A” side & “B” side chemicals come in separate drums, and when combined, a chemical reaction forms the polyurethane spray foam.

The best products are made of recycled paper materials, such as newspaper or cardboard. Other materials are made of glass or waste minerals.

Inhaling smoke results in a lack of oxygen and all smoke is dangerous, spray foam is no different. Breathing in smoke from burning foam is not recommended.

Yes, because blow-in cellulose insulation fills gaps better and has a higher R-value.

Cellulose insulation carries an R-value of 3.8 per inch, while batts and fiberglass rolls typically have an R-value of 3.2 per inch. This means that the more inches of insulation you add, the better it insulates versus the same thickness of batts or rolls.

R-value requirements are typically based on local code regulation.

In many climates, common R-values are:

• R-13, R-19, and R-21 for walls
• R-30, R-38, and R-49 for attics

An appropriate R-value is necessary to get optimal performance from a building envelope. However, proper air sealing, like spray foam, is even more critical than the R-value.

Do you need help with a residential or commercial insulation project and are unsure which R-value you need? Our free energy analysis can help. We'll assess factors like insulation, air leakage, windows, and HVAC to pinpoint areas for improvement. Book your consultation today.