Spray Foam Insulation
About IcyneneSpray foam insulation, also known as expanding foam is a broad term used to describe an effective insulator that can be used in many settings. Within this article, you will find all the information needed to gain a good understanding of what spray foam is, the types and products available and the costs.
If you are not familiar with foam insulation, it is a type of insulation that very energy efficient and versatile. Spray foam can insulate many areas including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, marine, agricultural, residential insulation, storage and many more. Information on Icynene insulation can be found in our Icynene guide.
Types of Spray Foam
There are 2 main types of spray foam cell structures… Open cell and closed cell.
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Open Cell
Open cell spray foam is generally used within residential properties due to its structural assets. You can think of open cell insulation as foam designed to expand more than closed cell insulation and is also less dense. These properties allow the home to become breathable whilst also being the most efficient at preventing heat loss. The open cell structure of spray foam would generally be used for loft insulation and all other residential areas.
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Closed Cell
Closed cell spray foam is a more rigid foam and is used in other areas such as containers or other metal-based structures. This form of insulation is used for its denser and impermeable properties to prevent things such as water or air leakage.
These types of insulation have 2 main differences:
- Open cell foam is suitable for homes to help keep them breathing and prevent timbers from rotting. Closed cell foam is suitable for metal structures or areas needing water-sealing.
- Closed cell spray foam is much denser than open cell spray foam and will require more to be sprayed to cover the same area.
Costs
The cost of spray foam itself is a little more expensive than your traditional types of insulation such as fiberglass. However, the money that spray foam can save you on your energy bills are extraordinary and can get you a return on your investment within 1-3 years. Your energy bills can be halved if using spray-in insulation.
The costs involved are listed below and are not to be taken strictly:
- £20 to £50 per square metre of spray foam
- £300 for a respirator including goggles.
- £100 for a boiler suit + gloves
- Upwards of £300 for a ventilation system, which is required for the correct installation.
Theoretically, you could do the installation yourself. However, it is highly recommended to get a certified spray foam installer for installing spray foam. It will be proven to save you much more time, money and efforts in the short and long run.
Click here to see a more in-depth guide on the costs of spray foam.
Different Products
Spray foam insulation products come in different forms each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here is a list to name a few:
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Icynene spray foam
Icynene is a versatile and environmentally friendly spray foam that excels at longevity and cost reduction. This odourless product can reach difficult places to ensure that your home is energy efficient non-toxic. This rodent-proof form of insulation can be used in all areas including loft insulation to effectively reduce interstitial condensation and heat loss.
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Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is a traditional spray foam that does lack in the odourless properties. It also lacks the ability to reach difficult places but is used more generally because of its awareness and sheer time on the market. Although the product is traditional, it doesn’t always mean that it is the best option on the market.
For more information on insulation comparison, click here to see our full guide on Icynene vs. Polyurethane.
Overview
In conclusion, foam insulation is a very cost-effective method of insulating any type of property/area. The advantages obtained from spray foam insulation beat any other form of insulation at a reasonable price.
There are 2 different types of expanding spray insulation each having their own application areas. The 2 main types are open cell and closed cell foam.
The insulation installation can be done by an individual at a high risk of increased costs or by a specialist contractor. The prices involved for an individual to insulate a 3-bedroom house can well exceed a £2000 benchmark and is prone to becoming detrimental in the long run.
There are different spray foam products on the market each containing pros and cons. These products all follow the same insulation method of being a spray in applicant to insulate houses and promote energy efficiency.
The spray foam insulation process should not be directed without the proper safety equipment and surroundings. This is highly recommended by past DIY installers as well as experienced professionals in the field. The reason for this is down the mishaps that can occur during the process which may result in a much higher bill than expected.
If you are interested in spray foam insulation you can obtain a free, no-obligation quote today just by following one of the links below.