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LICENSED, BONDED & INSUREDWe're committed to providing Lafayette, LA residents and businesses with safe and ethical spray foam insulation services.
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Spray Foam Insulation Lafayette, LAYour home is the largest investment you will make during your lifetime, so you want to take good care of that investment. Insulation is commonly overlooked or is an afterthought of many homeowners and builders. However, when you decide to use spray foam insulation from the beginning, you will notice a more comfortable home that has fewer moisture problems.
Spray foam is continuously improved and adapted for both residential and commercial construction. One long-term benefit of using professional insulation contractors in Lafayette, LA is our spray foam provides you with thermal comfort while keeping your energy costs down.
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But do you know what spray insulation is? Some of the more common questions about spray foam insulation are:
All of these questions will be answered here as we give you a fundamental understanding of spray foam insulation and the issues surrounding it. |
What Exactly is Spray Foam?
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Spray insulation, foaming insulation, or Spray foam insulation are all the same thing. Spray foam insulation is made up of a liquid solution that comes in two partes. The foam material air seals and insulates the area it is applied. The foam insulation comes separate in two 55-gallon drums, which include a resin and an iso. The liquids are separate until they are ready to be readied at the site.
Once at the job site, our qualified, licensed spray foam installer gets the materials ready. When applying the foam insulation, the liquids from the drums go through a warmed hose to a spray nozzle where they are combined and create a foam. That foam is sprayed on the area to be insulated. Once the foam hits the area, it quickly expands to fill each cavity of the surface. There are two types of spray foam insulation, which are open- or closed-cell. Depending on which type is used, the foam expands up to 100 times when it is applied. |
Two Types of Spray Insulation
Open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation are common in both residential and commercial construction, but they have some distinct differences.
Open-cellOpen-cell foam insulation is a low-density material that is generally used inside. It is also used in wall cavities, attics, crawlspaces, basements, and under roof decks. The open-cell construction of the foam allows for dampness control and two-way drying of the foam on the wall.
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Closed-cellClosed-cell insulation is medium in density and it is commonly used for exterior applications, continuous applications, and some interior applications. This type of insulation is ideal for small areas because of its higher R-value. If you need a higher R-value for code requirements, then closed-cell insulation is a good option.
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Benefits of Open-Cell FoamThere are many benefits to using open-cell spray foam insulation for indoor applications.
Some of these benefits include:
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Closed-Cell Spray Foam BenefitsClosed-cell insulation foam has advantages as well. It does have a higher initial cost, but will save money in the long run.
The benefits include:
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Comparing R-Value in Insulation
R-value is the thermal resistance measure of insulation. Generally, the higher the R-value the greater the insulation power. When it comes to open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation, there are some differences in R-values.
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Open-cell spray insulation is from R 3.5 to R 3.6 per inch. Since the open-cell spray foam is a low-density foam insulation, it means the R-value is a little lower than the closed-cell foam insulation. However, open-cell spray foam offers consistent thermal insulation and air sealing properties.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value from R 4.9 to R7.1 per inch. The higher R-value allows builders to achieve an R-21 in a three-inch pass. If you are unsure of what R-value you need, talk with a professional. We will help you understand what is best for your individual property. |
Why You Should Use Spray Foam
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Now that you know a little more about the types of spray foam insulation, we will go over the benefits of using spray insulation in Lafayette.
Whether you are insulating a new home or improving the energy performance of an existing home, it is important to understand the benefits of spray foam insulation in Lafayette, LA. You can save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs. This is done by making sure your home is properly insulated and air sealed. Spray foam insulation is ideal in this situation because it minimizes air leaks in walls and roofs. In fact, as much as 40 percent of a building’s energy is lost due to air infiltration. Each time you heat your home without proper insulation, it means up to 40 percent of that heat is leaving through cracks in your walls. The opposite is true as well. If you are trying to cool your home and it doesn’t seem to be working, it is because up to 40 percent of cooler air is escaping due to poor insulation. Properly sealing and insulating your home offers better indoor temperature control and provides a more comfortable environment for everyone inside. If you live in an extreme climate, good indoor temperature control will have a positive impact on your comfort and quality of life. There will be less waking up in the middle of the night sweating and fewer drafts coming through your floors. |
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If you suffer from allergies, you know just how bad allergy season can get. Did you know spray foam insulation can help relieve allergy symptoms? Spray insulation seals gaps to create a barrier against dust, pollen, and insects.
Air-borne sound transmission is minimized by spray foam insulation as well. If you live in a noisy neighborhood and are looking for a cost-effective way to reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of your home, then spray insulation is the best option. Open-cell foam reduces high-frequency noise and closed-cell reduces low-frequency noise. If you are looking for maximum noise reduction, ask for a combination of open- and closed-cell foam insulation. If you are unsure of what you need, our professional contractors are happy to assist you in helping you decide what noise-reducing insulation is best for your needs. Spray foam has solid adhesion properties and a unique application process that makes it an attractive choice for cathedral ceilings or complex-shaped homes. Foam insulation does not require netting, wire supports, or fasteners. Furthermore, the insulation does not settle over time so you can depend on high-quality insulation that lasts year after year. Now that you know why you should use spray foam insulation in Lafayette, LA, let’s go over the common areas in your home that need insulation. |
Areas to Use Spray Foam in Your Home
Spray foam is used in many areas of your home, which include:
Each area has its own benefits when it comes to insulation and protecting your home from weather or moisture damage.
- Attic
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Pole Buildings
- Metal Buildings
Each area has its own benefits when it comes to insulation and protecting your home from weather or moisture damage.
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AtticThe attic provides a barrier from the heat, cold, and humidity. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, then you may find weather leaking into your home or building. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), about 90 percent of single-family homes are not insulated enough.
Benefits to properly insulating your attic include:
On average, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70 percent of energy usage. If your attic is not properly insulated you are throwing money out the window. The average homeowner saves about $780 a year by having proper insulation in the attic. |
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Did you know spray insulation can prevent damage to your home by keeping out heat and moisture? Your home is an investment and you want to keep it in as good a shape as possible. A properly insulated attic keeps water from seeping in and eroding your walls. It also prevents mold that thrives in damp, moist areas.
Airborne toxins commonly come in through the attic because of air leaks caused by poor insulation. Over time, the toxins can build up and compromise your air quality. These toxins could be from nearby factories or common allergens. Installing new spray foam insulation will allow your family to breathe easier and have cleaner air indoors. Our professional contractor will spray the foam for excellent For attic insulation in Lafayette, LA. We will create a barrier by applying foam directly between the joists, on the gable wall ends, and into the soffits of the underside of the roof. This method is most effective because it seals off and insulates the attic space from air infiltration. |
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BasementA dry and well-insulated basement is less likely to have pests and termites. The last thing you want is to have to treat your whole home for termites because it wasn’t properly insulated.
Spray insulation also helps keep mold and moisture from seeping in the basement. Mold cleanup can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, so stay ahead of the cost by properly insulating your basement. A properly insulated basement will also keep temperatures more stable in your home. If you hate waking up to cold floors or don’t like feeling the humid air coming in from the outside, check to see how the insulation is in your basement. Chances are you could use another layer or two of insulation to stay more comfortable. Some benefits of insulating your basement include:
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Even if your basement ceiling is insulated, you need more. While the ceiling is a good start, you need to insulate the walls as well. Properly insulated basement walls will keep outdoor temperatures from seeping into your home.
When it comes to your basement, closed-cell spray foam is the best insulation choice. Damp concrete can produce moisture, but closed-cell spray foam can keep your basement dry. The foam insulation does this by geting into all the cracks and crevices. This makes for an effective thermal, air, moisture, and vapor barrier. Spray foam insulation in your basement helps protect against allergens as well. A properly insulated basement will keep out pollen, mold spores, dust mites, dust, and other allergens from getting in through the cracks. Once your basement is insulated, you will notice a more efficient and comfortable home. |
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Crawl SpaceWhat is a crawl space? It is a hollow area under the floors of some homes. It is located between the ground floor and the first floor. Typically, it is a one to three-foot-wide and elevates your house off the ground. A crawl space is used to access hard to reach areas for services to your home, such as plumbing and electric.
If the crawl space is not insulated, then there is no vapor or air barrier. This means hot air, cold air, and moisture can seep into your home through the crawl space. This is another often-overlooked space because it is usually out of sight. If you are buying or building a home, make sure to ask about insulation in the crawl space. |
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Spray foam is the best way to insulate the crawl space because of its high R-value. Furthermore, the area can be difficult to reach so the spray foam can easily get all the areas traditional insulation may miss. The foam also acts as an air and moisture seal, so it will fill any tiny holes or cracks that you may not be able to see.
Another benefit of using spray insulation is that it can achieve a full seal and create a thermal barrier. The foam insulation is applied between the floor joists of your crawl space. It doesn’t matter how big or small your crawl space is, if it is not properly insulated then it is hurting your home’s energy efficiency. |
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Pole Barns & Metal BuildingsPole barns and metal buildings are typically overlooked because they are outdoors, but there can be costly consequences to not insulating these buildings properly.
Spray foam insulation protects the metal on your buildings from condensation. If condensation leaks on your metal building over time, this moisture builds up and creates rust, which will degrade the building and is a costly fix. Not only can the condensation damage your building, but it can damage the equipment inside your building. The only way to keep moisture from ruining your building is to keep it properly insulated. |
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Insulation increases the building racking strength to help protect against storms and high winds. This is ideal for when hurricanes hit because the integrity of your building is strengthened from the inside out.
There are benefits to both types of spray foam insulation when it comes to pole barns and outdoor buildings. Open-cell spray foam creates an airtight barrier so your barn is less humid and is temperature-controlled. Close-cell keeps a watertight seal so your grains stay dry, which helps eliminate mold and rot damage. Both types of spray insulation seal cracks and crevices to make it harder for rodents and insects to get inside. Open-cell or closed-cell spray foam insulation can be used on pole barns and metal buildings. If you are unsure which one is right for you, talk to our professionals. We will assess your needs and find the right combination for you. |
Environmental Impacts of Spray Foam Insulation
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We have covered how proper insulating can help with your home, but now we will look at the environmental impacts of spray foam insulation as a whole. By properly insulating your home, you are lowering your energy consumption and lowering your overall environmental impact.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), global warming potential (GWP) is the measure of how much energy the emissions of one ton of gas will absorb over a given period, relative to the emissions of one ton of carbon dioxide. Basically, the higher the global warming potential, the more a gas warms the earth compared to carbon dioxide. Spray foam insulation products that use water as the blowing agent have a global warming potential of one, which is the lowest possible number. |
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The GWP is low because the water in the mixture reacts during the application process to release carbon dioxide and heat. The GWO of the blowing agent is that of carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide has a GWP of one.
Closed-cell spray foam products use synthetic blends as blowing agents because they offer insulation performance, the longer molecular structure moves out of the cell more slowly, and the structure restricts gas loss better. Overall, spray foam insulation helps the environment by having a low global warming potential and insulators your home to reduce your energy usage. Our insulation contractors in Lafayette, LA can answer more questions about how to improve your home’s energy usage. |
How Spray Foam Can Help You Prepare for Hurricane Season
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Spray foam is known for helping limit moisture-laden air from passing into buildings or homes. But what about when a hurricane is pounding at the windows? Spray foam insulation can protect your home or buildings against hurricanes as well.
Every year the cost of damages as a result of hurricanes or tropical storms rises to billions of dollars. Heavy rains, coastal flooding, and storm surges contribute to the destruction of homes and other buildings. But what does this have to do with insulation? Traditional insulation’s primary function is to protect against the weather, not flooding. If flooding does occur, traditional insulation offers virtually no moisture barrier so water seeps into your home. Moisture in your home leads to mold growth and ruins all of your precious memories. Traditional insulation that is soaked in polluted water will need to be removed, replaced, and reinsulated. This can turn into a big headache when you live in a hurricane-prone area. |
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Spray foam insulation in Lafayette, LA better controls moisture than traditional insulation. Spray insulation expands within seconds of application to fill tiny gaps, cracks, and crevices. This creates an air seal in your home.
The best type of spray foam is closed-cell spray foam because of its moisture resistance. Once the foam is sprayed in your home, it quickly becomes rigid. The rigidity is helpful for homes in hurricane areas because it adds to the structural integrity of your home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rated closed-cell foam insulation as a highly acceptable flood-resistant insulation. Your attic and roof are better able to sustain the wind-blown water that hurricanes bring down on your home. This also means other key areas of your home are protected as well. When it comes to your crawl space or basement, having insulation that rejects water can help prevent significant damage that hurricanes can cause. For FEMA to consider a material to be flood-resistant, that insulation has to withstand direct contact with flood water for 72 hours. This means if you use closed-cell insulation in your basement, there is less of a chance that water will do a significant amount of damage or that it will even get into your home. |