Spray foam insulation is a modern technique in the application of an older insulating material, polyurethane. The polyurethane polymer was first developed in the mid 1940s. It is a two part mixture which is automatically created when polyol resin blends with isocyanate at the tip of an application ‘gun’. The blend forms an expanding foam which works well as both insulator and filler. There are two similar installation methods which are used for spray foam insulation in Tacoma WA. The two component high pressure technique is generally used in new construction because it is quicker to apply, but it can be messier during the application and difficult to clean up. The low pressure installation technique is generally used in remodel and repair jobs because of the slow rise of the foam during application, however, it takes the foam longer to fill an area and it could become damaged with litter or debris on windy days. Polyurethane spray foam insulation in Tacoma WA is composed of small cells and comes in two basic types. Open cell foam insulation is the least expensive of the two because it uses less chemicals. The cells are tiny but the cell walls are not completely formed. Open cell foam provides a good air barrier but offers little resistance to water. It is often used in building walls because it provides decent noise reduction. Closed cell foam is much more dense than open cell plus, it has a more compact cell structure. It provides an excellent barrier for both water and air. Because of it’s moisture resistance, it is typically used in roofing and outdoor projects but can be used anywhere. The benefits of spray foam insulation over other insulation types is it’s efficiency. Spray foam can easily cover gaps which other insulation types may have problems with. Plus, properly installed spray foam can reach areas in an existing home which other methods fail to cover at all. Unlike most other insulators, spray foam can provide water resistance. By blocking the materials in your home from excess moisture you reduce the chance of mold and mildew which can affect your family’s health.
