When considering insulation for your home or commercial property, safety is just as important as energy efficiency and comfort. One common question we hear at Koala Insulation of the Westside is: “Is spray foam insulation fire resistant?” It’s a smart concern—after all, any material that goes inside your walls, attic, or crawl space should contribute to your property’s overall safety profile, especially in areas like California where fire risk is a growing concern.
In this blog, we’ll break down the fire resistance of spray foam insulation, explain fire ratings, and share how Koala Insulation of the Westside ensures proper application that meets safety standards.
Understanding Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation comes in two primary types: open-cell and closed-cell. Both provide excellent thermal resistance and air sealing benefits. Open-cell spray foam is less dense and more flexible, while closed-cell foam is denser, offering both insulation and moisture barrier capabilities.
Each type plays a different role in a home’s energy efficiency, but when it comes to fire resistance, the application process and material composition are key to understanding its behavior in a fire.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Fire Resistant?
Spray foam insulation is not fireproof—but it is fire resistant when installed correctly and paired with the right protective barriers. On its own, spray foam is combustible. However, most spray foam products used by professional installers like Koala Insulation of the Westside are treated with fire-retardant chemicals to slow down ignition and reduce flame spread.
What Fire Ratings Matter?
Building materials in the U.S. are rated according to ASTM standards, with one of the most important being the ASTM E84 test, which measures:
- Flame spread index (FSI)
- Smoke-developed index (SDI)
Spray foam insulation typically must have a Class I or Class A rating, meaning:
- Flame Spread Index of 25 or less
- Smoke Developed Index of 450 or less
Spray foam that meets these standards is considered fire-resistant under the International Building Code (IBC), which is crucial for code compliance in many municipalities throughout California.
The Role of Thermal and Ignition Barriers
Even if spray foam insulation is rated as fire-resistant, it often requires a thermal or ignition barrier to meet local building codes. These barriers are applied over the spray foam and serve to delay ignition during a fire.
Common Barriers Include:
- 1/2-inch gypsum drywall – the most common thermal barrier
- Intumescent coatings – paint-like substances that expand when exposed to heat, forming a char layer to protect the foam
- Mineral board or cement board – used in special applications
At Koala Insulation of the Westside, we ensure that every spray foam application includes the necessary protective barriers to comply with California safety standards.
How We Install Spray Foam for Fire Safety
Koala Insulation of the Westside follows strict protocols when installing spray foam insulation to ensure both energy efficiency and fire safety. Here’s our general process:
- Property Evaluation
We assess your home or building structure to determine where insulation is needed and what type of foam and barriers are appropriate. - Code Compliance Review
We verify which local fire codes apply to your property and ensure that all materials used will meet those requirements. - Spray Foam Application
Our certified technicians apply the spray foam using high-grade equipment and techniques for even coverage and maximum performance. - Barrier Installation
Once the foam cures, we install any required ignition or thermal barriers, such as drywall or a fire-retardant coating. - Final Inspection
We inspect the entire installation to ensure everything is properly sealed, safe, and up to code.
Additional Fire Safety Tips for Insulated Areas
While spray foam can significantly enhance your home’s thermal envelope, fire safety also depends on how you maintain the insulated space:
- Avoid storing flammable items near spray foam insulation, especially in garages or attics.
- Do not expose spray foam to open flames or high-heat equipment without approved fire-resistant coverings.
- Schedule regular inspections if you suspect damage to the insulated area, especially after storms or remodeling.
Why Choose Koala Insulation of the Westside?
Working with Koala Insulation of the Westside means peace of mind. We are:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured in California
- Experts in fire-safe spray foam insulation
- Committed to using materials that meet or exceed ASTM and IBC standards
- Known for clean, professional installations that minimize disruption to your home
We also work with major insurance and home remediation companies, making us a trusted name in both preventative and restorative insulation solutions.
Final Thoughts
Spray foam insulation can be a safe, efficient, and code-compliant option when installed by professionals who understand fire safety requirements. While the material itself is combustible, it becomes fire resistant when treated with the proper chemicals and protected with the required barriers.
At Koala Insulation of the Westside, we take your safety seriously. From choosing the right products to installing them with care and precision, we’re here to help you make a smart, safe investment in your property.
Call us at (310) 218-1850 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/the-westside for a free estimate today!