HICKORY Blog

An Introduction to Spray Foam Insulation | Koala Insulation of Hickory

Our Koala team is a leading expert in the insulation business, and we are proud of it. Not only do we have the knowledge and expertise to install your insulation with perfection, but we also know all about the technology behind each material and can ensure you are getting the right kind of insulation for your home’s specific needs.

One of our favorite types of insulation is spray foam, and we explain the science behind and what makes it great below.

What Is Spray Foam?

Unlike the other insulation options that we have, spray foam isn’t created until we are already at your home or business! It is created by combining two chemicals called isocyanate and polyol resin.

We incorporate these two chemicals together in our equipment, and then when the mixture is sprayed out of our hoses, a chemical reaction occurs and this material expands as it dries. This expansion grows to fill whatever space it is applied to, making it a good choice for tight angles or weird corners in your home.

Spray foam insulation has many different applications so it can be precise enough to stop an air leak around a wiring hole or attic hatch and comprehensive enough to cover your entire attic ceiling or joists. Since this form of insulation involves chemicals and reactions, it really should only be installed by our team of professionals.

We are trained in the highest safety standards, and we will ensure everyone is following protocol while we are working.

Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

The cool thing about spray foam is that it can be manipulated into two categories—closed-cell and open-cell—and each of these forms have different benefits.

Open-cell spray foam is a bit more flexible and pliable since a little bit of air is left inside each cell of the foam. Open-cell spray foam is great at reducing noise transfer and it is less rigid than its counterpart, making it a bit easier to cover larger areas.

There is no air left inside the cells of closed-cell spray foam, making it densely packed and really durable against the elements. It is water-impermeable and can actually support your home’s structural integrity!

Spray Foam Applications

Spray foam is great for your large projects like walls and ceilings, but it can also be used to get to the tiny or hard-to-reach areas of your home like attic eaves or your basement crawl space.

Spray foam can stop air leaks in their tracks, so it is a good material to use in spaces that are vulnerable to drafts. When you are ready to add some spray foam to your home, give us a call!

We love to install spray foam for our customers! Contact us to learn more at Koala Insulation of Hickory.