GREENVILLE Blog

The Benefits of Using Closed-Cell Spray Foam in Metal Buildings

Spray foam is a strong insulator that provides many benefits to residential and commercial properties in the form of closed-cell or open-cell spray foam. However, closed-cell spray foam in particular is a great choice for property owners looking to insulate a metal building. Whether it’s a barn, storage unit, or containment center, this type of insulation provides sufficient protection and support to the structure.

Avoid Spray Foam Myths

Spray foam is steadily growing in popularity as an insulation choice for residential and commercial building owners. However, there are still many myths surrounding spray foam material that deter clients from looking further into using the product. The biggest problem is the misconceptions about the safety of the material.

Spray foam is a combination of two chemicals that are mixed on-site and fed through an applicator onto surfaces, within cracks, and inside walls where it expands to fit the space. These chemicals can be dangerous if handled or mixed improperly; however, professionals at Koala Insulation of Greenville are trained and experienced in using closed-cell spray foam and ensure the mixture is properly balanced and securely applied before allowing anyone back in the building.

Closed-cell spray foam is also technically a flammable material. That’s why it’s covered in an intumescent coating, which is actually a covering that is used on many other flammable materials throughout your home. This coating provides a layer that is flame-retardant and reduces the risk of a fire hazard from the material.

Before you avoid a type of insulation because of the negative myths and misconceptions of a product, consult your local expert. Professionals at Koala Insulation of Greenville can help you break down which myths are misunderstandings and what material should be avoided in your home.

Benefits of Closed-Cell Spray Foam for Metal Buildings

Both types of spray foam, closed-cell and open-cell, are quality options for keeping your home, business, or storage space safe and comfortable. When it comes to metal buildings, though, the benefits of closed-cell spray foam are more effective for the building envelope.

Thermal Barrier

Insulation helps to regulate temperature and reduce the influence of outdoor temperatures inside your space in order to provide support to climate control systems in a building.

Closed-cell spray foam has an average R-value of R-6.9 per inch of depth, one of the highest measurements for insulation materials. This generally means less needs to be applied to be an effective thermal barrier, so you don’t need to install thick batts or fill wall cavities with several inches worth of material.

Air Sealing

Air sealing helps to protect your space from poor indoor air quality, moisture, and pest infestation. Gaps and holes that create air leaks are commonly found around window sills and door jambs. Many other hidden places around outdoor access points, wiring holes, and vents can also contribute to a leaky building.

Closed-cell spray foam quickly expands on contact with a surface, seeping into these openings and filling the space to create an air-tight finish. With properly maintained ventilation systems, closed-cell spray foam helps to improve airflow and reduce humidity and mold growth within a space.

Structural Support

A major problem for metal buildings is removing damaged wall panels; this type of insulation is your first step in preventative measures against this issue. One significant benefit that separates closed-cell insulation from open-cell spray foam is its ability to provide structural support to your building envelope.

Closed-cell spray foam is known for being a rigid and highly dense material. This rigidity is what helps to prevent damage to the surface it's applied on, increasing the structural integrity by reinforcing the walls and roof. When combining the benefits of thermal resistance and air sealing, you're also preventing corrosion from moisture and condensation from irregular temperatures and hidden moisture.

Roof Application

The unique make-up of closed-cell spray foam makes it an effective material to install on top of the roof. If you don’t have the time or energy to move everything out of your unit, a spray foam roof can provide just enough benefits for the space inside.

This type of material is a strong sealant that can withstand severe weather and damage. This roofing can protect your building from extreme temperatures and weathering in an effort to extend the lifespan and integrity of your space’s roof.

Learn More About Closed-Cell Spray Foam Benefits

Choosing the right insulation for your building can be a difficult task when you realize just how many options you have. While many people are familiar with fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improve your comfort, safety, and savings. Instead, you need to contact an insulation professional to view the unique needs of your space.

The insulation installed in a residential building or a commercial business is going to be significantly different from the material installed in a material building. In order to find out what insulation will benefit your space the most, Koala Insulation of Greenville offers free evaluations to reduce your stress. We prioritize cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions that target pain points in your environment without taking up your time and budget.

To learn more about what advantages closed-cell spray foam offers your metal building, contact your local team of professionals at Koala Insulation of Greenville to schedule your free evaluation today.