FORT BEND Blog

What Is Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a type of polyurethane insulation that is sprayed directly into cavities to seal out air and moisture. It minimizes heat transfer and protects against temperature extremes by reducing air infiltration in ceilings, walls, floors, joists, and cracks. Here is what you need to know about spray foam insulation and the benefits it provides.

Types of Spray Foam

There are two types of spray foam: open cell and closed cell. Open cell contains cells that aren't totally encapsulated, which gives it a slightly looser, spongier quality. This allows it to expand to up to 100 times its size, making it ideal for cavities and cracks of all sizes. As your home settles or shifts, open cell spray foam adjusts to the structure while retaining its integrity, offering a good long-term solution for most homes.

Closed cell spray foam is more tightly compressed. This results in less expansion, so it is well suited to smaller spaces. The compressed texture also makes it more durable in spaces that will be exposed to the elements.

How It Works

The spray applicator consists of two drums. One holds methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and the other holds polyols, flame retardants, surfactants, and blowing agents. When the materials from these two drums combine, the resulting chemical reaction causes the mixture to expand and fill the cavity where it's being applied.

Benefits of Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation reduces heat transfer to keep your home comfortable and safe. It helps the structure retain warm temperatures in winter and cooler temperatures in summer. This can decrease your HVAC usage and result in lower heating and cooling bills.

Spray foam also prevents moisture from entering your home and creating condensation inside the walls. This protects against water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations.

How It Works

The spray applicator consists of two drums. One holds methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and the other holds polyols, flame retardants, surfactants, and blowing agents. When the materials from these two drums combine, the resulting chemical reaction causes the mixture to expand and fill the cavity where it's being applied.

Benefits of Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation reduces heat transfer to keep your home comfortable and safe. It helps the structure retain warm temperatures in winter and cooler temperatures in summer. This can decrease your HVAC usage and result in lower heating and cooling bills.

Spray foam also prevents moisture from entering your home and creating condensation inside the walls. This protects against water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations.