JACKSONVILLE Blog

5 Spray Foam Myths Debunked by Jacksonville Insulation Experts

In order to keep your home safe and comfortable, it’s important to make sure you’re installing the best materials and products to protect you and your household. When it comes to choosing the right insulation, many homeowners may feel overwhelmed when they first discover how many choices there are and the various benefits that come with the different materials. However, with every positive outcome offered, there are potential negatives and warnings that come with every product - the key is to not let these grow into false myths that can skew your understanding.

One of the most misunderstood and underresearched insulation materials is spray foam. Not only does it cost more than a majority of other options, but the idea of mixing chemicals inside the house is also a red flag for some families and homeowners with health conditions. While spray foam comes with a few warnings and considerations, these aren't necessarily any different than your other options. Koala Insulation of Jacksonville has a certified crew that understands there are spray foam myths that may worry some homeowners; we're here to not only cover a few of the most common but provide facts and reassurance that this is a safe and reliable product to install in your home.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a strong insulator and air sealant often used on ceilings, walls, and floors. There are two different types: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam. Open-cell spray foam is most easily recognized by its bubbly, cloud-like appearance and is more commonly installed in hotter climates. Closed-cell is more rigid and dense, providing better structural support and often the choice when considering a vapor barrier.

The chemicals used are mixed on-site and then sent through a hose into the stud cavity, where the chemicals react together and harden to create a long-term barrier. Insulation technicians must be trained and certified in order to be able to properly handle and install the material. This is to ensure the chemicals are balanced, safely applied, and that the expansion of the foam is set and complete before the household reenters. To learn more about the training Koala Insulation technicians go through and the safety measures that are taken, read our blog on Spray Foam Safety.

5 Common Myths and The Solution

MYTH: Spray Foam is a Health Hazard

Separately, the chemicals involved in creating spray foam would pose a risk to those who aren’t trained to handle the material. However, after the spray foam has been installed, it’s no longer a health risk to those within the household. Koala Insulation has an additional step of caution to let the spray foam set for hours to ensure the material is entirely hardened and dry before bringing anyone back into the household

MYTH: Closed-Cell Spray Foam is Better

Each form of spray foam has its own benefits, making one not necessarily better than the other but instead a better choice for your home. For example, closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value meaning it takes less material to resist the transfer of heat through a structure. However, open-cell can be considered a better material for sound absorption, pest prevention, and sealant in certain climates.

MYTH: Spray Foam is a New Type of Insulation

Spray foam isn’t a commonly recognized insulation by many homeowners. However, it’s been a widely used product since the 1980s. If you go into a commercial building with an exposed ceiling, you may be able to spot the bubbly surface that indicated spray foam was used to cover their ceiling. It’s also commonly used on the roof of commercial and industrial buildings to reduce water and heat damage!

MYTH: Spray Foam Insulation is Too Expensive

This type of material is one of the more expensive insulations you may choose. However, it has one of the best return on investment rates because of its long lifespan, reduced material usage, and coverage capabilities. When compared to a material like fiberglass batts, your home will typically need to update the fiberglass more often, leading to more material waste and maintenance fees. Energy Star estimates homeowners can save about 20% on heating and cooling after insulation and air sealing are installed, adding to the cost-benefit of spray foam for an average of 15 years.

MYTH: Spray Foam is Extremely Flammable

While it's important to note that all smoke is toxic, the chemical aspect of spray foam concerns many homeowners about the potential flammability. It's true that without an additional chemical mixed in or treatment coverage, spray foam doesn't inherently have fire-resistant qualities. However, because of this, most technicians will cover the material with an intumescent coating, a barrier that’s painted on top of spray foam and other combustible construction materials.

Consult Your Local Insulation Experts

Having chemicals mixed on-site at your home with technicians practically in hazmat suits can feel daunting, especially if you and your household are unfamiliar with the spray foam installation processes. However, it's important to research common myths, ask as many questions as you need, and trust the trained experts to properly install your insulation. All insulation types have their warnings - fiberglass can cause irritation because of the microfiber glass in the material, cellulose insulation can lead to respiratory irritation if handled without proper equipment, and spray foam insulation needs an experienced team operating the machinery to prevent improper chemical mixtures.

Because safety and comfort are our top priority, our team at Koala Insulation of Jacksonville is trained, certified, and able to educate you and your household on the material you decide to install in your home. While spray foam has one of the best return on investment rates out of the insulation materials, the initial cost can still seem staggering. Therefore, we want you to be confident in the choice you make before we proceed with the installation. Contact our team today to learn more about spray foam and schedule a free evaluation to determine if this insulation material is right for your home.