Spray Foam Insulation compared to Prodex Total Insulation
Spray Insulation: The chemical insulation agent that is stored in canisters and sprayed into walls, holes and cracks with a special application device; it then expands and dries, forming a barrier. It can be used to supplement existing insulation or plugs leaks.
Spray Foam Insulation Problems:
Foam insulation spray won't prevent radiant heat transfer (The primary source of heat-flow in and out of your structure). Without a radiant barrier, when the roof gets very hot (as in summer), it radiates solar-generated heat down into the attic insulation. Spray insulation primarily reduces heat transfer by trapping warm air. It has a high radiant heat transfer rate and is a very good radiator of this absorbed and retained heat. As surfaces radiate infrared rays in all directions, the heat trapped in spray insulation during the day will radiate down through the ceiling into the air-conditioned living space at night even if the night cools down. This means you will have to run the air-conditioning system even at night wasting energy. Using radiant foil insulation will prevent this problem. An aluminum foil radiant barrier in the attic will block up to 97 percent of this heat from reaching the insulation and the air-conditioned living space below.
Alias(s): Open-cell polyurethane foam, open-cell, soft foam, half-pound foam, spray foam insulation, foam insulation spray
R-value per Inch: 3.5 - 4
Weaknesses: More expensive than batts or cellulose. It will absorb moisture. Not DIY friendly. Installation produces excess foam that must be trimmed and disposed of. Ongoing debate in industry about fire resistance in exposed applications. It is subject to minimum and maximum temperature restrictions during installation.
Alias(s): Closed-cell polyurethane foam, closed-cell, hard foam, two-pound foam
R-value per Inch: 5 - 6.8
Weaknesses: expensive, not do-it-yourself friendly, ongoing debate in industry about fire resistance in exposed applications, installer experience/training critical as improperly installed foam is prone to failure, subject to minimum and maximum temperature restrictions during installation.
Alias(s): Kit foam, can foam, DIY foam
R-value per Inch: 5 - 6
Weaknesses: Expensive especially if used for large areas. Not user friendly- requires know how to both select the right product and install it properly. It is subject to minimum and maximum temperature restrictions during installation.
Alias(s): Wet spray cellulose, spray cellulose, dense pack cellulose ("dense pack" is an incorrect term often used to describe wet spray cellulose, see "dense pack" under injected insulation)
R-value per Inch: 3.5
Weaknesses: Not do-it-yourself friendly. Installed wet and concerns about moisture release and mold have surfaced in the industry. Adhesion to wall surfaces can break down over time so the tight installation may not be long term.
Disadvantages
- The cost can be high compared to traditional insulation.
- Most of all, with the exception of cementitious foams, release toxic fumes when they burn.
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is insufficient data to accurately assess the potential for exposures to the toxic and environmentally harmful isocyanates which constitute 50% of the foam material.
- Depending on usage and building codes and evironment, most foams require protection with a thermal barrier such as drywall on the interior of a house. For example a 15-minute fire rating may be required.
- Can shrink slightly while curing if not applied on a substrate heated to manufacturer's recommended temperature.
- Although CFCs are no longer used, many use HCFCs or HFCs as blowing agents. Both are potent greenhouse gases, and HCFCs have some ozone depletion potential.
- Most, such as Polyurethane and Isocyanate insulation, contain hazardous chemicals such as benzene and toluene. These are a potential hazard and environmental concern during raw material production, transport, manufacture, and installation.
- Many foam insulations are made from petrochemicals and may be a concern for those seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels and oil. However, some foams are becoming available that are made from renewable or recycled sources.
- R-value will diminish slightly with age, though the degradation of R-value stops once an equilibrium with the environment is reached. Even after this process, the stabilized R-value is very high.
- Most foams require protection from sunlight and solvents.
- It is difficult to retrofit some foams to an existing building structure because of the chemicals and processes involved.
- If one does not wear a protective mask or goggles, it is possible to temporarily impair one's vision. (2–5 days)
Alternative to spray Insulation: A better insulation product would provide a radiant barrier, vapor barrier and provide more R value. It would be be affected by moisture.
Prodex Total Insulation = reflective insulation + radiant barrier + vapor barrier ALL in One Product!
Prodex Total Insulation is a radiant heat barrier (Reflects 97% of radiant heat (the primary source of heat flow). It is a vapor barrier (0.033 gr/m2hkPa) and it is a reflective insulation R value 15.67. It is unaffected by humidity or moisture. It is composed of 5mm (13/64 inch) closed cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between two reflective, low emissivity surfaces. Rather than blown in, it's an insulation roll.
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