Foam Insulation Tips
Read these 11 Foam Insulation Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Foam tips and hundreds of other topics.
Determine The Right Foam To Install
Depending on the job at hand, choosing the right type of foam insulation is important to completion of the job. The R-value is important to determining the type of insulate to be installed. Foam will usually have an R-value of R-4 to R-8. These values for foam insulation is determined by a few factors such as the thickness and density of the foam, and how the foam will be installed. Other factors such as the amount of gas or the type of gas to be used in the installation, will also affect the R-value as well. It is necessary to know the R-value to determine the best type of insulation.
Read The Label!
When buying new foam insulation, it is imperative that the foam-packaging label be checked to make sure the foam is right for the job. This includes ensuring there is enough foam available in the packaging to do the installation, checking the R-value is right for the place to be insulated, and also double-checking that the correct insulation material is purchased. These points cannot be stressed enough. A well insulated home will depend on all these factors.
Choose A Foam Insulation Contractor?
Even with the right type of foam insulation, it is necessary to have someone who is able to adequately install the foam. With a professional contractor to install your foam insulation, your contractor should have a certifiable license. It is a good idea to receive the name of contractors, which friends and family members have previously used. Afterwards, call a few contractors and describe the foam insulation job to be done. The contractor might be able to give you a quote over the phone, but many of them will need to see the property, and do an inspection before giving an estimate of the costs.
Installation of Foam Insulation
Foam can be installed in a variety of methods, varying from a simple installation of this material, to a more complicated installation. There is one a type of installation of foam insulation, which involves the material being sprayed as an aerosol, but often slabs or slats of foam are placed in the area to be insulated. Other types of foam such as Polystrene will be installed depending on where they will be used. For example, being installed inside a thermos, or between a wall and a new window. This foam is usually pressed into the area.
More Information About Insulation
To find more information about foam insulation, there are numerous resources available on the Internet. The first place to start looking for information about foam insulation is agencies and organizations such as the Foam Insulation Association, whose informative Web site outlines the standards within the insulation industry. A great source of information is the National Commercial & Industrial Standards Manual found on the www.insulation.org Web site.
Moisture Free Foam Insulation
When insulating, you must take into account the amount of moisture i the home when choosing a type of foam insulation. The amount of moisture can affect foam insulation by trapping moisture within the moisture. This moisture can condense on windows or be trapped within walls. If the moisture is trapped between the foam insulation and the wood parts of the wall, this can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, in order to prevent mould and mildew build up, the moisture must be removed from the home, before the foam can be installed. It is recommended making an appointment with a professional to rectify this.
Why Should Anyone Use Foam Insulation?
The American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy released statistics outlining the amount of money that can be saved by having all building properly insulated. The $13 billion dollars wasted as a result of poor insulation equates to approximately a savings of $200 for each homeowner. If your home is not properly insulated, more energy is needed to keep the home cold when using the air conditioner in the summer, or heating the home in winter. Based on a savings of $200, it is well worth having your home properly insulated.
Preparing to Insulate
Other than buying the correct type of foam, it is essential that the area to be insulated be properly prepared before insulation takes place. The main preparation needed before insulating includes filling in the areas where air is entering or leaving the house. These areas include the attic, door frames, or the ceiling. These areas must be patched before the home can be insulated, otherwise air will still be entering and leaving the home. By ensuring these areas are patched, then installing foam insulation the home can continue without the air escaping or entering.
Areas Where Foam Can Be Installed
There are a few different places in which foam insulation can be installed. Usually foam insulation is placed in various areas throughout a home during its initial building phase. This includes the attic, basement walls, between floors, and as a spray insulate on a roof. Foam insulation is also used within office buildings and businesses. A recent trend is to place foam insulation as between the joint spaces in a wall, as well as using foam blocks as the basis for making a new wall. There are many more areas in which foam insulation is installed, and the above areas are only a handful of them.
Foam Insulation During Hurricane
A foam hurricane seal is an adhesive used to protect roofs in areas, which are prone to hurricanes. The foam hurricane seal is made of polyurethane foam, which is sprayed to provide a seal to the roof from water entering during a hurricane. The foam is sprayed on the underside of the roof. By using a foam hurricane seal, the roof is strengthened from leaking due to rain. This fortified roof is found to be 99 percent effective at preventing the entry of water, due to the addition of a polyurethane foam hurricane seal.
Installing Foam Insulation Yourself
If you have decided to install polyurethane foam yourself instead of calling a professional, there are some safety tips to be aware of.
- To install foam insulation, ensure you are installing the polyurethane foam within an area where there is adequate ventilation.
- Your body should be properly covered without any exposed skin on the hands, arms, legs, and feet. You should also wear gloves and full-coverage shoes.
- Wear safety glasses, a protective hat, and a mask to protect your head, eyes, and lungs.
