How A Contractor Might Install Spray Foam Insulation Between The Exterior Walls Of Your Home
Posted on: 21 June 2021
Spray foam insulation is a versatile material that can be used to insulate your crawlspace, attic, or exterior walls. If you need to add more insulation to your walls to help control energy costs, then spray foam is a good choice because it can be installed on both open and closed walls. Here's a look at the spray foam insulation installation process.
Choose A Warm Day For The Installation
Spray foam needs to be installed in warm weather. The spray turns to foam because of a chemical reaction, and the temperature has to be in an optimal range for the reaction to take place properly. If the temperature in your home is too cold, the installer might use heaters to warm the equipment and your home up so work can start. If your home is under construction and has no heat, the installer may wait until the weather turns warm before spraying on the insulation.
Remove Old Fiberglass Insulation
If your walls have fiberglass batt insulation in them already, the contractor has to remove it before the spray foam can be installed. Spray foam doesn't adhere to fiberglass very well, so the batt insulation needs to be removed so the spray foam can be applied to the walls.
Take Safety Precautions
The insulation contractor has to wear protective equipment during the installation process. If you're living in the home, you may need to move out for the day and night to allow time for the foam to cure and stop releasing fumes. Your contractor will explain anything you might need to do to prepare for the spray foam to be applied.
Install Spray Foam On Open Walls
Spray foam insulation installs pretty fast on open walls. The installer sprays out liquid that quickly expands as it turns to foam. The foam oozes into cracks and gaps to seal air leaks as it hardens. The installer uses a back-and-forth motion to spray the foam easily. While spray foam insulation installation looks easy, it takes skill and experience to apply it properly and evenly before it hardens.
Inject The Foam In Closed Walls
If your walls don't have any insulation in them already, the contractor may be able to install the foam without having to open the walls. Instead, a series of small holes are drilled in the walls so the spray foam can be injected in the wall voids. The holes can be drilled inside or on the outdoor side of the walls.
When spray foam is injected in the walls, a smaller hose is used and the foam comes out more slowly. This gives the foam more time to settle in cracks to get the best coverage. Once the wall is filled with foam, the foam will harden in place and form a seal that reduces heat flow through the walls and blocks drafts. The final step is to seal the holes that were used to inject the foam.
The spray foam insulation installation process is similar when you are installing the foam in other places in your home, such as the attic or crawlspace. With spray foam installed, your home may be less drafty and more comfortable in the winter, and you might even see a difference in your utility bills.
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