A Beginner’s Guide to Spray Foam Insulation

Sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF), commonly known as “spray foam”,  is a chemical product created by two materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, which react when mixed with each other and expand up to 30-60 times its liquid volume after it is sprayed in place. Polyurethane foam was developed and used by the military in the 1940s and applied to airplanes. It wasn't until the 1970s that it started to be used as insulation due to its high thermal insulating value with virtually no air infiltration.

There are 2 main types of sprayed polyurethane foam insulation - open-celled and closed-cell.  Open-cell insulation has cells that are open and although it does insulate well, it is not an air barrier and is not hydrophobic like the closed-cell foam in which the cells are completely closed.  Given the cold Canadian climate, closed-cell is the more popular choice. 

Open cell foam is also referred to as ½ lb, as this is the density per cubic foot.  Open cell foam is soft and can easily be penetrated.  Closed cell foam can come in either medium density (2lb) or high density (3lb).  High density closed-cell is used mainly in commercial applications such as agricultural roofing and is not approved for indoor use like the 1/2lb open cell and the 2lb closed-cell insulation. Medium density spray foams are the most commonly used for residential/ household use.

Both open-cell and closed-cell sprayed polyurethane foams are applied as a liquid that rapidly expands, making it ideal for hard to reach spaces and providing a monolithic seal.

Walltite®

Walltite ® is a medium closed-cell spray foam insulation. It is most commonly used for continuous insulation, interior wall cavity filling, rooflines and unvented attic applications. It’s R-value (which measures its resistance to heat) is 6 per inch.  The highest R-value of all insulations available. In addition, it does not absorb moisture and is an effective air barrier. 

As a closed-cell sprayed polyurethane foam insulation, Walltite offers its own vapor barrier when applied to a minimum thickness of 2”. In addition, Walltite is Greenguard certified. When a product bears Greenguard certification, it meets strict chemical emissions limits and has been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals. Greenguard certifications indicate that a product is safe for indoor use and is recommended for children and schools.

ENERTITE® is a low- to mid-density open-cell spray applied polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation which delivers significant environmental benefits including lower energy consumption and a healthier home. For certain indoor applications ENERTITE® is a cost-effective alternative to closed-cell spray foam. Enertite ®  is also an open-cell polyurethane foam. This means that although it forms an air-tight layer of insulation in your home, this layer is permeable to water vapor and may need an additional vapor barrier to help prevent water damage and mold. As for specific benefits, Enertite ® is both environmentally-efficient as well as sound-efficient.  Due to sound absorptive qualities, it is often used between floors and in interior walls.

If you’re looking to insulate your home or business and want to ensure you pick the right type of spray foam insulation, then one of the best things you can do is consult a professional. 

Founded in 2006, Foam Comfort Inc. has offered professional, high-quality insulation solutions to the Greater Toronto Area for 15 years. Our team is composed of friendly office staff, experienced estimators, and licensed installers - all ready to provide you with the answers, advice, and solutions you need.

To learn more about our home insulation options or to receive a quote, call us today at 416-410-0961 or contact us on our website.