Spray Foam Safety


How Safe is it?

Spray Foam in reality is a form of altered plastic with millions of miniature enclosed gas bubbles.  The form is best applicable for roofing and optimized for the best combination of thermal insulation and durability.  Spray Foam material is just as safe as the foam pillows you rest your head on.  As it is also used in clothing, automobiles, and electronic equipment as well as many other daily used items.


What is Spray Foam Made Of?

"Spray foam" is also an informal term used to refer to various plastic foam materials that are used in building construction to provide thermal insulation and minimize air infiltration. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are two types of foam used in this application.


MYTH: Spray Foam is A New Untested Technology And Should Be Avoided.

Did you know that polyurethane foam was discovered more than 70 years ago? It was in 1937 that German industrial chemist Dr. Otto von Bayer and his research group discovered polyurethane foam and since that time polyurethane has been used in a wide variety of products and applications.


Is SPF Toxic to Dogs & Household Pets?

No, usually 24 hours after spray foam has been applied there will be no toxic chemicals or gas present.  Check with your installer to see the time frame as it may very. After the aforementioned time has passed it is perfectly safe for humans or animals to be present in the sprayed area.  However, make be sure to restrict access to areas with SPF installation to your pets to prevent chewing or possible ingestion.


Mold Prevention

With spray foam applications, it seals areas in the home that could cause air leakage.  Typical areas such as, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. In turn, this prevents warm air from mixing with cool air which creates a moisture climate that could cause a mold colony to form.  This is why properly insulating a home has multiple benefitting factors of importance.


What About Off Gassing?

During and immediately following spray foam applications, fumes and mists are generated that can be hazardous to your health. Access to the work area during this time should be restricted to personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, and whose job responsibilities require them to be in the area.

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Related Resources

What is R Value?

The basic function of insulation is to provide a resistance to the flow of heat. R-Value is the term in which an insulation's thermal resistance is rated. Which also indicates the resistance to the flow of heat.

Why is it important?

Metal Building Application

Spray foam insulation are proven to work well in a variety of climates and scenarios.  Licensed property specialists can apply the solutions onto ceilings, floors and walls, and the materials quickly seal a building's envelope.

Applications

How Safe is Spray Foam?

Spray Foam material is just as safe as the foam pillows you rest your head on.  As it is also used in clothing, automobiles, and electronic equipment as well as many other daily used items.

Spray Foam Safety Checklist

Crawl Space Insulation

Crawl spaces are peak entry points where humid summer or cold winter air can disturb a home’s temperature stability.  This especially can cause energy bills to skyrocket during the peak of winter and summer.

Is Your House Leaking Dollars?