Spray Foam Questions
Is spray foam safe?
Yes. When professionally installed and properly cured, spray foam insulation is safe for homes and businesses. At Amira Contracting, we use high-quality materials and follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure a safe installation process and long-lasting performance. Most occupants can return to the property after the recommended curing period, typically within 24 hours.
What does spray foam cost?
Alternative choices to spray foam insulation typically have a lower initial installation cost based on insulation value only, however these costs do not include cost of vapor retarders or air barriers. While the installation cost of spray foam insulation is slightly higher, the overall life cycle cost is lower. This is where insulation performance pays off. Real money saved in energy costs over the lifetime of your home is a solid investment for your wallet and for the planet.
Is spray foam insulation environmentally friendly?
Yes. Modern spray foam insulation is designed to improve energy efficiency while also meeting strict environmental and indoor air quality standards.
At Amira Contracting, we use BASF spray foam insulation that is:
- formaldehyde-free
- low-VOC
- manufactured with ZERO3® zero ozone-depleting blowing agent technology
Once cured, spray foam insulation is a stable, inert material that does not off-gas harmful emissions.
Modern spray foam insulation also helps create a healthier and more sustainable building envelope by:
- reducing uncontrolled air leakage
- minimizing moisture intrusion
- improving indoor comfort
- lowering overall energy demand on heating and cooling systems
Because spray foam creates both insulation and an air barrier in a single application, buildings can operate more efficiently year-round while reducing wasted energy.
The advanced blowing agent technology used in today’s high-performance spray foam products is specifically engineered to comply with modern environmental standards and support long-term building efficiency.
In addition, spray foam insulation has an exceptionally long service life and does not sag, settle, or degrade like some traditional insulation materials. This helps maintain thermal performance over time and reduces the need for replacement or additional material waste.
For homeowners, builders, and commercial property owners looking for high-performance insulation with modern environmental standards in mind, professionally installed spray foam insulation is one of the most effective solutions available today.
I’ve heard horror stories online about spray foam…
We have heard the sensationalized stories. Spray foam insulation creates a terrible lingering smell in one house. In another the foam shrinks to half its size as it cures. Worst of all, a story of an attic catching on fire after the contractors left for the day. All of these stories have one thing in common. Bad foam installation! Spray foam insulation is manufactured on site by mixing two chemicals at a precise ratio, at a precise temperature, taking into account various environmental factors. State of the art equipment helps, but an experienced applicator is needed to be sure all of these are correct. Something as simple as a clogged port in a spray gun can cause off-ratio foam which will not cure correctly and could cause issues. This is where training and experience come in. If you are looking for an experienced team to complete your spray foam project call Amira Contracting, where our team has over 60 years combined experience in the application of spray foam.
Does spray foam insulation release harmful chemicals?
When spray foam insulation is professionally installed and fully cured, it does not release harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. At Amira Contracting, we use BASF spray foam systems that are designed to meet strict indoor air quality standards. These materials are formulated to be low-VOC and formaldehyde-free, helping ensure a safe living and working environment when properly installed.
During installation, spray foam undergoes a chemical reaction as it expands and cures. Once this curing process is complete, the material becomes a stable, inert insulation layer that does not off-gas harmful emissions.
This is why professional installation is essential — when correctly applied and fully cured, spray foam insulation is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort without compromising indoor air quality.
How is spray foam applied?
The BASF SPRAYTITE system we use is a sprayed application of a liquid, two-component, non-fibrous product that includes and isocyanate (A-side Component) and a resin (B-side Component). It is not a pre-formed insulation. Instead, it is field applied to provide a custom fit insulation product which also provides air sealing benefits. During application, there is a chain reaction between the two components that creates a bond to the substrate as it foams up. It dries, cures, and hardens very quickly. This product should always be installed by a trained contractor.
What is the R value of spray foam?
Our closed cell spray foam insulation has a superior effective R-value of 6.6-6.9 per inch.
What is the difference between open and closed cell foam?
There are three major differences. First, SPRAYTITE® technology uses the versatility of polyurethane chemistry to offer a closed-cell content of greater than 90 percent, and open-cell foams commonly used as insulation systems have approximately 60 percent open-cell content. Second, closed-cell content offers an R-value of over 6.6-6.9 per inch and open-cell offers between 3.7 and 4.1 per inch. Third, closed-cell foam is virtually impermeable to air and moisture, while open cell foam allows far more air and vapor into the building interior. In addition, closed-cell foam is very resistant to bulk water absorption and for that reason, closed-cell spray foam (and rigid board foams) are the only products considered flood-damage resistant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
How much will spray foam save me in energy costs?
The answer is going to be different in each case, of course. The Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR program reports that air leakage accounts for 25-40% of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical home. They estimate that a homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs by proper sealing and insulation.
Where is foam made?
Amira contracting uses UPC spray foam products manufactured right here in the United States.
Can spray foam be retrofitted in my existing home/business?
The short answer is yes. It’s never too late to add insulation to your home or business. We would be happy to discuss your project with you and to provide you with a free estimate on a spray foam solution for your home or business.
Is spray foam flammable?
Our spray foam insulation meets Class 1 flame and smoke characteristics in accordance with ASTM E84. Once installed, it must be covered with a 15 minute thermal/ignition barrier (typically drywall) depending on the application. At Amira Contracting, we are familiar with and adhere to local building codes.
Where can I learn more about foam?
Why choose Amira Contracting for insulation services?
Amira Contracting provides residential and commercial insulation services throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. We install spray foam, blown-in insulation, fiberglass batts, and other insulation systems designed to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance.
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