Is Spray Foam safe?
Cured spray foam insulation is completely safe. Our closed cell system is formaldehyde free, does not emit VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and off-gassing from this product has been measured at 0.000 parts per million.The product is inert.
The raw chemicals used to make the final product require our specially trained installers to use appropriate personal protective equipment(PPE), to avoid contact or inhalation of isocyanates or its vapors, and to provide adequate ventilation to the workspace. You can rest assured that at Amira Contracting we have the training and experience to make this process completely safe. We may ask that you do not occupy the sprayed area for 24 hours to allow adequate time for curing according to the foam manufacturers recommendation.
Is Spray Foam expensive?
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 good for the planet? Is it “green” ?
The BASF spray foam that we use is a formaldehyde free formula, that emits no VOC’s and uses Zone3 zero ozone depleting blowing agent technology. Plastic building products, including polyurethane foam, use less energy from all sources than alternative products during production. SPF insulation saved 3.4 trillion BTU’s in manufacturing energy over glass fiber in 1990. Our system also increases building energy efficiency and reduces waste. An EEA study has shown that a home insulated with SPF can prevent approximately 84,000,000 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent from being emitted into the atmosphere.
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.
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 it 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 BASF Spray foam products manufactured right here in the United States, at their Houston Texas facility.
Can it 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?
