Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, Virginia is gaining popularity because of its great qualities.
Architects and construction companies choose spray foam insulation for its insulation, durability, structural support, and soundproofing.
If you have not yet decided about whether you want to install spray foam insulation or are not so familiar with the topic, it is a good idea to get acquainted with some of the common concerns and topics. Let’s take a look at what exactly spray foam insulation is made of, how it is applied, how it helps to dampen sound and other facts about spray foam insulation in Falls Church.
Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA is made at the job site itself and does not come pre-made from a factory. To make spray foam insulation two liquids are combined at a certain temperature which causes a chemical reaction to take place. Upon reacting spray foam insulation expands 30 to 60 times its liquid volume after it is sprayed. The two liquid components are referred to as side “A” and side “B”. These two components come in separate containers or drums.
The “A” side of spray polyurethane foam is basically made of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Usually the “B” container has a blend of catalysts, blowing agents, polyols, flame retardants add a surfactant. The reaction happens when the contents of the “B” side is mixed with the “A” side. The “A” and “B” containers may differ according to the manufacturer as each manufacturer will have their own blend. Typically most spray foam insulation companies use water as the blowing agent along with organic chemical compounds that have been derived from petroleum extracts.
This will ensure that no dust, aerosols and vapors are drawn into the HVAC system. It also prevents airborne materials from being distributed and spread from one part of the building to the other.
Once the HVAC system is fully shut off, the air intakes is generally sealed with plastic sheeting and tape in order to prevent any dust or spray from entering the system. The HVAC system stays sealed and inoperable for as long as 24 hours after the spray foam insulation has been installed.
Other than this, all the information is provided to the owner of the building or house by us so that they can understand the safety measures to be followed during and after the application of spray foam insulation. Our team installs all warning signs and caution tapes and the building is cleared of occupants and persons who are not part of the spray foam insulation contractor’s team before we begin our work.
Open cell spray foam insulation is also known as low expansion spray foam. Loosely packed cells in open cell spray foam result in a lower R-value compared to closed cell insulation. Even though open cell spray foam has a lower R-value, about R-3.5, this is not necessarily a disadvantage as open cell spray foam can be used in many places and works as an air-barrier.
Before the actual application of the spray for the atmospheric or ambient as well as substrate conditions are checked so that it matches the parameters that have been recommended by the spray foam insulation manufacturer. For example, the technical data sheet that has been provided by the manufacturer should match the parameters that are associated with the substrate condition.
Recirculation and temperature of the material: A good spray foam insulation contractor in Falls Church, VA will always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines while preparing and processing spray foam insulation. Some manufacturers may recommend recirculation of the polyol component while others may recommend recirculation along with heating.
But you need not worry about this, because it will be completely safe after the spray foam cures, which is why it is recommended that you leave your home for 24 hours after the installation of the spray foam insulation. VOCs are present in many products that we use daily. For instance, it’s present in body spray and hair spray cans as well.
Off-gassing can be detrimental to health only if it is present in very large amounts. Always make sure that the spray foam insulation contractor that you hire in Falls Church VA uses spray foam that has low VOCs. This will ensure that there is only a tiny amount of VOCs present in the spray foam. Using a product which has low amount of VOCs also means that you will not have to leave your home for 24 hours. Instead you will have to stay away only for 2 to 8 hours and then it will be safe for you to return.
Even if your spray foam insulation contractor in Falls Church, Virginia is not using a product that has low VOCs, you can just leave your residence or commercial building for at least 24 hours in order to ensure that the spray foam insulation is completely cured and will not cause any harm to you and others.
When it comes to spray foam insulation in Falls Church, you may have heard the term “off-gas”. Off-gas refers to the Volatile Organic Compounds that are given off during and after the application of spray foam insulation. One part of the spray foam consists of isocyanates. These are highly reactive chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds so in short, yes, spray foam does off-gas.
The fact that spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA can contain formaldehyde may scare you. However there are many other things in our own home that include formaldehyde, such as cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, shower gel, nail polish, and keratin hair smoothening treatments. Other things that may contain small amounts of formaldehyde are caulk, glue, insulation boards, liquid detergent, and drywall adhesive.Formaldehyde was linked with spray foam insulation because an earlier generation of spray foam insulation which manufactured, commonly formaldehyde which is also known as urea-formaldehyde foam. This type of spray foam had a substantial level of residual formaldehyde.
However today, spray foam insulation in this new generation, does not use any formaldehyde at all during the manufacturing process or it may contain only tiny amount of formaldehyde in the dry product. But after the two parts are mixed at the job site, the formaldehyde just dissipates and the finished spray foam insulation which is installed in your home or commercial building does not contain any formaldehyde at all. Thus you do not need to be worried about formaldehyde being a residue in the spray foam insulation that is installed in your home or commercial building.
Nowadays many architects contractors use spray foam insulation in Falls Church VA in the construction of new houses and buildings because it serves the dual purpose of insulating as well as providing sound dampening. Spray foam insulation blocks outside and inter-room noise for a quieter environment.
Traditional sound barrier methods included the use of fiberglass products or vinyl products but these proved to be rather expensive. Open cell spray foam insulation has a low density while at the same time is relatively less expensive than closed cell spray foam insulation. It is great for sound dampening and it can be used to fill tiny gaps because of its great expansion properties.
Sound travels in waves, but unlike light waves, it can also travel through objects like the drywall, floor and roof. It is known that spray foam can be used to reduce sound and noise.
Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA is a great sound barrier because it performs these three functions:
If you live in and around Falls Church, VA and want a free assessment and quote on spray foam insulation, contact us today. We also customize and personalize plans and projects and offer a follow up and warranty on our products and services.
