Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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We have collected the most commonly asked questions regarding spray foam insulation and answered them below. We have years of experience installing spray foam insulation and if you have a question you don’t see listed below please contact us.
We would love to hear from you!
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a product that has a more compact structure than conventional insulation. It has a much higher density, is water resistant and serves as a vapour barrier as well as a high performance air barrier. Kingston Spray Foam Insulation uses GRIZZLY GOLD Spray Foam insulation. It is sprayed into a cavity or on to a surface, in walls or on ceilings where ever traditional insulation would be used. As a result, it helps to keep the heat inside during the cold months and the hot air outside when it’s warm. Think of it as a thermal envelope. While regular fiberglass insulation can be easily installed by the homeowner, spray foam insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project. A professional will need to be called in.
What are the benefits of spray foam insulation?
The immediate and long-term benefits of spray foam insulation far outweigh the initial costs associated with installation. This insulating and air sealing material provides endless benefits. By investing in spray foam insulation you will:
➠ Make significant heating and cooling savings every month, in some cases by up to 50%!
➠ Improve your home’s energy efficiency by using your HVAC equipment less often thanks to spray foam’s air sealing qualities
➠ ‘Right-size’ your HVAC equipment because it uses less effort to heat and cool your home
➠ Add resale value to your home should you choose to sell
➠ Reduce amount of allergens, pollutants and moisture entering your home
➠ Reduce danger of respiratory distress and chance of mould growth
➠ Help improve indoor air quality, ideal for allergy sufferers
➠ Keep you and your family warm in winter, cool in summer and comfortable all year round
➠ Reduce the risk of drafts, hot or cold spots
➠ Minimise airborne noise from external sources and noise from within your home (such as plumbing runs)
➠ Protect your home against mould and mould growth
➠ Avoid pests and critters living and nesting in your home
➠ Add structural integrity to your home (especially with closed-cell insulation)
These immediate and long-term benefits are unmatched by traditional insulation types like fibreglass and cellulose. Fragile, fibrous and inefficient, traditional insulations cannot match the advantages of spray foam insulation.
What is R-Value? (The R-Value Myth)
R-Value is the measure of thermal resistance. R-Value insulation ratings are used to measure insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the more effective it is. House Insulation should be purchased based on its R-Value, not thickness or weight. One type of insulation may be thicker or thinner, but if the R-Value is the same they should insulate equally. R-Value performance testing is done in a 70 F environment with no air movement. Ironically enough, when you need insulation the most you’re generally not in these ideal temperatures or conditions. This can result in the rated house insulation R-Value being higher than the actual effective R-Value. The R-Value in house insulation is substantially lowered when there’s any air or water/moisture leaks. This is why traditional fiberglass insulation is often ineffective. In addition, it becomes a breeding ground for dangerous moulds. There are different types of house insulation materials, each having a different R-Value. A comparison of various insulation materials are: Insulation R -Value of Blown in Cellulose Insulation is 3.70 per inch Insulation R -Value of Fiberglass Insulation is 3.1 to 3.4 per inch Insulation R-Value of Expanded Polyurethane foam is 6.0 per inch Insulation R-Value of airKrete® is 3.9 per inch Thermal Performance Myth: There is a widespread belief that all insulation materials of equal R-Value will perform equally. Thermal Performance Fact: While insulations of equal R-Value perform equally in the controlled conditions of a laboratory, they do not all maintain that R-Value in the walls and ceilings of a building. Some give off gasses to the atmosphere and suffer a decline in efficiency, while the performance of others is vulnerable to the installers’ shortcomings. ‘Thermal Drift’ as this phenomenon is politely called, results from the failure of materials to fill all cavities completely, thus leaving air pockets which permit air movement inside the cavity. Further ‘drift’ occurs with some materials if the insulation is not fully protected against air infiltration, both from the interior and the exterior. Commonly used insulation may well perform at a fraction of its’ nominal rating depending on installation, how well it fits the cavity and how well it is protected from air infiltration.
What type of spray foam do you use?
Kingston Spray Foam Insulation uses 2lb medium density closed cell polyurethane Foam Insulation Material. This product is fully tested and approved and we have found it to be one of the finest insulation products available.
Are the products that you use safe for family use, including those with chemical sensitivities?
Yes, all of our products are fully approved by Health Canada for residential and commercial use. All of our products are 100% formaldehyde free.
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