FAQ

Here we can provide you with the information you need to make a decision on all of your spray foam needs. Have you Ever Had Questions About If Spray Foam is Right for Your Home or Office Space? Ask the Professionals from Superior Insulation here. Professional Contractors out of Western New York for Over 30 Plus Years.


SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM {SPF}  forms a continuous air barrier against walls, roofs, attics, rafters and cavities on many surfaces in and around an existing/new home or building. It is custom manufactured at the job site by mixing two materials that rapidly expand to create a hypo-allergenic, pest resistant, air barrier. It insulates, and seals gaps providing a barrier against dust, pollen, pests and wind. By creating a tight barrier around a building, SPF helps prevent hot or cold air from creating a condensation point (won’t allow mold growth) within the building assembly.


So you want to know if doing that Spray Foam Insulation job by yourself is a good idea huh? Well here’s a few pointers from the team at Superior Insulation on if a DIY spray foam job is a good idea or not.

While every major home improvement store carries DIY kits of spray foam insulation it’s not a good idea for you to install it yourself.  Installing Insulation can be quite tricky and doing it wrong could mean a lot of time & money being wasted.

Spray foam insulation installation requires extensive experience and protective gear to avoid any hazards. We take the utmost care to protect our workers as well as your home or office space from overspray and any hazards that would occur if they weren’t properly protected.

Spray foam quickly expands and there is a very fine mist that gets on everything when it is installed.  Too much or too little spray foam can create problems.  Spray foam needs to be applied in a timely, efficient, and expert manner to have maximum results.  When its done by a professional you as the consumer get the best bang for your buck.

This is why a Professional Spray Foam Contractor is your best bet! Hiring a Professional Spray Foam Contractor gives you piece of mind and allows you the comfort of knowing things are being done right.

Want to grab an FREE estimate? Give us a ring at 716-892-1416 and ask for Patty or fill out our Contact form HERE!


Top Ten Reasons to Use Spray Foam Insulation

  1. Saves much more money than it costs

  2. Reduces energy usage by 40-70%

  3. The only insulation that insulates, air-seals and acts as a vapor retarder in one step

  4. Will NOT hold moisture and will NOT allow mold growth

  5. Environmentally safe and ecologically friendly

  6. Suitable for all types of construction

  7. Creates a healthier, more comfortable and cleaner indoor environment

  8. Contains sound conditioning properties for a quieter indoor environment

  9. Forms a perfect fit to any size or shape cavity, cathedral ceilings, and any cracks, gaps or voids left by construction

  10. Lasts for the lifetime of your home or commercial or industrial building.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Air sealing with spray foam
Spray polyurethane foam is a powerful tool in the air sealer's kit. For many air-sealing tasks — for example, sealing rim joists or the attic side of partition top plates — it's hard to beat spray foam.

 Did you know that up to 80% of your icicles and ice dams are created by heat loss due to insufficient insulation. Spray foam can fix that! 

 

CHOOSE A CONSCIENTIOUS INSTALLER

Most jobs are for pros
Spray polyurethane foam is usually installed by a spray-foam contractor equipped with a truck or trailer to carry the necessary chemicals and spray equipment.

For smaller jobs, builders can purchase disposable tanks of two-component polyurethane foam. These tanks are sold in various sizes, and range in cost from about $200 to $500. For very small jobs, small aerosol cans of one-component (moisture-cured) polyurethane foam can be purchased at most building-supply stores for about $5 a can.

Experience matters
Although spray polyurethane foam has many advantages over other types of insulation, spray foam installation isn't foolproof. Some builders have reported problems with sloppy foam insulation. For example, some installers have been known to begin spraying before the chemical components are up to temperature, which can affect component mixing and foam performance. When components are poorly mixed, or mixed in the wrong ratio or at the wrong temperature, cured foam has been known to shrink away from rafters or studs, leaving cracks. Some installers rush through their spraying, resulting in voids.

As with any type of insulation—whether fiberglass batts, cellulose, or spray foam—it's important to choose an installer with a good reputation; to monitor the installer's work; and to verify that the insulation work meets expectations before making the final payment on the job.


MYTH: Heat Rises. 

FACT: Your home works just like a weather system does, warm air pushes towards cold air and takes the path of least resistance. 


Did you know... Spray foam insulation creates an air barrier to keep the wind from blowing through your walls or attic space which neither cellulose nor fiberglass can do?

There are different types of spray foam insulation. Application (where it's being placed) help determine type. Cost is based on material type and applications.

Estimates should always be FREE! Your estimate is the time to ask and get questions answered about your project.


Q: Is spray foam waterproof?

A: No, it is not. However, it can be made waterproof for roofing applications by using a silicone-based material.


Q: Do I just need to add more air to my attic to stop ice dams and icicles?

A: Adding additional air (ridge cap, gable vents, soffits) to your attic will NOT stop ice dams and icicles. Additional insulation will slow down the build-up of ice dams and icicles. Determining how much more insulation is needed, type and where it needs to be applied will be done by an experienced estimator. Heat loss is an insulation issue.


Q: I have finished walls and there is no access to my attic crawlspace. Can insulation be added?

A: In most cases, additional insulation can be added. Your estimator will tell you how.


Q: I have a new home, don't I have enough insulation?

A: If you have ice dams or icicles or cold floors in your new home, you need additional insulation. The age of your home does not determine whether you need more.


Q: I have an air conditioner/ductwork or furnace in my attic and my insulation is on my attic floor. Can you help me?

A: Your insulation is likely on the wrong side of your attic assembly (if on the attic floor). Spray foam insulation can be placed against the underside of the roof deck to significantly reduce the icicles and ice dams and condensation created by the type of installation.