Spray-foam insulation, such as Icynene, is becoming increasingly popular in green building projects, replacing fiberglass in renovations and new construction. Safe and nontoxic, spray foam meets LEED specifications because it expands to fill cracks—even in hard-to-insulate areas around electrical outlets and pipe conduits. Unlike such traditional materials as fiberglass or cellulose, spray-foam insulation virtually eliminates energy-wasting air leaks, erecting a barrier to noise, pollution, allergens and drafts. By reducing air leakage, Icynene also helps to minimize condensation within the walls and ceilings, retarding the growth of mold. Although spray foam is slightly more expensive to install, Icynene is typically more economical than fiberglass over the long term—homeowners can cut energy bills by 30 percent. Homes insulated with spray foam are quieter, more comfortable and healthier places to live. |
There are two types of spray-foam insulation. Polyicynene is an open-cell polyurethane product that sprays on like paint, then expands to 100 times its volume, filling the cavities between studs to make your home airtight. Polyicynene remains spongy and flexible, adjusting to any settling of the building, and delivers an R-value of 3.6 per inch. (R-value is a measure of insulation efficiency. The “R” stands for resistance to heat flow, so the higher the number the more effective the insulation.) Closed-cell foam insulation is a similar product that expands to 30 times its volume and dries hard. Because it is rigid, it can actually strengthen the walls of your house (no more creaking!). It delivers an R-value of about 6 per inch. In general, polyurethane delivers higher R-values than any other kind of insulation. |
