Frequently asked questions
I don't think I have any wall insulation... How do I find out?
The easiest way to check if you have insulation in your walls is to have an outlet panel on one of the exterior walls removed, and look into the wall cavity with a flashlight.
Can I have Injectable Foam Insulation installed from the esterior on part of the house, and then some installation completed from the inside of the remainder of the house?
Yes! Your licensed Injectable Foam Insulation installer will work with you to suit your particular needs.
How frequently spaced are the injection holes?
This depends on the age and/or construction of your house, and should be discussed at the time of the estimate.
How does the Injectable Foam Insulation installer know when a wall cavity is completely full of foam?
The unique nature of the foam insulation being a liquid form with the consistency of shaving craem when injected, allows it to flow around any obstacles including water pipes and wiring without getting caught up, filling the entire cavity. Your licensed Injectable Foam Insulation installer is a professional and approaches every job in a tradesman like manner, by applying a combination of techniques includig; timing the cavity fill, methodical placement of the insertion holes, and with back pressure on the insertion hole, he is able to ensure a cavity is full.
Injectable Foam Insulation contains water when it is first installed. Where does it go? Will it damage my walls?
The initial water content of the foam is about 4% by volume, that is too low to affect a building's structure. The partially open-cel nature of the foam means that the insulation dries out quickly, Once dry, the foam resists re-absorption of water. Mold can occur whenever wetness gets trapped inside a wall. Usually the foam dries out before any mold can grow. If mold is an issue Insulguard or MoldProof can be added to the foam to kill any existing mold and prevent any future problems that might occur.
Is it safe to fill the cavity of a brick veneer home... I thought there needed to be a ventilation space between the brick and wood framework?
A common misconception with brick construction is that the gap between the wood stud and brick surface is there for ventilation. This is partially correct, however the primary purpose of this gap is to keep moisture traveling through the brock, which is porous, from touching the wood and sheathing. If the wood is in contact with brick it will take up moisture which causes the wood to rot. Injectable FOam Insulation is breathable, but also repels water. The foam fills the whole cavity space providing a suitable thermal barrier, without transferring moisture to the wood.
Will installation disrupt my home?
There is very little disruption to the household during the Injectable Foam Insulation process. Installation typically takes 1-2 days to complete depending on the structure.
Will Injectable Foam Insulation cause a fire hazard in the walls?
No. The Injectable Foam Insulation has a Class I Fire ratiing which means it is non-combustible. Even in intense heat, Injectable Foam Insulation will not burn, or melt, however it will char, lose weight and disintegrate.
Does Injectable Foam Insulation corrode the plastic coating on the electrical wires inside the walls?
No. Unlike some plastics, Injectable Foam Insulation will not react with plastic coated cabling/wiring.
Will Injectable Foam Insulation cause dampness?
No. When Injectable Foam Insulation is exposed to water it is hydrophobic - meaning it sheds water rather than holds it. Even when immersed in water, Injectable Foam Insulation absorbs only a small amount of water which quickly evaporates when it is removed from water. As with most insulations materials, Injectable Foam Insulation will become water-logged when exposed to water over a long period of time.
Will Injectable Foam Insulation shrink and deteriorate with age, thereby losing its insulation properties?
To a small degree. Some initial shrinkage is normal but investigators show that Injectable Foam Insulation maintains its physical and insulation properties. In fact, 15 and 20 year old foam has been found equivalent in insulation performance to new foam. Often the void space from shrinkage is less than what can be achieved when installing fiberglass bat insulation.