what is spray foam?

When most spray foams are made, two liquids combine causing a chemical reaction to form the spray polyurethane foam. Spray foam can be sprayed into an open cavity, like in new construction, attics, crawl spaces and rim joists. Spray foam never loses its shape. Unlike conventional insulation materials, spray foam fills cracks, gaps and crevices on installation. It won’t compress, sag or settle over time.

Spray foam insulation impacts the conduction (heat transfer) and the convection (air flow) which affects your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Insulation’s overall job is to resist heat flow in or out of a space. It keeps your warm house warm in the winter and your cool home cool in the summer.

When thinking of traditional insulation – fiberglass and cellulose – think of it like the comparison of a wool sweater and a windbreaker. A wool sweater on a cold fall day is warm and welcome. That same wool sweater doesn’t help you keep warm if the wind is blowing and flowing right through it. A windbreaker will be much more effective in keeping you warm, much like spray foam.