Saturday, November 14, 2009

My Contractor Suggested Expanding Foam Insulation, Is This Good?

By Edward Nave

Expanding foam insulation is used for ceilings, walls, attics and basements. It's also used around window seals, electrical boxes, outlets and other small, enclosed places. Sailors use it for docks and pilots to strengthen airplane wings. What is it, and how is it applied? I will give you details on this and the other 3 insulations types, in hopes to assist you when choosing insulation.

The first we will consider when choosing insulation is loose fill. This insulation is made from either cellulose or fiberglass. It makes a blanket effect when it is blown into the walls. Contractors use it attics and walls in unfinished buildings. This type is treated for fire resistance and moisture.

When choosing insulation, you should consider the numerous of benefits of expanding foam insulation. It makes a good air sealer, improving air quality, lowers heating and air-conditions cost. This eliminates wind washing, caulking, house wrap or vapor seal. It can be used in high or low temp. It reduces noise, helps against flooding and controls condensation. It doesn't shrink, is not biodegradable and makes structures sounder. You can apply this over old material.

When choosing insulation there are three other types to consider; loose fill, batt and blanket and rigid foam board. I will talk about each briefly.

Loose fill made from fiberglass or cellulose like Expanding foam insulation it's blown into the walls to make a blanket effect. It is used in unfinished attics and walls.

Expanding Foam insulation has many uses. They range from finished walls, ceilings, floors, docks and airplanes. It's especially helpful around electrical boxes, outlets, window seals and other small tight enclosed areas.

Expanding foam insulation has many uses from finished walls, ceilings, floors to boat docks to airplanes. Contractors especially like this insulation in tight enclosed places like electrical boxes, outlets, and window seals.

When choosing insulation you have to consider the good and bad qualities of each type of insulation. Although batt and blanket is the cheapest initially, proper insulation is required. Rigid foam boards is also inexpensive but unless treated can obtain moisture and harbor bugs. Both require further weatherization. Expanding foam insulation and loose fill both effectively cover the area without bugs, or retaining moisture and without further weatherization.

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