Architect's Guide to Spray Polyurethane Foam (Spray Foam Insulation)

In a recent study, the University of Ohio found that spray foam insulation is likely to be the norm in 40% of new homes built,  starting in year 2010. That number is only set to go up as spray foam insulation is becoming the fastest growing segment in the construction trade.

This in-demand home insulation has many architectural benefits and properties that make it the superior choice for new homes and for older homes that need insulation updating. This page describes just a few of the many benefits of this high-quality material.

Architectural Benefits

Versatility: Spray foam can be installed anywhere, in new constructions or older homes, without compromising design or existing features. In older homes, it can be applied to problem air leak areas identified by thermal imaging, which is a process that costs much less than whole-home installation.

Energy Efficient: Lightweight with a base R value of up to 7 per inch, spray foam surpasses the energy efficient properties of other traditional insulators.

Building Strength: Spray foam has been proven to perform very well against conventional roof systems in hurricane and high wind conditions.

Air & Moisture Protection: Spray foam acts as a sealant, protecting against unwanted air and moisture entering through gaps in doors and windows and cracks in the building envelope.

Consumer Demand: Through web resources like the Department of Energy’s “Home Energy Saver” and other sources, consumers and facility managers are demanding high performing and sustainable materials like spray foam insulation.

More About R Values

The spray foam insulation that we provide has a an R value of up to 7 per inch of foam, which is layered to create values of up to 50 (more is possible depending on space) as recommended by the US Department of Energy for homes in the NJ, PA and NY region.

R Value Comparison Table, Common Insulation Types (Values per Inch)

Loose Fill Fiberglass: 2.5

Fiberglass Batts (Rolls): 3

Polystyrene Board: 3.8

Spray Foam: 5.9 to 7

Common fiberglass batting has a much lower R value than spray foam and does not prevent problem air gaps that can cause huge amounts of energy and thermal losses. Spray foam can even be made of safe, organic materials for sustainable projects.

Enveloping

Building envelope design emphasizes indoor climate control – all areas of a home can be “enveloped” in a protective shell that provides a thermal barrier for the home. Doctor Energy Smart’s solutions work perfectly for enveloping, which encourages circulation for better air quality and fully insulates the building.

Thermal and Air Benefits

Spray foam has enhanced thermal insulation characteristics that make it a favorite of consumers, architects and contractors. It provides a higher R value than other insulation types because of its ability to better fill wall cavities around electrical, plumbing, and other obstructions to eliminate air leaks. 

As an air barrier, spray foam outperforms other insulators in addition to its high base R value. Combined, you get a higher in-the-wall R value.

Roof & Attic Benefits

You can eliminate attic moisture  and heat build-up without the need for ventilated roofing. Current research shows that much of the moisture in attics actually comes from damp basements, crawl spaces, and living spaces. Ventilating an attic can even make moisture problems worse. 

A roof insulated with spray foam eliminates energy loss from ducts, chimneys, poorly insulated ceilings, and other areas where air and moisture can leak or collect. A sealed roof and attic also leads to lower energy costs for the consumer.

Structural Strength and Benefits

Spray foam is currently being researched as an enhanced attachment system for roofing projects, with a focus on retrofit or new construction buildings’ hurricane and high wind resistance properties. Clemson University has found that spray foam significantly improves the attachment of roof sheathing to trusses and rafters (similar to the way construction adhesives bond a floor system together). More information on this research is available from Clemson University's Civil Engineering Department, or the 113 Calhoun St Project in Charleston, SC.

Crawl Space Benefits

In typical insulation installations, batting is placed between the floor joists over a crawl space foundation. This leads to incomplete thermal barriers due to wiring, plumbing, and ductwork obstructions. Open web floor trusses create additional problems because they create pathways for air to move around the insulation batts. In warm months, humid air can flow around the batts, leading to condensation, mold, and decay in the floor system.

Spray foam circumvents floor insulation problems through its ability to completely fill voids and open spaces. Areas around wiring and plumbing as well as open webs of floor trusses can be completely filled, resulting in a complete and essentially uniform thermal floor barrier.