Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?

Is spray foam insulation safe? This is a question many property owners wonder about. After all, it is a known fact that spray foam insulation involves the use of chemicals and possibly toxic materials. So how can it be safe for homeowners who would like to insulate their home with spray foam?

Despite the sometimes negative feedback of uninformed or improperly informed individuals about spray foam insulation, it still remains one of the most popular insulation types for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It is so effective in sealing all possible air leaks, hence resulting in significant energy savings and improved comfort indoors.

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What is Spray Foam Insulation Made Of?

It is very important to clarify that spray foam insulation, when installed properly by professionals, is a safe type of insulation. In fact, once it has cured properly, it will even contribute to improving the indoor air quality of your home. It effectively seals all possible entry points in your home where irritants such as pollen, dust, and other types of pollution can possibly get it. With the absence of allergens, many types of diseases and illnesses can be prevented. Furthermore, this type of insulation can help greatly in reducing the risk of mold as it controls the humidity indoors.

Spray foam insulation is also called spray-polyurethane foam (SPF). It is a chemical produced by combining polyol resin and isocyanate. Generally speaking, since it is made using chemicals, then it can become dangerous when handled and installed improperly.

What Makes Spray Foam Insulation Unsafe?

When installed properly, spray foam insulation is safe for every type of property. We understand that this may still not rest your doubts and still wonder is spray foam insulation safe. After proper curing, spray foam insulation is safe and should not cause any health-related or even structural problems in your property.

However, it is highly important for you to call a licensed insulation contractor to install this type of insulation in your property. The contractor will first inspect your property to check on the structure, layout, ventilation system, and to determine if spray foam is indeed the right type of insulation you need. They will then check the amount or thickness of spray foam required to properly insulate your home.

It is highly recommended that the occupants of the property would leave during the application process. The contractor would have to wear safety gear including gloves, masks, and clothes that would fully cover the body. Since spray foam would need time to cure, which can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, occupants can only re-enter the property after the insulation material has fully cured.

According to the Environment Protection Agency, the factors that can impact the rate of curing and the overall quality and safety of spray foam insulation in a property include temperature and humidity, poor HVAC systems, and improper applicator techniques.

This strengthens the fact that spray foam insulation application should never be a DIY project. You must call a licensed and experienced contractor for application assistance.

Call a Licensed Spray Foam Insulation Contractor

Truth be told, not all insulation contractors can call themselves experts in spray foam insulation application. Though this type of insulation has been around for quite a long time, mixing, proportioning, and the actual application can still get tricky. And so, there are still some failed projects every so often. To keep you at ease and for your peace of mind, it is best to call an expert and experienced contractor for this type of insulation.

So is spray foam insulation safe? It is when you call a licensed and expert contractor for assistance. In Orlando and surrounding areas, All Florida Insulation is the top choice if you’re looking to get spray foam insulation for your property. We have a team of fully equipped, highly trained, and experienced crew that can carry out all kinds of insulation jobs, no matter how large or small, including spray foam insulation application. We are also available in Winter Park, Longwood, Lake Mary, and surrounding areas. Call (407) 410-FOAM (3626) to get a free estimate today!

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