About Insulation
What is the difference between open and closed spray foam?
There are a few major differences between open and closed spray foam.
The most notable difference is the density or weight per cubic foot (R-Value). Closed cell is denser (2.2) and has a higher R-value (6 per inch), while open cell foam has a density of 0.5 and an R-value of 3.9 per inch.
Another major difference is resistance to moisture and water absorption.
Closed cell foams feature better insulation because of this resistance, and are also more resistant to water degradation which includes moisture build-up. Moisture can eventually attract bacterial growth, promoting mold, which can eat away at wood and threaten structural integrity. Preventing moisture migration can help greatly curb mold growth.
Open cell spray foam does not have water resistance and its lower strength provides less support to walls. It is also more permeable to vapor and air, and lower noise frequency ranges.
Due to the disadvantages compared to closed cell foam spray, open cell spray foam is more affordable. But pay attention – it is important to understand the insulation needs of your project before committing to one or another type of spray foam.
What causes ice dams?
Winter comes with ice dams – chunks of ice that form on the edge of a roof. They develop when heat rising from an attic (32 degrees or higher) melts the snow outside. Water then trickles down to the eaves and gutter where temperatures are colder. There, the water refreezes creating icicles and trapping ice underneath the shingles. Additional melting water can seep through the roof and exterior walls.
Ice dams represent 40-50% of new insurance claims related to winter storms.
Four Seasons Insulation Ltd. can definitely provide you with solutions to reduce the risk of ice dams.
How can I decrease my utility bills?
Of course it all depends on the condition of your house. Generally speaking, reducing air leakage by air sealing, insulating your home, and replacing or improving your heating systems can definitely help reducing your bills.
How do I choose a spray foam insulation?
Consider all insulation options available and select the insulation that best suits your needs. Review what each insulation product offers and reach out to experts. Consider R-Value and air-sealing properties, long-term performance and energy efficiency.
What is spray foam?
Spray foam insulation is a modern and energy-efficient way to help keep building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, as well as help reduce sound transmission and minimize air loss.
What are the benefits of spray foam insulation?
When it comes to choosing an insulation, we recommend: think long term!
Although spray foam insulation has an initial higher investment, the advantages that spray foam offers far outweigh the upfront cost.
That’s because spray foam fills all cracks and crevices where it is applied to limit air leakage which drives your heating or cooling equipment to work overtime to compensate for all that lost air. Also consider that spray foam insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project, but you can be sure that the work has been done by an experienced and licensed contractor. Even better, our company provides a lifetime insurance on spray foam insulation!
Some other advantages:
Reduced risk of ice damage
Reduced likelihood of mold
Open spray foam can create a quieter living space
Foam has the ability to limit the infiltration of allergens and pollutants
Spray foam stays where it's sprayed without sagging or settling over time
Spray foam insulation helps keep your house at constant temperatures
Is spray foam toxic?
Icynene® spray foam insulation products have an excellent health and safety record spanning more than 350,000 projects over more than 25 years.
Nonetheless, safe handling practices during and immediately following installation are required to eliminate the possibility of health effects from exposure to isocyanates. That’s why spray foam insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project, it must be done by an experienced and licensed contractor.
Can I add new insulation on top of old insulation?
It depends. If your old insulation is still dry and in a good condition, you can add new one on top of it. Old and wet insulation can result in mold, mildew or even rotting. If it seems to be wet, try to find out what caused it to prevent this happening to your new insulation.
What are the signs of insulation problems?
Signs of insulation problems may be high heating costs, cold walls, floors and rooms, mould on walls, drafty windows, ice damming.
What is R-value?
R-value is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Why is spray foam more expensive than fiberglass?
There are several reasons why spray foam is more expensive:
The materials are completely different. Spray foam is a thermal plastic, a by-product of crude oil. Oil prices affect the price of spray foam as well.
Spray foam manufacturing process is so much more complex than the one of manufacturing batt.
Installing spray foam requires specialized equipment and training. You need certified experts to do the job.
At what point during a construction project is spray foam applied?
It can vary, but for most projects the ideal time is when the framing, windows, doors, roof, and electrical inspections are complete.
Foam is the last installation to take place before drywall which means that your project is ready to be closed in.
Can anyone install spray foam?
No, if you had that thought, forget about it! Only trained, certified and licensed applicators can apply spray foam.
Why is spray foam better than traditional fiberglass?
Spray foam is applied in a liquid form, and then it expands. That means it is capable of filling every single nook, crevice, tiny hole, crack and gap to create a continued thermal envelope.
Icynene® insulates and air-seals to control unwanted random air leakage – which traditional cellulose and fiberglass insulation can’t do without the use of extra sealing materials. Traditional insulations can also leave gaps and seams around electrical boxes or light fixtures (compromising performance), but Icynene fits perfectly around all detailing for a complete air-seal. The result is a healthier and more efficient home.
How environmentally sound is Icynene spray foam?
Icynene® spray foams are considered to be an environmentally preferred products due to their air sealing qualities which contribute to improved indoor air quality, reductions in energy consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Icynene is listed in the industry-recognized GreenSpec® Directory and the Green Wizard directory. GreenSpec® products are selected based on independent research which ensures unbiased, quality information.
How is Icynene spray foam installed?
Icynene® foam insulation is installed by fully trained, licensed Icynene® contractor who will advise on the process of installation.
Does Icynene spray foam support bacterial and/or fungal growth?
Icynene® spray foam insulation products do not offer any food value, therefore do not support bacterial or fungal growth. Furthermore, it also does not retain water, making it an unappealing environment for fungal spores. University of Texas has done an experiment on mold growth ability on three different insulation types (Icynene, fiberglass with foil face and fiberglass with vapor barrier). Icynene® was found to be the best deterrent for mold growth among the types tested.
What does net zero building mean?
The whole world is taking steps to increase energy efficiency of buildings. So does British Columbia. The Province has introduced requirements in the BC Building Code to make buildings net-zero energy ready by 2032.
According to the city of Vancouver, the majority of non-renewable energy used in Vancouver buildings is used to produce heat—typically through burning natural gas. A zero-emission building emits no greenhouse gases form the energy it uses. The city has introduced a plan that, if successful, pushed all new buildings to have no greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
How to achieve that? By requiring better insulation, higher performing windows, increased air tightness requirements, the use of heat recovery ventilators, and
requirements for more efficient equipment such as furnaces.
Four Seasons Ltd. has a dedicated team of experts who find solutions to any insulation needs. We are well up to date with all the industry requirements and the most innovative and green products out there. Book a consultation already today! We’ll be happy to discuss what works for your building.
What is air sealing?
Air sealing is reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your building. It’s a great way to cut heating and cooling costs, increase comfort and healthier indoor environment.
At Four Seasons Insulation Ltd., we are the experts when it comes to air sealing. Get in touch with us and we’ll give you a reasonable quote!
About Four Seasons Insulation and Our Services
Why choose Four Seasons Insulation Ltd.?
We have been in the insulation business for more than 30 years. With so many years of experience, we have proven to be a trusted insulation supplier that provides clean, effective, and environmentally sound insulation solutions within the commercial and residential market.
We offer full-service experience: from order, delivery, to installation and providing a third-party for inspection of spray foam insulation. You can be sure that insulating your house will be seamless and stress-free. We deliver work in a timely manner.
How do I remove insulation? Is it a service you provide?
We offer old insulation removal as well if required. Sometimes it is not needed, for example when old spray foam insulation is dry and in good condition.
It really depends on the type of insulation that has been installed in the building. Before anything, we recommend you to consult with an expert as some insulations may contain asbestos or require special knowledge for removal.
How long does an insulation project take?
Projects completion times vary greatly depending on what needs to be done and the size of the building. Call or email us for a free quote!
Nonetheless, safe handling practices during and immediately following installation are required to eliminate the possibility of health effects from exposure to isocyanates. That’s why spray foam insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project, it must be done by an experienced and licensed contractor.
Do you offer warranty on your work?
Icynene® provides a lifetime limited warranty on spray foam insulation.
What methods of payments do you accept?
We accept payment in cash, cheque, Visa and Mastercard. We do not take American Express or e-transfer at this time.
How far in advance should I book?
Contact us today and we can discuss your needs and lead times.
The quotes I received from different insulation companies were very different, why?
Make sure you are comparing equal offers. Different R-values, or products could be the difference especially when it comes to spray foam insulation. Pricing on spray foam will be greatly affected by the type of foam you’ve been quoted. For example, closed cell foam is pricier than open cell foam.
Why Icynene spray foams?
Selecting the right building product can have a positive effect on you, your family, your clients, your community as well as the environment. Icynene’s air-sealing properties help buildings work towards energy efficiency. Selecting Icynene® spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce a building’s carbon footprint since less energy is required to heat and cool the building.
Want to get in touch? We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.