A note from our customers

Gentlemen:

Just a quick note to say thank you for a great job.  Steve and the crew were easy to work with.  They came out, did the job in a 2 days and left everything neat and clean.  There were 2 sections where we were behind on the rough and they left enough material for me to finish when done and I really appreciated that gesture.  By far, Thermaseal has been the easiest supplier to work with on this project and we are more than happy to provide a reference should you ever need it.  

Thank you,

Raymond

RAYMOND MATEO

Pictograph of how Spray Foam Works

Here is Why Foam Applied by Therma Seal is Best

Spray Foam	Fiberglass & Cellulose
Icynene Spray Foam Stops Air Leakage
Spray foam insulation is like a warm windbreaker jacket — it stops the cold air from passing through.	Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are like a wool sweater - if there's any breeze, it doesn't keep you warm. Even if they're very thick to give an extremely high R-value, they'll still let air leak out of your home and increase your energy bill.
Spray Foam Insulation for Homes is a Modern Material
Spray foam insulation is a modern material that's been used for over 25 years.	Fiberglass is an old technology, and cellulose is little more than shredded newspaper. So modern types of insulation are becoming more popular.
Spray Foam Fills Gaps
Spray foam insulation expands up to 100 times to fill gaps — ensuring maximum insulation.	Fiberglass and cellulose are extremely difficult to install perfectly — the spaces that are left add up to the size of a basketball in the average home — leaking enough air to fill two blimps each day!
Icynene Spray Foam Insulation Protects Your Home From Water
Many open cell spray foam (such as Icynene LD-C-50) drains water rather than holding it, and most closed cell spray foam doesn't let it in at all.	Cellulose is made from shredded newspaper, and drinks up water. Fiberglass batts and cellulose don't repel water — the water stays in place and may damage your home as well as reduce how well the insulation works. This is one of the leading contributors to mold development — and it also decreases R-values, meaning you spend more on energy.
Spray on Foam Stays in Place
Spray foam stays in place – it doesn’t settle or sag, vertically or horizontally. It moves with the house as it settles. Spray foam insulation is completely solid when it sets, doesn’t produce any dust, and doesn’t let dust or other pollutants pass through to your home.	Fiberglass and cellulose settle and sag over time, leaving gaps that compromise insulation. Fiberglass and cellulose can be dusty and allow dust and other pollutants to enter the building.
Icynene Spray Foam is Healthier
Many spray foams (such as Icynene LD-C-50) don’t contain formaldehyde, HCFCs, HFAs, or HFCs, and doesn’t give off harmful emissions once installed.	Most fiberglass contains formaldehyde, and may emit formaldehyde fumes into your home.
Spray Foam Doesn't Attract Pests
Many spray foams do not provide a source of food for rodents, termites, or other nasty critters. As a home insulation, spray foam also doesn’t make for good nests.	Fiberglass and cellulose can be torn apart by pests, and some even use them for nesting.
Spray Foam Isn't Easily Damaged
Spray foams harden to a dense material that isn’t easily damaged.	Exposed fiberglass and cellulose are easily damaged – insulation in areas such as basements and attics may be compromised by cats, children, moving boxes around, and other general usage.

Importance of creating an air barrier in an unvented attic

Creating an air barrier in your unvented attic can lead to serious savings in energy costs and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.  Basic insulation provides R-value, which is the materials ability to slow down heat transfer across a membrane such as a roof or attic deck.  This R-value helps with heat conduction but does not prevent the accumulation of heat by convection, which is air passing through cracks, crevices, and other openings of an attic trying to create equilibrium between the house temperature and the outside heat and elements.  The cold air being pumped through your vents is constantly being sucked into the attic and leaked into the atmosphere.  With Therma Seal's Icynene Spray Foam System you can reduce energy costs by creating R-value but ALSO eliminate heat build up through convection.  Any cold air pumped into your house would be encapsulated within your house and attic without any waste.  You wouldn't go to the beach with a cooler of ice and not put the lid on it right?!  Contact Therma Seal Insulation Systems at 561-775-9703 or visit our website www.thermaseal.net for more information about our energy saving solutions.

Ultra energy efficient insulation system along with healthier air quality!

Counihan Construction utilizing spray foam insulation to give their valued homeowners an ultra energy efficient insulation system along with healthier air quality!

FAQs about spray foam

Can you explain how the different R values are achieved? Is it just sprayed on thicker? If so how is this done on the underside of the attic if the roof is constructed of 2x4 lumber? Does it expand beyond the beam thickness of 3.5 inches?

Now that I have some quiet time.  The primary reason the Icynene is a game changer is it utilizes the synergy of R-Value with Air Barrier.  1+1=4.

R-Value is a mathematical denotation for the resistance to heat transfer by conduction and conduction only.  Higher the R the slower the warm molecule are apple to transfer form warm side to cold side.

Air Barrier is either air barrier or it is not.  That said once an air barrier achieved added product does not improve the air barrier.  Icynene achieve air barrier at 3.5” (aka R13).  Short story at an R20 the foam prevent 95+% of heat transfer and 97% at an R30 (8”).

Icynene is designed to be used to encapsulate a conditioned space, when utilized in a non-conditioned area it performs only as a thermal product providing R-Value.

Does it expand beyond the beam thickness of 3.5 inches?

Yes, an R20 thickness will encapsulate a 2x4 truss system.

Is it just sprayed on thicker?

Yes adding thickness increases R-Value to spray foam.  There is a diminishing value return which occurs beyond a R13.  Typical residential code has always required a R19 minimum so generally we offer R20 as the optimum thickness choice.

WWW.THERMASEAL.NET 

Icynene Spray Foam in Hot Climates

Hot or warm climates like the southern states of the USA can benefit equally as well as their northern counterparts from spray foam insulation. In fact, one area of the typical family home that can benefit from spray foam insulation is the unvented attic.

A report titled Energy Efficient Homes: The Duct System from The University of Florida - IFAS Extension suggests that typical duct systems lose up to 40% of heating or cooling energy leading HVAC equipment to work harder.  According to the report, ducts leaking just 20% of the conditioned air passing through them cause your system to work 50% harder. In turn, duct leakage not only translates to higher utility bills but also can contribute to mold problems as well as potential health and safety issues.  To combat these potential issues, installation of spray foam insulation like Icynene Classic Max in an unvented attic in hot climates like Florida and Texas can allow:

• duct leakage to remain in the conditioned space, eliminating the loss of conditioned air
• increases the efficiency of the HAVC equipment
• maintains a temperature in the attic space roughly 5^o to 10^oF within the living environment below
• Plus, spray foam insulation products like Icynene Classic Max allows builders to build homes with the safest attic configuration available on the market

The graphic below demonstrates how an unvented attic with Icynene open cell spray foam insulation in a hot climate or southern US climate can help regulate HVAC efficiency and maintain improved indoor temperatures.

Ninety-nine percent of moisture travels through the air. An integrated open-cell spray foam insulation and air barrier system minimizes air leakage and, therefore, accompanying moisture. Diffusion represents only 1% of the total moisture flow. Diffused moisture travels through the sheathing and the insulation to the interior space where it is easily removed from the air by the A/C sytem. The moisture load and latent heat load is thereby dramatically reduced with the use of air-impermeable, soft foam insulation.

Appraisal Institute's Residential Green & Energy Efficient Addendum

Appraisal Institute's Residential Green & Energy Efficient Addendum

The Appraisal Institute’s Green Addendum is the first residential green and energy efficient appraisal report addendum developed by appraisers, for use by appraisers.  The addendum provides items of high performance house features for consideration by appraisers and will provide appraisers a tool for selecting comparable sales for the property they are appraising.

 

Summer has kicked off to be a hot one: Icynene, Sustainably COOL!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!!!

Happy Customers

Good morning -

I just wanted to say thank you, the installation of the insulation went beyond well.  The guys, Chris, Mauricio, and Adrian were beyond, polite, professional, and prompt. Both my husband and myself were extremely pleased, thank you again so much, and please send our thanks to the guys who did the work again!!

Leighann Molina

Video: Icynene Classic Max Wall application

3 Years after Icynene application, homeowner still overjoyed!

[To the Therma Seal Insulation Team]

"I am ecstatic with our Icynene job performed by Therma Seal Insulation Systems.  My 4 bedroom home electric bill averages just over $100 per month since the application 3 years ago!

~Daniel Cameron
Boynton Beach, FL

Customer Response

Hi Therma Seal!
The insulation is helping a lot.

There is definitely a sound-proofing effect.

And the temperature and humidity inside the house are great.

Overall, with the new roof and the insulation, the house feels 100% better than before.

Thank you!!

-Amir

Icynene Synopsis

Simply put, installing Icynene to your home or business is not just insulation but a complete Insulation System.  Batt and Blown In Fiber Insulation products offer an R-Value (R is an indication of heat conduction) benefit only.  The thicker the application the higher the R-Value. The negative effects of these products are that they compress over time and they allow airflow, both of which reduce its R-Value and effectiveness as insulation.

Therma Seal Insulation Systems creates an “unvented attic” assembly, which prohibits the intrusion of heat, humidity or pollen into the attic space.  More importantly, the cool air you produce; which in the past seeps through the conventional insulation and dispersed out into the environment, is now retained in the attic space.  The result is a home, which cools quickly and then retains this temperature significantly longer

The benefits you gain by adding this system include air quality and sound absorption and improved energy efficiency. 

As indicated, Icynene is an insulation system that beyond its thermal attributes (R Value) is an Air Barrier system.  This envelope over the conditioned space, is also known as “Unvented Attic System” (http://www.thermaseal.net/images/stories/design-notes/benefits-of-unvented-attic.pdf)

The system provided by Therma Seal retains this cooler air inside the attic envelope.  The ducts and handlers now work in a comfortable environment without a dew point (preventing mold/mildew).   Visit www.thermaseal.net to meet the Therma Seal Team and a complete viewing of the application, case studies and more.

jfinck@thermaseal.net

561.775.9703

Evolving Building Science: Insulation and its importance

Insulation: No longer a low priority on the home building process.

                For years, the insulation scope of a building process was merely glanced at during the budget meeting prior to breaking ground on a new project. 

Today, with consistent increases in the price of energy, a home’s energy efficiency and successful application of building science is very much so, a high priority.  Society has also become more aware of the “green” movement, and actively looks to participate.  The evolution of insulation has created a solution to an energy loss problem.

                Fiberglass insulation is a method of insulating a home, dating back to 1938.  With technological advances doubling every ten years, you may ask yourself; Why is it still used today? 

                Trends show fiberglass is being used less and less as people are becoming educated on the use of spray foam and its air barrier characteristics.   No matter how much fiberglass insulation you have in an attic, and how cool it may keep it (or warm), the HVAC unit may continue to run and run.  This is the result of malignant air leakage.  The average household could fill two blimps per day due to air leaking out of a building envelope.  Icynene, the leader in spray foam, provides the cure all to air leakage, with supplemental advantages such as increased air quality, sound attenuation, and added structural integrity.

                Icynene is applied to the entire underside of the roof decking, all the way to the perimeter, rendering the use of soffit vents useless, thus creating an “unvented attic.”  The easiest way to grasp the concept of an unvented attic is a tightly sealed cooler; if you set two coolers out full of ice with one of them being cracked open, which cooler would have ice a day later? Why... the unvented cooler has successfully contained the cold, allowing the ice (HVAC) to work less and CONSERVE its energy. 

                Icynene works in a similar fashion, giving your HVAC a huge reduction in output, thus cutting your cooling and heating costs nearly in half!  To learn more, visit www.thermaseal.net.

World Health Day: Concerned about formaldehyde in Icynene spray foam?

Should I be worried about potential exposure to formaldehyde from Icynene spray foam insulation products?

No, there is no reason to be worried about exposure to formaldehyde from Icynene spray foam insulation. Formaldehyde is not used as an ingredient in the manufacture of Icynene spray foam insulation.

Icynene spray foam insulation has been tested numerous times over the years, by highly-sophisticated and reputable third party laboratories, for levels of formaldehyde. Tiny amounts of formaldehyde detected in conjunction with application of Icynene spray foam insulation originate from other materials in the application space or “trace” amounts occurring normally in the raw materials used to manufacture the foam. In all cases, the data show levels of formaldehyde to be virtually undetectable with sensitive laboratory equipment within a short time  after spraying.

Independent laboratory testing confirms that formaldehyde emissions from even freshly-sprayed Icynene foam are well within the strict guidelines for use in schools and offices set by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) in the state of California soon after spraying.

You can be certain that formaldehyde is not an ingredient in Icynene spray foam insulation and has been thoroughly tested by reputable third-party laboratories to ensure that any trace amounts of formaldehyde conform to normal indoor air levels and meet strict guidelines for schools.

What is formaldehyde and why is it a common concern relating to foam products?

Formaldehyde is a naturally-occurring and widely present chemical in our world. Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, with the formula CH₂O. Most organic life forms - bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans - produce formaldehyde at various levels. In fact, formaldehyde is even present in human breath.

Formaldehyde does not accumulate in the environment or within plants, animals or people, as metabolic processes quickly break it down in the body and the atmosphere. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of many products in the home:

• asphalt shingles
• sheathing & cladding
• walls & wall panels
• floors & roofs
• electrical boxes & outlets
• furniture
• counter tops, cabinets & cabinet doors
• appliances: washers, dryers, & dishwashers
• plumbing: faucets, showerheads, & valve mechanisms;
• paints & varnishes
• and others

Most of the fiberglass batt insulation existing in walls and attics today was manufactured with formaldehyde-based binders. Formaldehyde became linked to spray foam insulation
because a common, early generation type of foam was formed using formaldehyde (i.e. urea-formaldehyde foam) and it contained substantial levels of residual formaldehyde. Icynene products are polyurethane, not urea-formaldehyde, foams and formaldehyde is not used to produce this type of foam.

South Florida General Contractors Know They Are Providing A Wonderful Product; and acting in the best interest of future homeowners for energy efficieny & air quality.

South Florida general contractors who utilize the energy efficient and healthier Icynene spray foam insulation system also utilize several reductions under the FBC.  

Moss Construction achieves improved sound absorption and air quality in exposed application of Icynene Spray Foam by Therma Seal

An eclectic use of office space is provided by Therma Seal to the Moss & Associates Construction Headquarters.

Therma Seal sprayed the Icynene Classic Max Insulation System to the underside of the top floor roof, providing an air barrier envelope for superior cooling and humidity control.

Moss Construction left the foam application exposed and coated with DC315 plus and additional layer of gray paint to accommodate a progressive aesthetic appearance.

Beyond the value benefits of the air barrier is the sound absorption provided in this open space layout.

Does spray foam insulation cost more than fiberglass and cellulose?

-Icynene Corp

Although behind the wall, insulation is one of the most important investments in any residential or commercial project that your client can make. More often than not, the argument for or against spray foam insulation is affected by cost. While spray foam insulation does cost more than fiberglass and cellulose, it’s important to recognize the return on investment that Icynene spray foam insulation offers.

An article in the Chicago Tribune identifies spray foam insulation as a more complex system that is applied as a liquid that can fill in every crack and seam consistently while fiberglass need to be cut carefully to fit the cavities. This can leave gaps which allow vast amounts of air to escape. 

It’s these gaps in the inconsistent coverage of fiberglass that can have a significant impact on the daily energy consumption, and therefore the building’s heating and cooling costs.  It’s believed that all the gaps left by fiberglass insulation allows enough air escape an average American home to fill two air blimps – every day.  This kind of inconsistency in performance also applies to cellulose since it can impacted by gravity and moisture which hinders its performance.

Does spray foam insulation cost more than fiberglass or cellulose? When you consider the amount of air escaping from poorly insulated fiberglass buildings (and the costs associated with an overworked HVAC system) together with the factors that can affect performance such as moisture, mold potential and gravity against the performance consistency and return on investment value of spray foam insulation, then the cost of spray foam insulation is a wise investment for any building owner.

                             

Remember that variables such as spray foam type, labor and quantity do have an impact on the initial investment price, your clients have the opportunity to use an energy efficient product that provides savings as much as 50% on every monthly heating and cooling bills. No other insulation product can provide such a saving.

Therma Seal Insulation Systems
Solutions Driven... Customer Focused!

Insulation and the truth behind R-value

What is the correct R-Value to be installed in a vented attic?

When speaking in terms of R-Value as it relates to insulation, we are speaking to the speed at which heat conductively travels from the hot side towards the cold side .  The higher the R-Value the slower the speed of heat transfer.  Note R-Value does not stop the transfer, merely slows it down.  An example on your kitchen stove is the time it takes to warm an aluminum pan verse the time to warm a cast iron pan; we will still cook in both cases.   Keep in mind heat travels in multiple methods and wave lengths including airflow.  Conventional insulation can only address the conduction transfer and ignores the transfer of heat by radiation and airflow (convection).  

The solution, an air barrier. When measuring the effectiveness of insulation, R value is the only factor most insulation manufacturers talk about because it’s all they offer. R value measures the ability to limit conductive heat flow (heat transferred through it). But the primary method of heat transfer is not conductive heat flow — it’s air leakage (convection). Air leakage can account for up to 40% of a building’s energy loss, and it cannot be stopped with traditional insulation. R value is important, but an airtight seal is equally important for achieving energy savings.

Icynene spray foam insulation provides insulation R value and air-sealing in a single step. This is the only way to truly provide your clients with the most energy-saving value from their insulation costs.

The Wikipedia link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-value_(insulation) indicates R-Value as thermal resistance.  The higher the R, the more effective.  However there is a space requirement and a balance which should be recognized when choosing the R- Value.  Space is required to add R-Value.   In discussing the batt insulation product 8” is required to achieve a R-Value of 30.  If one were to compress the R30 batt into a 5” cavity this result is a denser product but also a lower R-Value which is near 19.

When is Too Much R in a vented attic a poor concept in hot humid climates?

A vented attic is designed to allow air flow to enter and escape.  Conceptually, heat rises and ridge vents and whirly birds support the relief of heat in an attic.  This process reduces some of the heat, depressurizes the attic and draws new or cooler air in through existing soffits or form the conditioned air of the home.  It is important to have reasonable air flow to prevent other issues which can cause mold or mildew.

Essentially, we are cooling the attic, yet the air is then released to the world.  AC duct systems work in this environment and may be subject to sweating if the metal or aluminum conduit of the duct system is cold and the attic air is too hot.  Restating the importance of air flow in a vented attic, we realize as we increase the volume of insulation to the deck of an attic we reduce the ingress and egress of air flow.  Many times over insulating an attic deck promotes higher dew points and sweating because the attic become even hotter.  Although it is separated from conditioned living by more insulation, reducing the loss of cool air the attic bakes at a higher temperature.  This concern becomes especially evident as the roof slope of an attic is low.

Therma Seal Spray Foam Insulation
Solutions Driven... Customer Focused
561.775.9703

Why spray Icynene Classic Max over other spray foam products?

     The #1 reason to spray the Icynene Classic Max over any other spray foam is fire safety.  Therma Seal Spray Foam uses the latest version of Icynene's open cell spray foam because it is the best in its breed and will not sustain a flame in the event of a fire.  Not only will Classic Max not sustain a flame, this fire safe attic system has proved to snuff out attic fires, protecting not only your largest financial asset, your home, but also your family.

Therma Seal Insulation Systems
Icynene Gold Circle dealers of South Florida

What South Florida Homeowner Need to Know...

9 Tips for our South Florida homeowners looking you use spray foam to increase energy efficiency and air quality.

Therma Seal insulation makes the difference in creating better indoor environments!

Courtesy of Icynene Corp.

When it comes to safeguarding the warmth and well-being of people and products in a building, it's important for residents to ensure that they're putting the best services into place. If there's a problem with the kinds of insulation, method of placement or overall effectiveness of the resources placed in a home, it's likely that residents won't be able to get as much out of these additions as they might otherwise. This is commonly the case when buildings aren't using enterprise spray foam insulation. Therma Seal offers the best in total sealing and insulating with Icynene.

Reducing airborne problems
Therma Seal believes there's a number of ways that people can enhance their home environments, but few compare to the benefits of Icynene. This product allows for a variety of effective cost savings that can deliver a specific assistance to people of all kinds, no matter where their homes are located.

Specifically, the source pointed out that Icynene spray foam insulation helps residents increase the quality of the air they breathe by creating a comprehensive air seal all throughout a home. This not only serves to keep in warm air and block any leaks from occurring, it also strengthens the filtering power of a home such that it's able to keep bad particles out of the air people breathe every day. As most individuals spend around 90 percent of their time indoors and at home, it's vital that residents have access to resources that can keep their airways safe at all hours of the day and night.

 Icynene spray foam insulation offers one of the industry's best R-values, with uniform thickness and general protection in all parts of a home where this material is used. What's more, the source pointed out that around 90 percent of Icynene insulation is actually made up of air, making it very durable and structurally sound. Taking advantage of this substance is therefore much easier than with traditional options, as it generates a total seal using more natural assets than comparable products.

Buying the best
That's also where Icynene fits in to major building projects, whether they be large-scale complexes or just a single-family abode. Therma Seal's experts conclude, the presence of Icynene spray foam insulation in the walls, floors and attics of buildings makes these structures better suited for maintaining a constant level of comfort.

Unlike other kinds of insulation, Icynene generates a total seal and fits exactly in every space where it's sprayed. The end result is much better heating and cooling oversight that makes it easy to save  money for residents in any kind of building. Additionally, as buildings see their operations expanding, it's necessary for these entities to ensure they have resources in place that facilitate the best kinds of responses and oversights for a number of different enterprise issues.

Call Therma Seal today to learn more about the positive outcomes you can achieve by adding this kind of spray foam to your infrastructure. With the right combination of total coverage and better oversight of home life, residents can easily experience an increase in quality of life while eliminating the harmful particulates that might otherwise reside inside your home.

www.thermaseal.net
561.775.9703