Hurricane and Super Storm Aftermath – Repair and Prepare With Icynene

Hurricane and Super Storm Aftermath – Repair and Prepare

September 21, 2017 - 11:00am

Within the past decade, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and super storms have become far more prevalent across the United States leaving trails of destruction and damage costing millions and millions in clean-up and repair. Catastrophic events such as Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina leave thousands stranded as flood waters infiltrate their homes causing irreparable damage. The aftermath as well as the repair and prepare strategy is one of the important factors for consideration by not only homeowners but also architects designing buildings in areas prone to these kinds of events.

The damage sustained from these extreme weather events, either  wind-driven or water-driven, can be extensive and expensive to repair.  A repair and prepare strategy is one that many living in these areas should consider as part of their recovery efforts. Assessment of the damage caused by hurricanes and flooding is critical in understanding how to approach the next steps. Once the extent of the damage is determined, removal can begin. It is recommended that a qualified clean-up contractor assess the removals required. 

Thorough and proper cleaning, drying and disinfecting of some materials that are porous can take a while to complete. It is important to understand that mold can thrive in as little as 48 hours in such situations so the likelihood of many porous materials requiring removal is greater. It should be a qualified remediation contractor who makes the determination as to which materials need to be removed.

What is a flood-resistant material?

FEMA(link is external) has release a comprehensive technical fact sheet that details what is considered a “flood resistant material” under their criteria:

Flooding accounts for a large percentage of the damage caused by a coastal storm. Building materials exposed to flooding must be resilient enough to sustain a certain amount of water exposure in order to avoid the need for complete replacement after the flood.  

FEMA defines a flood-resistant material as any building material capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage.

Flood-resistant materials identified by FEMA can include, but are not limited to, corrosion resistant coated steel, pressure-treated wood, epoxy formed-in-place flooring as well as closed-cell spray foam insulation.  A complete list of materials can be accessed via the FEMA website(link is external).

Due to its resilience, spray foam insulation can be a key component in the design of building assemblies against future disaster-driven damage. Closed-cell spray foam, like Icynene ProSeal(link is external), can be used as a water-resistant barrier to help deflect moisture away while offering additional performance advantages useful in extreme weather events such as hurricanes.

Flooding and water penetration through walls

The strong winds of a hurricane and threat of wind-driven rain and flooding can be confidently addressed with the use of spray foam insulation.  Icynene spray foam insulation products are considered air-impermeable materials that help deflect wind and wind-driven rain. Light-density spray foam is able to reject water penetration and have a low water absorption (less than 5%) while medium-density spray foams are considered water resistant barriers with very low water absorption (less than 1%). Additionally, medium-density spray foams are able to provide additional ‘racking’ strength to help resist the high winds of a storm, super storm or hurricane.

What about roof damage from wind and water ingress?

While closed-cell spray foam insulation is ideal for use in areas close to the ground (or underground such as basements) due to its ability to provide structural strengthen and reject bulk water ingress, spray foam insulation including open-cell spray foam can help play a role in other areas of the home in protection against extreme weather.

Water ingress is one of the most common  insurance claims. An unvented roof designed around spray foam is one easy solution to protect from roof damage during extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms.  An unvented roof has fewer openings, therefore the chance of water penetration is reduced. 

Icynene spray foam insulation is able to help provide several roof protection benefits:

• Open-cell spray foam insulation, like Icynene Classic Max, can rapidly expand up to one hundred times its initial volume, upon application, to provide a superior air barrier that seals and insulates the roof space.
• In the event of a roof leak, open-cell spray foam is vapor permeable allowing for bi-directional drying allowing leaks to be detected and repaired immediately. Bi-directional drying helps protect the roof sheathing from rot and moisture damage.
• Closed-cell spray foam can be used as a water resistant barrier to deflect water, especially wind-driven rain.
• Where additional hurricane hold-down resistance is required, all Icynene spray foam products benefit from an unvented roof by eliminating upward pressures from pressurizing the attic via roof vents.

Inclusion of spray foam insulation in homes and buildings in areas prone to extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes and super storms can help protect homeowners and building owners against future extreme weather events which are likely to become more prevalent as our environment evolves and the effects of climate change become known.

Customer Q&A

Thank you. I'm interested in doing this project. Though I have some questions and want to do a touch more research. 

I'm a bit concerned about humidity in the home. Can you speak to the product and "sealed" attic and how it may relate to humidity in the home. 

It should require a little less AC than required today, right?  But I already have AC In place. If AC runs less it may increase humidity?  I wonder if you have any information about this. Or opinion. 

This is theoretically correct, and could be an issue although likelihood is low.  Essentially, the attic becomes part of the AC home and the efficiencies of the Icynene would allow for 1 HVAC to cover 800-900 Sq. Ft.  Retrofit homes such as yours may be “oversized”.  To offset this potential if you own variable speed units, these units will work at their lower speed and longer which will service to de-humidify the entire home and attic.   A post application test may be done to evaluate the relative humidity of the attic.  My experience so far is very few homes have this issue as most of the homes are leaky in other areas. 

Please keep me in loop of conversation.

I'll reach out to my AC contractor for their opinion. We've added window tinting on north and south windows of the home - this in theory makes the home more efficient too. 

I'd like to do the project. I'm a little concerned that I'm "over air conditioned" in the home. I know reducing humidity makes it feel cooler; and AC's running longer reduce humidity. I'll ask AC people to measure the home and give me recommendation for AC. 

Any help or advice regarding these concerns would be appreciated. 

Thanks,

Doug

Homeowner's two home Utility Bill Comparison- Icynene v. Fiberglass

What are VOCs and How Do They Affect Homeowners?

What are VOCs and how do they affect homeowners? Posted: 28 Mar 2017 05:00 AM PDT VOCs – otherwise known as volatile organic compounds – are defined as gases that are emitted from certain materials, whether they are solid or in liquid form, and can include a variety of chemicals. According to the EPA, VOCs can typically have higher concentrations indoors, in some cases up to ten times higher, than outdoor concentrations. These emissions can have varying degrees of short-term and long-term health effects.  Nowadays, consumers are increasing becoming aware of VOCs and their effects on humans. As a result, consumers have become savvier in understanding the various types of products available in the market and selecting products that identify as low VOC. While VOCs do not sound appealing, there have been significant developments by manufacturers of chemicals and building materials that reduce the exposure to building occupants. Where are VOCs found? The EPA states that VOCs can be found in an array of household products and materials from paints, waxes, aerosol sprays, cleaners, pesticides, craft materials, office equipment, furnishings and building materials including insulation. You may find many of these everyday household materials and products after a quick search through your home.  Effects from exposure to VOCs can vary between individuals depending on the chemical as well as length of exposure and level of VOC emissions. Effects can include irritation of the nose and throat, nausea, dizziness and headaches among other effects. Although the presence of VOCs and their effects are not pleasant, there have been steps taken by many manufacturers to reduce our exposure to VOCs. For example, the paint industry has been very active in developing paints and varnishes that are considered low VOC. These active steps by manufacturers are helping to ensure that consumers are aware of what VOCs are and how they can reduce their exposure to such emissions. How to reduce exposure to VOCs The EPA offers consumers an array of recommendations to reduce exposure to VOCs.  There are several recommendations including: Do not mix household products together Increase ventilation when using a product Only purchase in quantities that will be used immediately Avoid storing open containers Meet or exceed label precautions Keep out of reach of children and pets How is the spray foam insulation industry responding to VOCs? Like the paint industry, the spray foam insulation industry is responding to VOCs and developing products are considered low VOC. As the spray foam insulation industry leader, Icynene has been committed to the responsible development of spray foam chemistry for over 30 years. Icynene’s leadership position in the category has seen the development of several spray foam insulation products including Icynene Classic Max, Icynene Classic Max Select, Icynene ProSeal and Icynene ProSeal LE. Each of these spray foam products is identified as a low VOC spray foam insulation material. And it doesn’t stop there; chemists and building scientists at Icynene continue to develop spray foam innovation to meets the ever changing requirements of modern commercial and residential construction as well as the demands of architects, builders and homeowners alike. Icynene has gone further to ensure that their spray foam insulation products are evaluated by UL Environment to gain and GREENGUARD Gold certification.  Icynene Classic Max, Icynene ProSeal and Icynene ProSeal LE have received GREENGUARD Gold certification. Furthermore, Icynene spray foam insulation products meet the criteria set by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS). As a result of Icynene’s low VOC innovation, building occupants are able to re-occupy a home or building after just two hours and in some cases 1 hour after the spray application following active ventilation as prescribed. What is GREENGUARD? GREENGUARD Certification has been widely adopted as a trusted standard for low-emitting products. More than 400 green building codes, standards, guidelines, procurements policies, and rating systems recognize or reference GREENGUARD Certified products. The GREENGUARD Gold Certification standard includes health based criteria for additional chemicals and also requires lower total VOC emissions levels to ensure that products are acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. What is CHPS? CHPS is a collaboration to address energy efficiency in schools. The program covers all aspects of school design, construction and operation. CHPS develops tools that help make schools energy, water and material efficient, well-lit, thermally comfortable, acoustically sound, safe, healthy and easy to operate.  CHPS sets a specific set of criteria that must be met by building materials to allow for use in the construction of schools. Where does LEED fit in? Low emitting materials  are addressed in LEED v4 with the intent to reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity, and the environment. Architects can receive credit toward LEED certification in addressing low emitting materials including interior paints and coatings, flooring, interior adhesives and sealants as well as ceiling, wall, thermal and acoustic insulation. How can architects and builders help? Architects, designers and builders can all take steps to encourage the adoption of a low VOC approach in design and construction. Through educating and working with their clients in understanding what VOCs are, how they affect building occupants and the low VOC options that are available in the market, architects and builders can create high performance, energy efficient and positive spaces to live, work and play.  For More Information Call Therma Seal- 561.775.9703 or visit us at www.thermaseal.net

Energy Efficient Upgrades with Icynene Spray Foam and PACE

Therma Seal Insulation Systems is now a member with RenewPACE Florida. With the RenewPACE program you can receive 100% financing for your #Icynene Insulation System. There are flexible payment terms, no pre-payment penalties, and if you ever decide to sell your home, the balance can carry over to the new owner. See the video below to learn more about this great program designed to encourage #greener housing in our beautiful state of Florida. 
Therma Seal Insulation Systems :
www.thermaseal.net 561.775.9703

Not All Foam is Created Equal.

Watch this 14-day time lapse video which shows how Icynene spray foam insulation does not absorb water compared to other spray foams. Icynene spray foam insulation won't absorb or retain moisture like others. Icynene maintains an air seal even after seasonal building contractions.

ICYNENE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WHAT IS THE ICYNENE INSULATION SYSTEM®?

The Icynene Insulation System® is a complete insulation, air and moisture barrier system that windproofs and seals wall, floor and ceiling cavities against air movement, including spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, at baseboards and where walls meet windows and doors. This means that outside air (either hot or cold) cannot seep through walls, causing drafts or cold spots. It also means that humid interior air cannot enter the walls and condense. 

The system combines a material with a Certified Service providing any builder or homeowner with a truly cost effective method of energy efficient construction. The material is polyicynene foam (see Product Specifications ), an organic material developed from products of the petrochemical industry similar in composition to many that are already in home use today. The service is a custom installation on the building site by trained and Certified Installers, providing a custom insulation fit into any size cavity. 

By virtue of its low permeability to air, its adhesion to other building materials and its flexibility, The Icynene Insulation System® becomes much more than just insulation. It provides superior air leakage control, moisture control and sound control in addition to insulation, thus becoming a one step insulation, moisture/vapor barrier, wind barrier system. The Icynene Insulation System® takes the place of building wrap, fiberglass, polyethylene vapor barrier, tape, foam and caulking, and eliminates the labor intensive work associated with air-tightness detailing when insulating with conventional insulation products. 

Unlike ''loose fill'' insulation methods that do not wind proof building cavities, the air sealing characteristics of The Icynene Insulation System® provide virtually the same R-Value in the field as it does in the laboratory where the R-Value is measured. Cold air in winter and hot muggy air in summer just cannot pass through polyicynene foam like it can through most other insulating materials. 

ARE THERE BUILDING CODE APPROVALS?

The product was evaluated by the Canadian Construction Materials Center of The National Research Council's, (NRC), Institute for Research in Construction. Health and Welfare Canada examined the NRC emissions tests. The Ontario Ministry of Housing, Materials Evaluation Commission evaluated it and the Council of American Building Officials National Evaluation Service also evaluated it. 

Icynene® complies to the BOCA, SBCCI and the ICBO Uniform Building Codes and the Canadian National Building Code. It has been evaluated by the Council of American Building Officials National Evaluation Service. It has been the subject of research projects by the NAHB Research Center, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Oak Ridge National Laboratories , Oak Ridge, Tennessee and the Florida Solar Energy Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida. 

Health problem concerns associated with other building products in recent years such as asbestos, urea formaldehyde and glass fibers, lead Canadian Authorities to dictate the ground rules for acceptance of new building materials. The Icynene® product became, to the best of our knowledge, the most extensively tested insulation material on the market today. The testing included the most sensitive emissions tests developed to date, tests that few other building materials have ever been through. 

ADVANTAGES OF FLEXIBLE FOAM?

A foam that adheres to building materials, like Icynene insulation, must remain flexible in order to maintain its air seal. Buildings expand and contract with changes of season and temperature. If the foam is rigid, it will inevitably develop hairline cracks along the studs and ultimately the air seal will be destroyed. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE ICYNENE INSULATION SYSTEM® ?

As well as simplifying the construction process for the builder, Icynene® Insulation eliminates the major causes of building envelope problems, air-borne moisture movement and entrapment. Blower door tests have shown that a steel framed home insulated with Icynene® Insulation, and with no polyethylene vapor barrier, measures 1.2 ACH at -50 Pa. depressurization. This is well under the 1.5 ACH50 rating for the most energy efficient home. Heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by 30 to 50%, and smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment can be used. 

For the homeowner the advantages are:
Compared to other technologies, The Icynene Insulation System® is a less expensive method of building an energy efficient home.

A more energy efficient home means that energy costs can usually be reduced between 30 and 50%.

A more comfortable home, free from drafts and cold spots.

A quieter home because Icynene® creates a continuous sound barrier against outside noises.

A healthier home - when used with a mechanical ventilation system, superior indoor air quality provides your family with a much healthier place in which to live.

WHAT IS ICYNENE®INSULATION MADE OF?

Icynene® insulation is a water-based formula that contains no formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. The insulation has the texture and look of angel food cake and is made up of millions of tiny cells. These cells are filled with air and provide permanent control of air and airborne moisture movement. There are no VOCs detected in Icynene after 30 days. See Specification Tables for more physical data. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CURE?

The foam is created in seconds after spraying. You can watch it expand within seconds to 100 times its original volume, literally before your eyes. It completely cures within a few minutes. 

DOES THE FOAM ABSORB WATER?

No, it looks like a sponge but it is actually hydrophobic, i.e., it repels water. If placed in water it will float and on removal it will dry rapidly and loose none of its insulating properties. 

DOES THE FOAM ENTRAP MOISTURE?

Icynene® Insulation is a breathing foam, and any moisture in the building's concrete or lumber can escape through the insulation as the building dries out, thus eliminating any risk of rot or mildew. 

DOES THE FOAM CHANGE PHYSICALLY OVER TIME?

No, it is inert. Its physical and insulating properties are constant. 

ANY WORRIES ENVIRONMENTALLY ?

No, the product is environmentally safe. 

FLAMMABILITY AND FIRE-RATING?

Icynene® Insulation contributes no fuel in the event of fire and it will not sustain flame upon removal of the flame source. However, like fiberglass, it will be consumed by flame, and gypsum board or other acceptable thermal barriers are required by applicable building codes. 

WHAT DOES THE SMOKE CONTAIN?

Smoke from Icynene® foam, like that of all organic materials including wood, is a complex of many gasses. The major components in the smoke from Icynene® Insulation are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. By the time the material is burnt, the fire will have been raging for at least 15 minutes. 

ANY HARMFUL EMISSIONS?

Icynene® is safe for both you and the environment. Icynene® is water-based, and does not produce formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. It has been extensively tested in both Canada and the United States and found to have no VOCs detected after 30 days. 

The product is in fact recommended for use in homes for many environmentally concerned or sensitive people. The Icynene Insulation System® has been selected for use in the American Lung Association Health House projects. 

HOW IS THE ICYNENE INSULATION SYSTEM®INSTALLED?

There are two different ways to install Icynene® insulation — spray it onto any open surface and studded wall or pour it into an existing wall cavity when renovating. An Icynene trained, licensed Dealer must be used in both cases. 

With any open surface, Icynene® insulation can be sprayed on once electrical and plumbing services are in place. It then expands to 100 times its initial volume in seconds, permanently adhering to the surfaces of the surrounding building materials and sealing all gaps. 

For retrofitting existing walls, a slower expanding formulation of Icynene is used during renovations. The material is simply injected into small holes drilled into plaster or gypsum walls, or from the outside of the wall. 

HOW LONG HAS ICYNENE BEEN IN USE?

Icynene® Insulation has been on the market since 1986 and is in thousands of homes across the United States. It has also been featured in segments of ''This Old House'' and ''Your New House''. 

ANY ELECTRIC WIRING OVERHEATING PROBLEMS?

No, Icynene® Insulation has been tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities. 

IS THE INSULATION CORROSIVE TO METALS?

No, Icynene® Insulation is non-corrosive. It is neutral, neither acidic or alkaline. 

DOES THE INSULATION SUPPORT BACTERIA OR FUNGAL GROWTH?

Icynene® Insulation offers no food value; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth. It also does not retain water, making it an unappealing environment for pests. 

WHAT ABOUT MICE AND TERMITES?

Icynene® Insulation offers no food value, but it would not present a sufficient barrier to their entry if they decided to gnaw through it. 

WHAT ARE THE ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES?

As an effective air seal, The Icynene Insulation System® eliminates the air gaps through which sound travels and is superior in controlling mid-range frequencies, which include the most common sounds, the human voice and stereo music. 

IS ICYNENE® UREA FORMALDEHYDE?

No. 

DOES ICYNENE® BREAK DOWN, SAG OR SHRINK?

No, Icynene® Insulation is stable. It does not shrink or sag. The reaction that creates Icynene® Insulation is irreversible and it cannot break down into its constituent parts. 

R-VALUE OF ICYNENE ®INSULATION?

R-value is derived from a controlled laboratory test of an insulation's resistance to conductive heat flow. Icynene's R-value is 3.6/inch, similar to fiberglass.

ARE THESE AGED VALUES ?

Unlike foams filled with CFC or HCFC, the R-Value of air filled foam does not decline as it ages. 

R-Value of an Icynene ®Insulated Wall or Ceiling? R-Values of insulating materials are measured in laboratories and are designated a nominal R-Value per inch. In the wall or ceiling of a building, most factory made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. 

By contrast, the insulation of a wall containing Icynene® Insulation will perform closely to the laboratory tested R-Value of the material and seal the wall cavity from air infiltration as well. 

The Icynene Insulation System® is particularly suited to steel frame construction. Icynene® expands 100:1 as it is installed, adhering to surrounding building components. It completely seals joints, crevices and voids, including difficult-to-insulate spaces such as steel stud ''U'' and ''C'' sections, double studs and non-standard stud locations. A continuous air/vapor barrier is formed around the building structure in a single application. 

AT WHAT STAGE IS THE ICYNENE INSULATION SYSTEM® INSTALLED?

The Icynene Insulation System® is installed after the windows, doors and roof are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. 

HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR THE ICYNENE SYSTEM® IN MY HOME?

WWW.ThermaSeal.NET

Dealer Spotlight

Icynene Corporation highlights Therma Seal Insulation Systems as the preferred South Florida dealer and installer.  Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Manalapan, Jupiter, Davie, Miami Beach, Gulfstream, Golden Beach, Boca Raton, etc, call us today to learn more about how to make your attic energy efficient and fire safe!

Open Ceiling Office Space with Icynene Classic Max Spray Foam

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 

Dycom Industries 55,000+ SF office space utilized the Icynene Spray Foam System to beat the Florida heat and provide a working environment that enhances air quality and keeps the temperature controlled.  

What happens in an event of a roof leak with Icynene?

Many of our customers what happens if they have a roof leak while having Icynene Spray Foam applied to the underside of the roof.  Well, the answer is this: Icynene has among the best hyrdophobic properties to displace bulk water in a small vicinity of where the roof leak is.  Icynene allows for early detection and will completely dry and return back to its full R value.  The roof can be repaired accordingly from the exterior, without boards rotting.   Here is a recent occurrence below.

How Icynene Performs Vs. Other Insulation

Learn how Icynene spray foam insulation compares to other types of insulation. See how ICYNENE stops air leaks in homes and other building types. Improve the energy-efficiency and comfort of your home all year round. 

6700 Sq. Ft. Warehouse Space with Icynene Classic Max

Therma Seal Insulation Spray Team just completed a 6700sf warehouse in one day!  Not only was the job completed in a timely and thorough manner, look how pretty that foam looks!

South Florida benefits greatly from the use of Icynene spray foam for is keeps the hot out and the coolness in!

Our company is a full service insulation company in new custom residential, commercial, and existing homes.  If you live in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, or any of South Florida's coastal cities, Therma Seal is the Icynene Gold Circle dealer for your job to be done in a professional and timely manner.

Before

After

Custom Home utilizing Icynene Classic Max

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR EDUCATION AND A FREE QUOTE

Thinking about upgrading your attic insulation? Watch this!

Attics are one of the most common and largest contributors to air leakage. Air escaping through the attic can lead to higher than normal heating and cooling bills. Warm air from your furnace or cool air from your air conditioner can escape from your attic if it isn’t adequately insulated.  If your home has the HVAC equipment stored in an un-insulated attic space, your HVAC could be working overtime especially during the hot summers.  This can see your air conditioning bill skyrocket.

By insulating the attic with spray foam insulation, homeowners can curb air leakage, maintain a comfortable home year round and alleviate the formation of ice dams during winter.

Icynene has created a six part video series on a spray foam attic insulation upgrade.  Watch the entire series below!

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.

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.