Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost Compared To Other Insulation Methods?
Spray Foam Insulation is considered to be more expensive to install than most conventional insulation, but this really isn't a fair comparison. When using the EnergyWise Spray Foam Insulation system it actually seals the building and eliminates energy-robbing air leakage along with the problems associated with moisture, mold and mildew and condensation. Plus, it provides many other benefits including consistent comfort, lower utility bills, a quieter interior environment, etc... The typical family with a new home mortgage using EnergyWise SPF and our exclusive engineering will actually be in positive cash flow from the day they move in when you factor in the incredible savings in comparison with the same home insulated with typical insulation.
How Long Does It Take To Cure?
The foam is created within a few seconds after spraying. EnergyWise 0.5 foam expands rapidly to 120 times its original volume right before your eyes. It completely cures within several minutes.
Does 0.5 (Open Cell) Foam Absorb Water?
No, actually it repels water. If placed in water it will float, and on removal, it will dry rapidly with no loss of insulating properties. A roof or plumbing leak would moisten the insulation, but it will not damage the foam. Other insulation methods such as fiberglass and cellulose can't make the same claim.
How Long Does EnergyWise Spray Foam Last? Does It Change Physically Over Time?
Because EnergyWise Spray Foam is inert, its physical and insulating properties are constant. As such, aging isn't an issue with which to be concerned. EnergyWise spray foam insulation is stable over time. It will not settle or compact. It offers constant aged R-value and is chemically and physically stable under normal conditions between (-60°F and 180°F).
Doesn't Spray Foam Include Formaldyhyde or Glass Fibers?
No. Glass fibers have been listed by the EPA as a suspected carcinogen. In fact, most fiberglass insulation comes with a warning label on the wrapper. During the early 1970s, formaldehyde was present in early commercial foam (called urea formaldehyde) but is no longer in use. EnergyWise Spray Foam, (backed by Bayer) is totally free of both glass fibers and formaldehyde.
Can Spray Foam Insulation Damage The Dry Wall or Cause Dry Wall Bowing?
No. EnergyWise 0.5 Spray Foam Insulation is first allowed to cure, then it is trimmed to the edge of the cavity. It cannot expand once it is cured. EnergyWise 2.0 SPF is far more dense and, as such, doesn't need to completely fill the cavity. Your drywall is safe with EnergyWise Spray Foam insulation.
Why is spray foam insulation superior to fiberglass if they have similar R-values?
The simple answer is that determining insulation efficacy based solely on R-value is flawed. Why? Because R-values fail to take into account the "steady-state" properties of varying materials. "Steady-state" reflects the amount of time it takes for a material to become thermally saturated so that for every single unit of heat entering on one side of the material a single unit of heat exits the opposite side.
Fiberglass reaches steady state in about three to four hours at which point it becomes a dramatically less effective insulator. Conversely, our polyurethane spray foam takes over 24 hours to become thermally saturated. In the real world, foam will not actually reach a steady-state condition and, therefore, is a far better insulator than fiberglass. In addition, foam acts as an impediment to a major culprit in energy inefficiency -- air infiltration. Fiber-based insulation materials can't make the same claim.
Should I Be Concerned For My Family's Health When Using Spray Foam Insulation?
Absolutely not! EnergyWise spray foam insulation is a safe, clean product. There are no "off gassing" concerns for you or your family. (Off gassing is the evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure.) In fact, Spray Foam has been used in many of the American Lung Association's "Health House" project homes.
Does Spray Foam Insulation Have Building Code Approvals?
EnergyWise SPF has approval of all the major building codes in the United States. Spray foam insulation is one of the most rigorously tested insulation products ever created.
Does Spray Foam Insulation Adhere To Metal Studs?
Our spray foam insulation adheres very well to steel studs and other materials such as cement board and wood. Because EnergyWise spray foam insulation will adhere to almost all surfaces, areas or objects that do not require insulation need to be protected from over-spray.
What If I Decide to Use a SIP or ICF Wall Configuration Instead of Spray Foam?
To optimize your results in your structural insulated panel (SIP) or insulated concrete form (ICF) home, you will still need to use spray foam insulation in the attic to successfully create a monolithic thermal envelope. To do anything less would be akin to using a piece of cardboard as the lid of your insulated foam cooler and expecting your food and beverages to stay cold. It just won't happen! Of course, expert EnergyWise engineering is necessary to complete the process and provide high performance results with a written guarantee.
Why Should I Use an EnergyWise Preferred Spray Foam Contractor?
Spray foam insulation has to be installed by a contractor with specialty proportioning equipment. In the case of EnergyWise preferred contractors, they are trained to work with the chemicals involved and have also been trained in the ways of EnergyWise building science to provide the best installation possible. Because EnergyWise literally guarantees results, we can only work with contractors who are trained and reputable perfectionists.
Does EnergyWise Foam Cost More Than Other Spray Foam Insulations?
No. Installation of our spray foam insulation is priced very competitively. We like to think that our expert HVAC system design and performance guarantee are real competitive advantages that are hard to match.
How Much Does The EnergyWise Engineering Service Cost?
EnergyWise engineering services with detailed energy analysis reports begin at $600 for homes up to 2,999 square feet. You can learn more by visiting the EnergyWise Engineering website. More...
