Spray On Moisture Barrier Foam Insulation

Offering up to 50 more energy saving compare to conventional insulation has made foam insulation the favorite for both eco conscious customers and also the ones who desire to save more money on energy bills in longer period.

Spray on moisture barrier foam insulation.

Scientists still discuss if those methods are efficient. Since spray foam is an air barrier and insulation it stops the air flow and moisture movement. For example closed cell foam is from class ii and open cell is from class iii. Closed cell foam has a much higher r value than open cell foam about r 6 5 per inch and it s a vapor barrier as well as an air barrier.

If the basement in question has a problem with external liquid water migration this issue can not be solved with spray foam. If there s a roof leak water will pass through the foam and you will quickly be able to find your problem. If you ve got spray foam insulation in an attic for example it s probably already separated from the living space by a thermal barrier. Closed cell spray foam can be a vapor barrier after it is installed at least 1 5 thick.

Vapor barrier unlike other insulation systems closed cell spray foam will create a vapor barrier if sprayed at a certain thickness. One manufacturer demilec says its heatlok high lift spray foam has an even higher r value r 7 5 per in closed cell foam is much denser about 2 lb. Foam was required before qualifying as a vapor barrier. They are combined with flashing and other materials to ensure that there is a shingled assembly to direct liquid water.

Closed cell spray foam limitations. The chemicals being sprayed these days only require one inch of foam. Its spray applied installation process speeds construction and reduces labor costs substantially estimated up to 1 square foot. Years ago approximately 2 1 2 inches of 2 lb.

Open cell spray foam is not a moisture vapor barrier and will allow moisture to pass. For some manufacturers the foam is required to be at least 2 5 thick to qualify as a vapor barrier. Ccspf is a great air and vapor barrier but it is not effective at sealing liquid water leaks. Moisture barriers are specifically designed not to be a vapor barrier as the minimum water vapor permeance for a water resistive barrier is 300 perms.

There are three classes of vapor barriers. Moisture barriers should be installed on the cold side of the insulation. But if foam is open cell that barrier must be applied. Spray foam systems provide the highest level of thermal insulation and provides a monolithic fully sealed air and moisture barrier.

The sources and causes of the water need to be corrected before the spray foam is installed. So if you re considering spraying foam to the roof deck of your new or existing home you want open cell. Of note the thickness required is product specific. Spray foam is used as thermal barrier air barrier moisture resistant and in some cases as sound proofing product.