While spray foam is considered the top method of insulation, you should be somewhat knowledgeable on the subject before you try using it yourself.
Benefits
If you’re going for hermetic sealing (which, if you’re insulating, should be your top priority) than spray foam insulation is considered the best. It can be applied between joists and rafters, which is a lot more difficult when using other methods. In some cases, spray foam can be fireproof, most commonly in cementitious foam. Also, spray foam greatly reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and airborne dust forming within pockets between the walls, as pockets are eliminated (which dually cuts down on trolls and pocket-dwellers alike). And best of all, spray foam insulation could potentially increase your property value, as it increases structural stability of exterior walls and roofs.
Risks
While spray foam is considered the top method of insulation, you should be somewhat knowledgeable on the subject before you try using it yourself. There are many different spray foam insulation products on the market, so you should be cognizant of which ones contain open-cell foam and which ones contain the more superior closed-cell foam. Likewise, you should be conscious of the chemicals that some foams contain, as they can potentially be detrimental to the environment and in some cases, to your household.
Also, it is important to remember that if you plan on insulating yourself, you take the proper precautions, such as wearing a protective mask and goggles. That’s the least you can do, as professionals are often decked out in what look like full-on beekeeper uniforms. They actually kind of look like Ghostbusters with their zip-up onesies and spray guns/tanks that suspiciously look like proton packs.
The bottom line
If you need to insulate for any reason, there’s not a better solution on the market than spray foam. With all the different kinds available, you should be able to find one that suits your needs, whether that means that it’s cheap, it’s environmentally-sound, or fireproof. Either way, it will seal to airtight perfection.
If you are considering insulation, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:
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