It’s easy to see why spray foam insulation is popular. With its versatility and ability to seal against air, vapor, and even sound, spray foam has quickly become a go-to product for various home renovation projects. Since insulation keeps air conditioning and heating from dispersing outside its seal, better-insulated homes are more energy-efficient and see lower monthly bills.
Yet its fast rise in popularity has caused some to ask whether more time is needed to study and reflect on its safety. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we need to know that the materials we use to build and renovate those homes are healthy for our families. Read on to see the benefits and concerns of spray foam insulation as you decide whether it’s right for your home.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?
Toxicity Concerns
Spray foam insulation consists of two main components: a polyol resin and an isocyanate. When mixed, these react and rapidly expand, forming an airtight insulation that conforms to the contours of any space. However, the isocyanate portion of this recipe raises concern, specifically chemicals like methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), each of which is potentially unsafe.
The good news is that these chemicals break down quickly, don’t appear to build up in the environment, and haven’t been proven to have carcinogenic properties. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t potentially harmful during the application phase.
This is particularly the case for individuals who are sensitive to these chemicals and may experience wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms similar to asthma due to exposure. To minimize any risk, the person or team installing the spray foam wears protective equipment, and the area is left for 12 to 24 hours during curing, which is when the spray foam completes its chemical reaction and stops.
Flammability
As a plastic foam material, spray foam is flammable. However, that doesn’t mean it instantly ignites and burns continuously when exposed to flame. It has a class 1 fire rating, which means it can resist fire exposure for an hour. While not impervious to eventually lighting fire, spray foam insulation is flame resistant and won’t act as an accelerant.
Closed-cell insulation is generally treated with fire retardants, making it even more flame-resistant than open-cell spray foam. Additionally, in most home rooms, insulation must be separated from the living space by a thermal barrier, limiting its potential flame exposure.
Closed-Cell Insulation
As you research spray foam insulation, you’ll likely encounter discussions about open-cell and closed-cell varieties, each recommended for different applications. In addition to its more robust fire resistance, closed-cell insulation has enhanced structural integrity and moisture resistance.
It’s ideal for walls, rigid home components, and places where space is an issue. It’s also a more reliable choice for homes located in places with hotter or colder weather (or both), as it provides superior insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation Safety and Your Home
Your home’s safety is important, so choosing its construction or renovation materials with care makes sense. From toxicity to flammability, spray foam is a safe material when correctly installed, which makes the installation itself the deciding factor for its safety.
The best way to ensure your home’s safety when insulating with spray foam is to work with a professional team that can offer personalized advice and safety assessments and oversee the installation to the highest industry safety standards.
If you’re in the Portland, OR area, Installed Building Products Portland has you covered with our experienced and professional team. Contact us today.