Frequently asked questions about our insulation
What the heck is a Vapor Barrier?
Simply put, they prevent water vapor (gas) from traveling in a particular direction, or in some cases, in more than one direction. The best discussion on Vapor Barriers that I know of is in an article by Building Science.com which has a wealth of information on many subjects relating to- guess what? Closed-Cell spray foam is the best vapor barrier for building envelope applications becasue it is the only insulation material that is also a100% functional vapor barrier in both winter (heating season) and summer (air conditioning season).
Can you put foam into closed cavity walls?
Yes. We have a product called "Pour-in-Place" foam that is ideal for existing structures where both the interior and exterior the walls are intact but have no insulation inside. Also known as "frothing foam", this product is injected into the wall cavity via1/2" holes. The foam then rises very slowly like a cake rising in the oven, so that no pressure build up disturbs the existing walls. The cured foam does not outgas, and forms a perfect air and vapor barrier, and of course makes for superior insulation too.
Can I use spray foam on my concrete foundation?
Yes, but closed-cell only. Our closed cell soy spray foam is rated for sub-terrainian use, under concrete slabs and on foundation walls-both exterior and interior. We routinely spray on bare ground under concrete slabs which gives huge insulation to the slab. We also spray directly onto concrete, block, brick, and stone foundation walls. Once cured, the foamed wall and floor makes a seamless envelope to protect against rodents, insects, water, and cold.
Is Soy spray foam biodegrabable?
No. If it were, it would "biodegrade" in your walls and thus be very bad insulation material. Soy spray foam is urethane plastic, with 18.9% recycled material content.
Is cellulose a vapor barrier?
Yes. Dense pack cellulose (installed at 3# per cubic foot) is a vapor barrier if installed correctly. See our web site links for test results on this.
Do I need to “vent” my roof with foam?
No. Venting is only necessary with “loose” products like fiberglass that allow air and moisture to pass through; not with spray foam. Venting is meant to keep air moving so moisture from condensation doesn’t build up on the wall and roof sheathing. But since spray foam doesn’t allow moisture-laden air to pass through it, venting is completely unnecessary. Moisture which is a main cause of failure of building materials, mold growth and “sick building syndrome”. Closed cell spray foam is the best deterrent to “sick building” problems because when properly installed, spray foam will never become a condensing surface for moisture.
Does Soy Spray foam support mold growth?
No- closed cell soy spray foam does not support mold growth because it is a perfect air barrier. Air (and thus moisture) cannot penetrate the material so you never need to worry about moisture-laden air condensing on the exterior wall sheathing or roof deck. Cellulose will absorb moisture but is unlikely to grow mold because it’s treated with boric acid as both fire and mold retardant. Although “Open cell” soy spray foam is hydroscopic, it does not support mold growth because it blocks the air that carries mold, so spores cannot enter the material, and the foam itself is not a food source for mold growth.
Do I need a vapor barrier?
Depends on which product you use. “Closed Cell” soy spray foam is the only insulation material that is a perfect vapor barrier both summer and winter. Soy closed cell foam prevents moisture laden air from entering the wall and ceiling systems and condensing on the sheathing and rotting it out and/or growing mold. When fiberglass and cellulose are properly installed with an external vapor barrier they can me effective insulations, but the very nature of these materials makes them prone to condensation and mold growth. Open cell foam requires a separate 4 mill poly sheet vapor barrier, as does fiberglass and cellulose (unless the cellulose is in “dense-pack” form).
Will the foam degrade over time?
No. Independent studies show that polyurethane spray foam installed 50 years ago is still 100% effective. The only thing that degrades spray foam is exposure to ultraviolet light, which turns the foam orange and then it dries out and crumbles.
What happens if my roof leaks?
With “Closed Cell” spray foam the leak will never come into the structure because the material is not “hydroscopic” (doesn’t absorb water). So if you get a roof leak, the water is sealed outside of the building envelop. Most other forms of insulation (including “Open Cell” foam, fiberglass and cellulose are hydroscopic (absorbs water) so the leak will enter the building envelop, and may rot out the roof sheathing.
Will my roof overheat and degrade shingle life?
No. Top quality roof shingle manufacturers “Elk” and “CertainTeed” have extensive studies proving that a soy spray foamed roof is actually cooler so the shingles last longer than with conventional insulation. See the endorsements on our web site.
I have an older building with 2x4 studs and 2x6 rafters- can soy spray foam help me meet insulation code?
In older structures the stud and rafter dimensions are usually less than new construction, which does not leave enough room for open cell foam or other forms of insulation. The only material currently available that meets the Building Code requirements for R19 in a 2x4 wall and R38 in a 2x6 rafter, is closed cell foam.
Why do the guys wear protective suits?
The guys wear protective suits because the over spray is extremely sticky and difficult to remove. This is also why we cover windows, doors, bathtubs etc. with plastic.
Who certifies the facts about spray foam?
Our Soy Spray Foams are certified by GreenGuard for Children and Schools, the highest level designation a building material can attain. Our products are also tested and certified by the following organizations: IBC (International Building council); ICC (International code Council) UBC (Universal Building Code); IRC (International Residential code); EnergyStar; ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials); USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and others. See our web site for links to these organizations.
Does it contain harmful gases?
No. Soy Spray Foam contains no harmful gases; it doesn’t off-gas: there are no CFS, HFC’s, formaldehyde or other harmful gases. Soy spray foam is a two part foam which means 2 chemicals mix together and form a completely different inert product. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are available on our web site for all of our products.
Is the spray mist hazardous?
No. The spray mist is not poisonous, but It’s not good to breathe any heavy mist even like wood or flour dust.
Will animals nest in it?
No. Soy Spray Foam is a rigid polyurethane plastic and crumbles into little bits when chewed up so it doesn’t make good nesting material, and it has zero nutritional value.
Soy Foam- Can u eat it?
Yes-you can eat it and it won’t harm you, but it is hard to chew and has no nutritional value.
Does soybean-based spray foam cost more than petroleum-based foams like Icynene?
No. In fact soy-based spray foams typically cost a few pennies less per sq foot than Icynene and other petro-based formulas, because the soy market tends to fluctuate less than petroleum market.
Why use soy, and does this drive up food prices?
Every pound of Soy used in the formula replaces a pound of petroleum. The domestic soybeans we use are grown for the grain, and the oil that is left over after crushing the beans is a by-product with much lower value than the grain. Providing a market for the oil actually facilitates use of the whole bean and not just the desirable grain portion. Our use of soy oil supports over 1000 American soybean farmers.
What is the difference between “open cell” and “closed cell” spray foam?
Open cell foam weighs ½ # per cubic foot and is like fresh angel food cake while closed cell foam weighs 4x as much (2# per cu ft) and is hard like stale french bread. Open cell foam is hydroscopic (absorbs water) while closed cell foam is not hydroscopic. Both foams are Class I Fire Rated, but open cell is R 3.8 per inch while closed cell is almost double at R 7.0 per inch. Closed cell foam is its own vapor barrier where open cell requires an external air barrier (4 mill plastic sheeting). While closed cell foam is more expensive per inch, you only need about ½ the amount for the same R value as open cell, so the cost ends up being about the same.
What happens if I get a roof leak?
If you get a roof leak, the water is sealed out and should dry from outside air movement.
Is soy-based foam hazardous?
No, the mist isn’t good to breath while spraying, but after the foam cures it doesn’t give off any CFS, HFC’s, gasses, formaldehyde. This is a two part foam which means 2 chemicals mix together and form a completely different inert product.
What's the Advantage of Using Closed Cell Soy Insulation?
The advantages of closed cell foam compared to open cell foam include its strength, higher R-value, and its greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. The disadvantage of the closed cell foam is that it is denser, requires more material, and therefore, is more expensive. Even though it has a better R-value, typically the cost per R is still higher than open cell foam. The choice of foam can also be based on the requirements for the other performance or application specific characteristics such as strength, vapor control, available space, etc. Open cell SPF has an R-value around 3.5 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. Closed cell SPF has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch (aged R-value) and uses high R-value blowing agents.
Why is Using Soy-based Spray Foam Insulation Better for the Planet?
It saves fossil fuel
What is Cellulose Insulation?
Cellulose is mostly made from recycled newsprint, cardboard, paperboard, and other waste paper products treated with chemical to obtain fire-resistant and insect-resistant properties.