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Spray Foam Insulation Illinois
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Welcome to Illinois Spray Foam Insulation. In partnership with Green Peak Spray Foam, for years we have been offering reputable commercial and residential spray foam insulation services to the good people and businesses of Illinois.
The reason why we’re highly revered is that not only do we offer the highest-quality insulation products and services, but we also take great pride in the quality, efficiency and safety that comes with our work which is later reflected by the smiling faces of our happy customers. And because of that, many of our customers have saved thousands of dollars on heating and energy bills every year. If you’re new to the concept of spray foam insulation or have previously considered it but were put off by its cost and commitment, then this is the perfect time to fill yourself in with as much knowledge as we can provide you with.
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What is Spray Foam Insulation?Let's start with the basics about what spray foam insulation is and how it is beneficial for any household in Illinois. For starters, spray foam is a chemical liquid foam that was developed by using two types of composite materials, isocyanate, and polyurethane. When mixed, these two materials chemically react with one another, causing them to expand and then harden up. When the installation process is being carried out, both of the materials are sprayed from the tip of a spray foam gun simultaneously. After that, the material expands and hardens, forming a protective foam insulation layer over the sprayed area.
Spray foam insulation has been in use for over three decades and has recently garnered popularity that continues to grow even as we see speak. That’s because many see it as an effective insulator and prevents air leakage. This is in spite of the fact that it is a more expensive insulation method compared to traditional methods such as glass-wall or mineral, expanded polystyrene or polystyrene slabs. |
Open and Closed-cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open-cell Foam InsulationOpen-cell spray foam has a lower insulation value and once it has set, it becomes less dense and can be crushed in your hand. Because of that, it’s not as good of an insulator as a closed-cell foam and that you need a thicker layer to get the same kind of insulation.
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Closed-cell Foam InsulationClosed-cell spray foam, on the other hand, is rigid upon touch and every air cell is completely sealed. Because it is rigid, it is strong enough to support the structure of any property. It also prevents moisture from coming in, so you have to make sure that your room is well-ventilated to prevent condensation from building up.
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What Does an Insulation Contractor Do?An insulation contractor is a person or a company who installs and repairs materials that maintain temperatures in ducts, pipes, structures, and mechanical systems.
They are actually subcontractors who work on residential, industrial, or commercial projects and work alongside heating, plumbing, and mechanical construction workers. Once they go through the blueprints, they choose the proper insulation material and then apply that material to an appropriate object to prevent moisture, cold, and heat from getting into a household. They usually specialize in one type of insulation, which could be cellulose, spray foam, fiberglass, or even install more than one type of insulation should the situation call for it. |
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How Spray Foam Insulation Can Help You Save MoneyThe house’s cooling and heating capabilities are some of the biggest contributors to not just escalating energy bills but also environmental damage. As a matter of fact, cooling and heating alone account for far costs more than what electronics, lighting, refrigeration, and water heating accumulate altogether.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), an average home spends over $1300 a year on cooling and heating costs alone. And this is even considering the environmental costs caused by basic heating and cooling systems. That is why the only way to prevent leakages of heating and cooling is to install proper insulation that efficiently seals away even the smallest or thinnest of holes and cracks in attics or crawlspaces. Compared to other types of insulation services that help you save up about 30% on average, spray foam insulation can save you on energy costs at an average of 50% or even more. |
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More Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
Apart from saving you from extensive energy bills, spray foam insulation comes with a slew of other amazing benefits. See below.
1. Structural Strength Just in case it wasn’t clear, spray foam enhances the structure of your house. As the foam expands, it fills up the gaps in every wall, roof, and floor. Because of this, the strength of the spray foam adds on top of the strength of the sprayed area.
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2. Moisture Barrier/ImpermeableMost forms of insulation do a poor job of preventing moisture from infiltrating your house. Spray foam, on the other hand, ensures that not even a drop of moisture enters your vicinity. As a result, your house will be a lot drier, healthier and more comfortable.
Spray foam insulation in Illinois avoids absorbing water during a flooding event compared to other insulation methods. What this means is that your house will succumb to less damage at the presence of water over the passage of time, especially when it is correctly installed and routinely maintained per the manufacturer’s instructions. |
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3. Mold and Mildew PreventionSpray foam is comprised of an inert polymer, which prevents the buildup of mold, mildew, or even bacteria even if it gets wet. Closed-cell products are better than the open-cell ones, although both of them are better options than organic insulation materials. You also won’t have any trouble with pest infestation using this insulation product as compared to the others available in the market.
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4. Longer LifespanAnother amazing advantage of spray foam insulation is that it offers a longer lifespan than other insulation materials. As a matter of fact, we can even go as far as to say that it offers an indefinite lifespan. This means that you get to enjoy the many benefits of this product for years, perhaps even decades without considering the need to replace or upgrade it. You also won’t be needing to reinsulate this product after installation for quite a while, ultimately sparing you of the multiple costs that you would’ve otherwise accrued.
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5. Protection from Airborne ContaminantsOther than preventing the buildup of mildew, mold, moisture and the escape of air, the spray foam insulation product can also prevent contaminants from getting into your house. You’ll be able to keep more dust and pollen out of your house with this option than other insulation materials.
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6. Eco-FriendlyPerhaps one of the biggest takeaways of spray foam insulation is that it has a lesser impact on the environment than other insulation materials. It makes sense considering the product is created using fewer materials. However, it is pivotal that you hire a professional, especially one who is very familiar with the product in order to maximize the potential of these benefits.
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Other Types of Insulation Used in Illinois Homes and Buildings
FiberglassThese days, fiberglass is the most common insulation material that is used. This is because of how the product is made, which is by weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material effectively. However, the main concern of fiberglass is the risk of handling it. Given that fiberglass is made of finely woven silicon, tiny shards of glass, as well as gunpowder, are formed, which without proper equipment, can cause damage to the lungs, eyes, and skin. Nevertheless, fiberglass installation can be effective when the proper safety equipment is considered and used.
Fiberglass is a commendable non-flammable insulation material, with R-values that range between R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch. It is also a relatively affordable insulation method, though it requires careful safety procedures for installation. Those who handle this insulation process are strongly advised to wear masks, eye protection, and gloves. |
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2. Mineral Wool InsulationMineral wool is another type of insulation method that actually refers to several types of insulation. It is manufactured from natural or synthetic fibers such as ceramics or slag. Once heated to a molten form, the fibers are then woven together because of a process known as melt spinning. After that, it is then sold as loose-fill or formed into boards or batts that are used as insulation. Mineral wool batts are a bit higher than fiberglass batts of equal thickness in terms of R-value. For instance, a mineral batt intended for a 2x4 construction wall construction has a 15 R-value compared to the R-value of fiberglass or cellulose which is either 11 or 13.
Most mineral wool batts lack additives that keep it from being fire resistant, which makes it a poor choice for insulation during extreme heat situations. Despite that, is not combustible. When used with other forms of insulation, especially those that are more fire-resistant, mineral wool can certainly be an effective way of insulating large areas. The R-value for mineral wool is between R-2.3 to R-3.5. |
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3. Cellulose InsulationFor an eco-friendlier approach, cellulose insulation is a great option. It’s made from recycled paper, cardboard, and other items that come in loose form. Cellulose insulation has an R-value between R-3.1 and R-3.7. Cellulose has also proven to be an excellent for minimizing fire damage, according to recent studies. And because the material is compact, cellulose holds little to no oxygen. The lack of oxygen minimizes the damage that a fire would otherwise cause.
Despite this, however, there are a few potential disadvantages of cellulose, such as allergic concerns for those who are allergic to paper dust. What’s more, is that acquiring skill labor for this type of insulation might be more difficult than it is for fiberglass. And due to how dense the material is, it may be too heavy for attics with drywall that is less than ⅝ inch thick. Cellulose has a tendency to compress over time, resulting in loss of efficiency. |
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4. Polystyrene Foam Polystyrene is a waterproof thermoplastic foam which is excellent for temperature and sound.
There are two types of polystyrene foams, expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS), also known as Styrofoam. Both of these types vary in cost and performance ratings. XPS, the more expensive option, has an R-value of R-5.5 whereas EPS is R-4. Although both EPS and XPS prevent the build-up of mold and mildew, prolonged exposure to the sun will degrade these products. |
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5. Polyurethane FoamIt may not be the most abundant of all insulation products, but polyurethane foams are excellent for insulation, nonetheless. These days, polyurethane foams use non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas as a blowing agent, to reduce the amount of damage done to the ozone layer.
The product is relatively light, weighing about 2 pounds per cubic foot. This foam has a high R-value between R-3.4 and R-6.3 per inch of thickness. It is also fire resistant. Other insulation materials that have not been mentioned above include natural fiber such as sheep’s wool, hemp, straw, and cotton. |
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Why You Should Never DIY Spray Foam Insulation
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The initial cost of spray foam insulation is what puts many people off and push them to insulate their walls, roofs and other areas by themselves. But even though this may seem like a more affordable approach, it is most certainly not practical.
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You could choose the wrong insulation for the job, because there are various products out there, making it all the more difficult to choose the right one for your home. And when it comes to spray foam insulation, you could end up producing an incorrect solution or apply too much temperature to it. When this happens, the insulation pulls away from the framing.
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Also, installing insulation could put you at risk of numerous hazardous or unsafe situations. You might not also have the proper safety equipment for insulation installation. You will end up unnecessary damage not just to your home but also to your own well-being.
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A professional, on the other hand, will perform tests to determine which area needs to be covered. If you're installing the insulation on your own, chances are you'll be missing some of the most crucial areas along the way. It could also be that you might not apply enough spray foam or might even end up spraying too much. When installed properly, spray foam insulation easily bests other types of insulation such as fiberglass.
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