Exposed Exterior Spray Foam Insulation

The ftc investigation consent decree.

Exposed exterior spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation is made of two chemicals that are combined to create a foam. This type of foam insulation has a higher r value per inch making it also suitable for small areas that require the highest possible r value to meet building code requirements. Performing hot work on or near polyurethane foam may lead to potential exposures to isocyanates and other toxic emissions. Exterior insulation benefit vs cost while exterior rigid foam insulation has its benefits it s really expensive to protect regardless of how you do it.

As long as it is closed cell insulation. Use to seal out air moisture and pests in basements or crawlspaces attic hatches and plumbing hvac or electrical penetrations. Spray foam exposed to sunlight will deteriorate in a year or so. Luckily we understand this subject and will explain the thermal barrier and the international residential code irc in a way that you can understand.

But the spray foam is still exposed to the attic and needs an ignition barrier. Eifs with the fiberglass mesh is expensive and not that durable. Closed cell spray insulation a rigid medium density material can be used in exterior applications such as continuous insulation applications as well as interior applications. Exposed polyurethane foam plastic insulation sold as non burning or self extinguishing parents won a suit against the manufacturer led to a 14 month investigation by the us federal trade commission genesis of chapter 26 foam plastic in the ibc.

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. Building renovations demolition or building disassembly done years later can disturb spray foam insulation. It is recommended for use in both interior and exterior environments and is sandable and paintable. As far as i know most types of rigid foam insulation can t be left exposed but need to be covered with a layer of drywall for fire resistance.

It can be sprayed or injected into walls and it expands to fill the wall cavity even the smallest crevices and eventually hardens. Spray foam can be left exposed if it used indoors. Spray foam can potentially generate toxic emissions under these circumstances. Most ceilings are made of 1 2 drywall.

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to thermal barriers regarding what they are and when they are needed with spray foam application. This type of insulation can be more expensive than loose fill insulation.