When deciding on an insulation material for your home, you may be concerned about the safety and potential risks of common insulation materials, such as spray foam. When choosing a material for your property, it must be safe to install and remain reliable as it ages.

Using spray foam insulation has many benefits, including energy efficiency and air sealing, but some people are concerned about its safety. This blog post explores the potential hazards of spray foam insulation and provides the information you need to choose the right insulation for your home.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam is a type of insulation applied as a liquid that then expands into a foam. There are two main types of spray foam insulation:

• Open-cell: less dense with a lower R-value
• Closed-cell: denser with a higher R-value

Both types of spray foam insulation are known for their excellent air sealing and insulation properties.

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance that determines how well insulation can resist heat flow. In spray foam insulation, the higher the R-value, the more effective it is at reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.

Is spray foam insulation safe?

While spray foam insulation is generally safe when installed correctly, it's important to understand that it comprises chemicals that can pose a potential hazard if not handled properly.

The two main components of spray foam insulation are:

• Isocyanates: cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems if not handled with care
• Polyols: generally considered safe

However, when installed correctly by a professional, spray foam insulation can be an effective and safe option.

The team at St. Louis Insulation takes great care to ensure the safe and proper installation of all insulation materials, including spray foam.

What are the health risks of improper installation?

Improper installation of spray foam insulation can pose health risks. When you choose spray foam as your material, hiring a professional insulation contractor experienced in spray foam installation is essential.

If spray foam insulation is not installed correctly, it can release harmful chemicals into your home, potentially causing respiratory and other health problems.

It's also important to note that spray foam insulation can be flammable. Special care must be taken during installation to ensure the foam does not come into contact with ignition sources.

Installing spray foam isn't a DIY project for weekend home rehabbers. Professional insulation installers have the training to take the necessary precautions to keep homeowners and their families safe.

What precautions should be taken during installation?

When an installation team shows up to insulate your home, they'll ensure that the process is safe by:

• Wearing protective gear, such as goggles and respirators, to prevent exposure to isocyanates
• Properly ventilating the area during and for several hours after installation to allow any harmful fumes to dissipate
• Following manufacturer guidelines and recommendations during installation to ensure that the foam is applied correctly and safely

When homeowners select an experienced contractor for their insulation work, they get total peace of mind that the proper precautions will be taken, so their home is safe during the installation and for years afterward.

Want to learn more about if spray insulation is right for your property? Schedule a consultation with St. Louis Insulation.

Spray foam insulation is generally safe when installed correctly by professionals. It does contain chemicals that can pose a hazard if not handled properly. With the right precautions, spray foam can be a safe and effective insulation solution for your home.

At St. Louis Insulation, we perform all our installations with safety in mind, including spray foam. Have questions about any of our insulation materials? Schedule a consultation with our experts.