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Common Questions About Spray Foam Insulation

The following are common questions we hear regarding spray foam insulation.

Please click on any of the questions below for the answer and more information.

How much does spray foam cost per square foot?

In general, our spray foam insulation technicians do not price per square foot. This is because most of our competitors will quote a lower price per square foot and then will nickel-and-dime you by adding additional separate charges for the trip, prep, clean up, fuel, and more. At KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC we want to give you the total price in one easy-to-understand method.

If you are still curious about the cost per square foot, a general idea for spray foam insulation starts at $1.25 per square foot. The cost increases from there, depending on the type of spray foam, thickness, location, and job size. If our spray foam insulation service interests you, please feel free to contact us today for a free estimate.

How does spray foam compare in R-Value to fiberglass or cellulose?

Spray foam insulation can range from R- 3.8 to R-7 depending on the type of spray foam.

  • Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation ranges from R- 3.8 to 4.5 per inch.
  • Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation ranges from R- 6 to 7 per inch.

The R-Value is not the only factor you should take into consideration when deciding between different types of insulation. Air sealing is another factor you should take into consideration. Both fiberglass and cellulose lose their insulation value, or R-Value, when air passes through them. The insulation value of both fiberglass and cellulose can decrease by up to 47% of their labeled R factor.

How clean does the surface have to be to make spray foam stick successfully?

Before applying the spray foam insulation, there can be zero oil, grease, water, or excessive dirt on the surface. Most of the time, the areas we spray the insulation are clean. However, if you have livestock living in your pole barn, we will likely need to clean the surface before applying the spray foam insulation.

How do you trim the spray foam?

We trim spray foam insulation differently depending on the type of spray foam. For open-cell spray foam, our insulation experts use a long, serrated blade. For closed-cell spray foam our insulation technicians use a specialized grinder. That said, our insulation team tries to avoid trimming closed cell spray foam because it is labor-intensive and expensive for our customers.

Does spray foam insulation add structural strength to the building?

Spray foam insulation is not intended to add structural strength or support to your building. However, closed-cell spray foam will add a bit of racking strength to your building. If you are relying on spray foam insulation to hold your building together, you have other problems that need to be addressed that spray foam insulation cannot fix.

Will spray foam insulation stick to the underside of the roof?

Yes, spray foam insulation will stick to the underside of your roof without additional support.

How much will spray foam insulation save me?

Spray foam insulation is sure to save you money, but it is also very dependent on many factors. Those factors include your building’s design, HVAC usage, and more. Experts will tell you that you should expect to save up to 50%, but what you can expect for sure is to be more comfortable in your building or living space.

Which is better: closed-cell or open-cell spray foam?

Both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation have different benefits, but it depends on your application. Closed-cell has a higher R-Value, or insulation value, so it works better in below-grade or harsh conditions like pole barns. Open-cell offers the best sound control and is more cost-effective per square foot. Feel free to reach out to our insulation specialists, and we can help you make the best decision for your application.

Do rodents eat spray foam insulation?

Even though rodents will eat about anything, there is no food value to spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation prevents air leakage and heat loss. If a rodent cannot smell or feel the heat on the other side of the wall, they are less likely to want to get into your building or living space.

Can I install spray foam insulation myself?

No, you should not install spray foam insulation yourself because installing spray foam insulation takes highly trained professionals and expensive specialized equipment. Please contact our insulation specialists at KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC if you need spray foam insulation in your building or living space.

Do I still need a vapor barrier?

Open-cell spray foam insulation is required by code to have a vapor barrier. For closed-cell spray foam, it depends on the brand and thickness. Most of the time closed cell spray foam does not need a vapor barrier.

Do I still need a house wrap?

You do not need house wrap to form an airtight seal. Spray foam insulation provides an airtight seal in your building or living space. However, the experts at KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC recommend using house wrap because it helps drain the water that passes through the outside covering on your building.

Won’t spray foam make my house too tight? I want my house to be able to breathe.

Spray foam insulation will not cause your house to become too tight. Houses can effectively “breathe” through proper ventilation of air leaking through doors and windows. It’s a common saying when it comes to houses to “build them tight, ventilate them right.”

Why should I choose KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC over another company?

KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC provides its technicians with proper training, safety, and equipment, which allows your spray foam insulation job to be done right the first time. Many other companies do not have proper training, let alone proper liability or workman’s comp insurance, which can leave you exposed from a liability perspective should an accident occur.

Our professionals at KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC offer upfront, honest quotes, a hard work ethic, and high-quality services to keep our customers consistently satisfied. We also provide our customers with a free estimate, which includes the exact total, with no hidden fees or added charges. If you need spray foam insulation, please do not hesitate to contact the experts at KC Spray Foam & Coatings, LLC!

I have gotten several estimates for spray foam insulation, but there is no consistency in the quote’s pricing. How do I make sense of this?

When you receive your spray foam insulation estimate, you should look for the detailed quote, which includes R-Values, total depth, brand of the spray foam, and the explanation of the areas that are to be sprayed. If your lowest priced quote is too good to be true, it is probably missing something on the estimate.

Does spray foam insulation on the underside of the roof void the warranty on the shingles?

In most cases, manufacturers will not void the warranty. That said, some manufactures, like Owens Corning, make fiberglass insulation, roof vents, and soft material which void warranties. If you are worried about your warranty being voided, we highly recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your shingles to ensure that spray foam insulation will not void the warranty of your shingles.

Is spray foam insulation a fire hazard?

No, it’s quite the opposite. Most spray foams are a Class 1 Spray Foam, which means the spray foam insulation is fire-resistant. Additionally, most spray foams have fire retardant in them. Of course, you should always confirm with your spray foam vendor any questions you have regarding fire-resistant properties for your unique installation.

Can I leave spray foam insulation exposed?

In most instances, spray foam insulation should be covered by an approved thermal barrier. If you are unsure of what thermal barrier to use for your spray foam insulation project, please contact our insulation specialists or consult with your building inspector.

Content Reviewed by Mark King

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