Cavity wall insulation is perfect for houses with cavity walls. It’s especially suitable for houses built after the 1940-s which have suffered a loss of structural integrity due to corrosion of wall ties. Spray foam insulation has many benefits to offer. Along with restoring structural integrity, it eliminates outside noise, protects against various weather elements and prevents loss of heat.
The foam seals the cavity completely and does not shrink in size. This reduces air leakage to zero and protects the walls. If you have been searching for cavity insulation cost , you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will explore cavity wall foam insulation and what it entails .
First, let us discuss what spray foam insulation is.
What is spray foam insulation ?
Spray foam insulation, also known as spray polyurethane foam (SPF) or spray foam, is a good alternative to regular building insulation. It is a versatile product and can be used to insulate your walls and your attic. It has been used for more than three decades and is now a popular form of cavity wall insulation. Cavity wall foam insulation requires injected spray foam for stabilization and insulation purposes. The foam sets solid and supports the structure of the building.
A cavity wall usually consists of two parts, an outer part and an inner part separated by a cavity. The spray foam is injected into the space between the two walls. Spray foam is an expandable material and prevents any movement after it sets in. It uses both conduction and convection to reduce the movement of heat. This way you can save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
What are the types of spray foam insulation ?
There are two types of spray foam insulation.
They are as follows :
(1) Open-cell spray foam
(2) Closed-cell spray foam
Both of them are made up of the same material and are filled with bubbles of air. However, they acquire different properties when they set in.
Let us take a look at both of them.
(A) Open-cell spray foam :
Open-cell spray foam sets less densely than closed-cell spray foam. So you will need to install thick layers to get the benefits of insulation.
This type of insulation is often preferred as it reduces and blocks the flow of air. It does allow moisture so there is no worry of built-up condensation.
(B) Closed-cell spray foam :
Closed-cell spray foam sets into a very solid form and supports the structure of your house. However, it should be never applied as a quick fix to structural problems. When it sets, it contains gas pockets that reduce the movement of heat through it.
It also blocks moisture so it’s best to install it in a room or attic that is well-ventilated. Otherwise, there are chances of condensation build-up.
Why go for spray foam insulation ?
Spray foam insulation is most suitable for cavity walls and attics. Just about 100mm of spray foam is enough for insulating a space. You can easily insulate your attic and use it too.
Spray foam insulation is also good for you if you have solid walls or cavity walls that are not meant for external insulation. Some types of foam are breathable as well as waterproof and that makes it suitable for you if you live in an area that is prone to floods.
What type of property is suitable for spray foam insulation ?
Every property is different and so their requirements for insulation are also different. A reputed and licensed spray foam installer will do a survey before doing ahead with the insulation.
The survey usually includes the following :
(1) Calculating the U-value, which shows how insulated the property is
(2) An assessment of the amount of condensation occurring in the property
(3) Identifying any problems and coming up with ways to prevent them
Is it safe ?
Spray foam insulation forms on-site, so it is very safe. However, it is recommended that you do not enter the area within 24 hours after installation. A trained insulation installer will provide you with all the considerations of the installation. You must find the best installer because poorly installed insulation can cause problems later. It can give rise to severe condensation which can lead to rot.
Will it increase the value of the property ?
Yes, spray foam insulation will increase the value of your property once installed. Even if you are not considering selling your home, it is a good thing to invest in.
How to install spray foam insulation ?
It is not advisable to go ahead with spray foam insulation by yourself because of safety concerns. You should always opt for a professional spray foam installer. The installer should have received full training on how to apply and install the foam correctly. They should be also certified by the British Board of Agrément(BBA). The spray foam product which will be used for installation should also have a certificate from BBA or something similar. They should also provide you with the correct cavity insulation cost.
The installation process must adhere to building regulations, health and safety standards and manufacturer requirements.
Now, let us take a look at the benefits of spray foam insulation.
A few benefits of spray foam insulation are as follows :-
[1] Cooling and heating :
Spray foam insulation easily fits into small spaces inside cavity walls. Once it sets in, it expands and dries fast. Once this process is complete, it blocks any water and air bubbles, effectively creating a seal.
[2] Reduces pests :
Empty wall cavities can become breeding grounds for rodents, bugs and ants. Nobody wants their walls to become home for these creatures and this is where spray foam insulation comes in. Once it fits into the wall cavity, no creature can make room inside your walls. It is recommended that you install closed-cell spray foam if you want to keep away insects and bugs.
[3] Prevents mould :
Both open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam are good for preventing the growth of mould. Once they fit inside your wall, they form a barrier and stop moisture and water from coming inside. This prevents the growth of mould inside your house.
[4] Eco-friendly :
This is one of the biggest benefits of spray foam insulation. Once you fit it inside your property, your energy consumption automatically goes down because of its heat reduction properties. It also lasts for a long time, making it friendly towards the environment.
Conclusion :-
So, this was all about spray foam insulation, its types and its benefits. As mentioned above, it is very important to find the most suitable installer for installing spray foam insulation.
If you are looking for such an installer, you can get in touch with Cavity Wall Insulation. They provide Cavity foam insulation in Ireland .
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