Check out our article to learn more about the health risks and how we handle them.

If you hire a spray foam insulation contractor who does not follow best practices, you could put the health of your family at risk. A few examples:

• Environmental and installer hazards from HFCs, a blowing agent that releases harmful chemicals. Ecotelligent avoids using HFCs as they are being outlawed in many states.
• Respiratory problems from VOCs and other chemicals that are emitted during and after installation. These can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
• Skin and eye irritation from direct contact with uncured spray foam insulation. This can result in redness, itching, rashes, or burns on the skin and eyes.

Here at Ecotelligent Homes, we follow best practices to reduce the risk of any health risks to you and your family.

For example, we always use ventilation fans during the installation process to shorten the off-gassing period of the insulation. We also recommend that you leave your home during and after the installation to avoid exposure to the chemicals.

Our team members have the Spray Foam Alliance Certification. We monitor the foam ratio and temperature to prevent any issues with the foam quality and performance. This guarantees that the foam we spray in your home is both effective and reliable.

Check out our article to learn more about the environmental risks and how we handle them.

In a nutshell, spray foam insulation can have negative effects on the environment, depending on the type and quality of the product as well as the installation process.

One of the main environmental risks of spray foam insulation is its global warming potential (GWP). GWP is a measure of how much a gas contributes to global warming compared to carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1.

The higher the GWP, the more harmful the gas is to the environment. Spray foam insulation uses a blowing agent, which is a chemical that expands the foam and creates the air pockets that provide insulation.

Some common blowing agents, such as HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, and HCFC-141b, have very high GWP values, ranging from 725 to 1030. This means that these blowing agents are hundreds or thousands of times worse for the environment than carbon dioxide.

At Ecotelligent Homes, we care about the environment and our customers’ health and safety. That's why we only use closed cell spray foam insulation with a blowing agent that has a GWP of 1, the same as carbon dioxide.

By using a low-GWP blowing agent, we eliminate the ozone depletion and reduce the global warming impact of our spray foam insulation. It's the responsible way to insulation your home in Michigan.

Spray foam insulation is a superior choice for insulating your home compared to other types of insulation, such as fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. Here are some of the benefits of spray foam insulation that make it worth the investment:

• Higher R-value: Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value per inch than other types of insulation, which means it can resist heat transfer better and keep your home more comfortable in both winter and summer. Depending on the type of spray foam, the R-value can range from 3.5 to 7 per inch, while fiberglass has an R-value of 3.1 to 3.4 per inch.
• Air and moisture barrier: Spray foam insulation expands and fills in every gap and crack in your walls, creating a continuous and seamless layer of insulation that prevents air and moisture from entering or escaping your home. This can improve your indoor air quality, prevent mold and mildew growth, and reduce your energy bills by up to 40%.
• Soundproofing: Spray foam insulation can also reduce noise transmission between rooms and from outside sources, making your home more quiet and peaceful. Spray foam insulation has a higher STC (sound transmission class) rating than other types of insulation, which means it can block more sound waves and vibrations.
• Durability and longevity: Spray foam insulation does not sag, settle, or deteriorate over time, unlike other types of insulation that can lose their effectiveness and require replacement. Spray foam insulation can last for the lifetime of your home, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type and amount of spray foam, as well as the size and condition of the area to be insulated. 

Open-cell spray foam, which is less dense and more flexible, usually costs between $1.50 and $2.50 per board foot. Closed-cell spray foam, which is more rigid and resistant to moisture and air, usually costs between $2 and $4.50 per board foot.

Please note! We do not recommend open-cell spray foam for homes in Michigan because it does not adequately prevent moisture from entering your home. We live on a peninsula and need to take moisture seriously in order to prevent mold, mildew, and other issues that can make you sick.

The installation time of spray foam insulation depends on the size and accessibility of the area to be insulated, as well as the type and amount of foam used. 

Generally, spray foam insulation can be applied faster than other types of insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose, because it expands and fills the gaps in one step.

A small basement or crawl space can often be insulated in two to three hours, but an entire home will require several days. The installation time also depends on the curing time of the foam, which can vary from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity.

The installation time of spray foam insulation also includes the preparation and cleanup time, which can add a few hours to the project. 

The preparation time involves covering and protecting the surfaces and objects that are not to be insulated, such as windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. The cleanup time involves removing the excess foam, trimming the edges, and disposing of the waste materials.

Spray foam insulation creates an airtight barrier around pipes, sealing out cold air and reducing heat loss.

This helps maintain a stable temperature, preventing freezing and potential bursts.

Pipes most at risk include those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Insulating these pipes with spray foam provides the best protection against winter weather.

Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is applied as a liquid and expands to fill the gaps and cracks in your walls, floors, ceilings, and roof. Spray foam insulation can provide an air seal, reduce heat loss, and prevent moisture problems.

However, not all spray foam insulation is the same. Spray foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell. The main difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation is the structure of the foam cells. 

• Open-cell spray foam insulation has cells that are partially open, allowing air and water vapor to pass through. 
• Closed-cell spray foam insulation has cells that are completely closed, blocking air and water vapor from entering or escaping.

This difference in structure affects the properties and performance of the foam insulation, such as:

• Density: Closed-cell spray foam insulation is denser than open-cell spray foam insulation. The density of closed-cell foam is approximately 1.75 pounds for every cubic foot, whereas open-cell foam has a density of roughly 0.5 pounds per cubic foot.
• R-value: R-value is a measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Closed-cell spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than open-cell spray foam insulation. Closed-cell foam has an R-value of about 6.0 to 7.0 per inch, while open-cell foam has an R-value of about 3.5 to 4.0 per inch.
• Expansion: Spray foam insulation expands when it is applied, filling the cavities and creating an air seal. Closed-cell spray foam insulation expands less than open-cell spray foam insulation. Closed-cell foam expands to about 1 inch of thickness, while open-cell foam expands to about 3 inches of thickness.
• Moisture resistance: Spray foam insulation can help prevent moisture problems, such as condensation, mold, and rot, by creating a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is more resistant to moisture than open-cell spray foam insulation. Closed-cell foam acts as a vapor barrier, preventing water vapor from entering or escaping the wall cavity. Open-cell foam allows water vapor to pass through, but it can also dry out faster if it gets wet.

At Ecotelligent Homes, we recommend closed-cell spray foam insulation for homes in Michigan, because it can provide the best performance and protection for our climate and conditions. 

We do not recommend open-cell spray foam insulation for homes in Michigan, because it does not adequately prevent moisture from entering your home. We live on a peninsula and need to take moisture seriously in order to prevent mold, mildew, and other issues that can make you sick.

Learn more on our rebates and tax credits resource page.

The lifespan of spray foam insulation can vary depending on the quality, brand, and environment, but generally, it can last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. 

Spray foam insulation does not sag, settle, or deteriorate over time, unlike other types of insulation that can lose their effectiveness and require replacement. Spray foam insulation can also resist the absorption of water and humidity, making it suitable for interior and exterior use.

The maintenance of spray foam insulation is minimal, as long as it is installed correctly and protected from damage. Spray foam insulation does not need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced regularly, unless it is exposed to significant moisture, pests, or fire. 

However, it is recommended to inspect your spray foam insulation periodically, especially in areas that are prone to leaks, such as roofs, basements, and crawl spaces. If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or mold, you should contact a professional spray foam contractor to assess and fix the problem.

At Ecotelligent Homes, we are experts in spray foam insulation and can help you choose the best type and amount of spray foam for your home. We use high-quality materials and equipment, and we follow the best practices and safety standards for spray foam installation. 

Contact us today for a free consultation: (248) 291-7815