FAQS

Spray foam insulation is a method of insulating and air-sealing using a spray application. The foam sprays on as a liquid and then quickly expands to fill and seal the cavity or surface in which it is applied into. As it expands, it seeps into all the nooks and crannies to form a continuous air barrier, keeping your customers cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Icynene insulates and air-seals to control unwanted random air leakage – which traditional insulation can’t do without the use of extra sealing materials. Traditional insulation materials can also leave gaps and seams around electrical boxes or light fixtures (compromising performance), but Icynene fits perfectly around detailing to air-seal the space where it is applied.

Icynene Classic spray foam insulation has an R-value of 3.7 per inch. But this only tells you half the story because R-value doesn’t consider air movement through or around the insulation once it’s been installed in the home. And air movement can be one of the biggest sources of energy loss. Builders need to consider an insulation that does two things: insulates and creates an air-seal. Since Icynene is an air barrier, it helps to reduce energy loss and also helps to mitigate the risk of condensation-related problems within the walls and ceilings. Without the air barrier, insulating the home isn’t really that effective.

Icynene helps to seal tiny cracks and penetrations that would otherwise allow unwanted airborne irritants to invade the living space such as outdoor allergens, pollutants, and humidity. Icynene makes it easy to get a tight fit around wall openings, such as windows, electrical/cable service entry points, and light fixtures.

Most of the damaging moisture within a building envelope is the result of air movement through the cavities. When warm air meets a cold surface within a cavity, it condenses; and if not found in time, it can lead to mold and rot. Icynene creates continuously insulated, tight walls and ceilings to help minimize the potential for moisture, condensation and mold. Icynene has been tested and proven not to be a food source for mold.

Noise Reduction – Just as Icynene open cell spray foam seals against the transfer of air and accompanying moisture, it also helps reduce the transfer of noise. Thanks to the sound-dampening qualities of Icynene insulation, problems and annoyances related to “thin walls” can be easily turned into greater privacy.

Water Intrusion – In the event of a water leak, Icynene open cell foam offers superior breathability which allows the material to dry and remain unaffected by minor wetting. Icynene continues to operate at peak performance levels once dried. This can help protect the building envelope from sustained wetting or conditions that can lead to rot.

Access/Repair Electrical or Plumbing – Icynene open cell spray foam can be easily cut away and removed to access plumbing or electrical wiring. If a plumbing leak were to get the product wet, leaving the wall cavity open temporarily would allow it to dry and eliminate the need for total replacement. Icynene’s touch-up kit is available to recreate the air-seal.

There are no blowing agents such as CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFC’s (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in Icynene’s light density products. Spray foam insulation is produced by mixing two components at a high temperature, which causes the foam to atomize during installation. This process creates an odor and requires venting. As soon as the foam “cures” (or sets), which occurs within seconds, it no longer produces the odor. It usually takes about 24 hours for the odor to completely dissipate.

The answer is, builders have to build tight and ventilate right. With the proper use of exhaust fans and heat/energy recovery ventilators, a building envelope can be made tight while clean, healthy air is circulated through the structure. Air leakage needs to be controlled in houses by making wall and attic assemblies as tight as possible. This not only prevents drafts but reduces the amount of airborne noise and dust from entering the building while ensuring that insulated cavities remain moisture-free.

Rest assured that Icynene meets code requirements relating to fire safety. Icynene spray foam is a Class 1 material with a flame spread of less than or equal to 25. Independent third-party testing also confirms that electrical wiring is not affected by Icynene. Dangers of overheating were not found to be a concern during testing.

Indefinitely. When correctly installed and not altered with, the foam will last the life of your building. Spray foam insulation adheres extremely well to virtually all substrates. Icynene’s light density products remain soft and flexible to expand and contract with the home during seasonal changes.