Whether you own a home or a commercial building, you’re likely concerned about energy costs.  It’s one thing to ensure you are running efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.  However, guaranteeing that the premises are well insulated is also crucial.  Spray foam insulation is an excellent means of containing energy costs as well as keeping your building nice and warm over the cold winter months.

You may be concerned about air leaking in from around windows and doors.  Spray foam insulation helps protect against drafty conditions.  Obviously, this includes frigid leakage in colder climates.  In warmer weather, spray foam insulation helps seal off hot air seepage as well.  It goes beyond windows and doors to include insulation of walls and ceilings.   While you’re at, you should consider using spray foam insulation around pipes and in the attic and crawlspaces.

According to a report entitled “Energy Efficient Homes: The Duct System”, typical home duct systems lose 40% of heating or cooling energy. Spray foam insulation can help with this issue as well.

Spray foam will not only help in the efficiency of existing HVAC systems but can protect your systems for years to come. With this type of insulation, building owners are also able to purchase smaller units at a lesser cost.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a special formulation that includes polyurethane.  One of its advantages is that it takes up less space than other types of insulation.  Mold and mildew issues are significantly reduced with the use of spray foam insulation.

There are many reasons that spray foam insulation is a great solution.  For starters, it is sprayed into place and thus targeted to potential problem areas.   It is considered a preferred alternative to fiberglass or blown in insulation.  Spray foam insulation falls into two basic categories:

• Open-Cell - Open-cell foams are air-resistant and will absorb dampness. This is the less expensive foam insulation.  It may not be as effective as closed-cell and therefore may require heavier spray foam application.  Open-cell foams have a lower resistance to conductive heat flow, also referred to as a lower R-value. Yet, open-cell foams can be extremely flexible. When the building contracts and expands with the temperature and seasonal changes, the insulation will move as well without a destroying the seal.


• Closed-Cell – Closed-cell foams can actually act as a barrier against air and moisture. Although the initial cost may be more than an open-cell application, there is a longer term efficiency benefit.  Closed-cell foams also have a higher R-value than open-cell foams. Like open-cell foams, it can reject bulk water, making it ideal for areas that are in a flood zone. It can also add wall racking strength as well as impact resistance.

It is possible to purchase DIY kits for spray foam insulation products.  Professional contractors also use this type of insulation in both existing and new construction projects.

If you want to learn more about spray foam insulation, we're here to help! Contact Marvel Industrial Coatings and learn more about our Open and Closed-Cell Foam Formulations.