Spray Foam Insulation

Like other home insulation materials, spray foam can help improve indoor comfort and lower heating and cooling costs. However, spray foam has an advantage over most insulation because it can air seal as well as insulate, making it extremely efficient. Home Efficiency Experts is a local spray foam insulation contractor serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. We specialize in home upgrades that are based on building science that can save you money and make your home more comfortable.

The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

• Superior R-value to other insulation types
• Insulates and air seals
• Acts as a moisture barrier
• Reduces noise
• Long-lasting
• Improves indoor air quality

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is made up of two chemicals that, when combined, create a liquid foam that expands and hardens as it dries. Within the foam are small air bubbles, known as cells, that contribute to its resistance to both heat and air flow. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell:

• Open-cell spray foam – The cells in open-cell foam are exactly that, open. This means that the final product is flexible with more space in between the unenclosed cells. Open-cell spray foam is a great option for interior walls, but it can be vulnerable to moisture intrusion.
• Closed-cell spray foam – The cells in closed-cell spray foam are tightly packed and fully enclosed. This gives the final product a more rigid structure, making it a great option for attics and crawl spaces.

Where to Install Spray Foam Insulation

Installing spray foam insulation is a tricky process that requires strict attention to detail and it should always be installed by a professional. Using incorrect chemical ratios or improperly applying the foam can make it less effective or even cause damage to your home. Here are a few of the common places we use spray foam at Home Efficiency Experts:

Attics

Spray foam insulation can be added to an attic in one of two ways:

1. As home air sealing to fill in any gaps or voids in the attic floor associated with wire or plumbing penetrations, light fixtures, interior and exterior wall top plates, and open chases.
2. As insulation along the attic roof slope. Commonly known as a spray foam “hot roof,” this sometimes is the best option for homes where insulating the attic floor is simply not a viable option. One such example might be a “Cape Cod” style home with small knee wall attics that are used entirely for storage.

Rim Joists

Another area of concern in any home with an unfinished basement or crawlspace area is the rim joist, where the foundation meets the wood framing members above. This area is often not insulated, or poorly insulated, and full of holes going directly outside!  Not only does this lead to tremendous heat loss but is also a major source of unconditioned air and moisture entering the home. 

The process by which conditioned air (that you pay for) escapes through the top of the house (the attic) and is replaced by unconditioned air through the bottom of the house is known as the stack effect. One effective way to slow this process down is adding spray foam to the rim joist in the basement or crawl space. Not only does this add R-value (approximately R-15), but it also adds an air and moisture barrier as well! This will help greatly with making your basement or crawl space drier while also keeping the floors above much more comfortable!

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Spray foam can also help prevent pipes in unconditioned areas of the house from freezing, which is an issue for many homeowners living in Long Island. By adding spray foam insulation to the exterior of an unconditioned area (i.e. crawl space or attic knee walls), any pipes or ducts within that space are given extra protection against the cold. This could end up saving homeowners thousands of dollars over the years on future repairs as well as heating and cooling costs! And perhaps the best part — spray foam insulation will never deteriorate.

Schedule a Free Energy Assessment with Home Efficiency Experts Today

Could your home benefit from spray foam insulation upgrades? Home Efficiency Experts’ free home energy assessment is one of the best ways to find out. During an assessment, a trained building science expert will inspect your home, looking for areas with poor insulation or air leaks. They may also run blower door tests or use infrared cameras to accurately measure how energy efficient your home currently is, and where upgrades will have the biggest impact.

From spray foam and cellulose blown-in insulation for your Long Island home to expert HVAC installation, Home Efficiency Experts is your local go-to whole home expert. We even stay informed on what rebates and incentives are available in Suffolk and Nassau counties to help make your home upgrades more affordable. 

Get started and schedule a free energy assessment today. Call 631-406-9805 or contact us online.