Ways To Sustain

Selecting an insulation is never an easy task and trying to incorporate green insulation or eco friendly insulation can make your decision that much more challenging when trying to be sustainable.

If you are interested in spray foam insulation, you should start by knowing the difference between open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam.

Open Cell spray foam (can also be referred to as 1/2 pound or low density)

• Expands over 100 times its liquid size so trimming is usually required and proper disposal of the waste.
• More permeable to moisture vapor
• An effective as a sound barrier, having approximately twice the sound resistance in normal frequency ranges as closed-cell foam
• Generally understood that it should not be used in exterior applications, or where it can be in direct contact with waste

Closed Cell spray foam (can also be referred to as 2 pound or medium density)

• Expands to approximately 20 to 30 times its liquid size so less trimming and waste
• Excellent resistance to water
• Improves sound dampening for bass tones
• Could be code approved as a vapour barrier
• Some indications that wall racking strength can be significantly increased when applied

There is some concern with regards to pulling wire and doing other maintenance when foam insulation is used.  One interesting approach to address any future wiring needs is to use eXapath.

Here are some things to consider when comparing insulation and things you should ask the insulation professional.