Spray Foam Insulation

Polyurethane Spray Foam is a popular and effective insulation method with virtually unlimited applications.  Some buildings are completely insulated with Spray Foam, and others choose to use it in particularly difficult areas like rim joists, basement walls, floors, 'hot' roofs, and on duct work.

There are different types of foam being used as insulation in Ontario. The 2 main types are open cell( half lb.) and closed cell foams(2 lb). Open cell foams expand very quickly, fill the gaps, but don't provide as high an R-value.  Closed cell foams can give R-6 per inch depth, but are more expensive.  They both look virtually identical to the naked eye when applied. Make sure to ask any insulation contractor about their foam, and get a data/info sheet on the product.  Also, if you want more than 3-4 inches of foam, the applicator should be applying about 2 inches at a time, letting it cure, and then applying more.  Applying up to 5-6inches deep of foam all at once is common with companies that are trying to profit off of a quick job.  Don't allow this, as you will not get the R-value you are paying for.  Also, because the foam is rigid, there is little sound-proofing or sound dampening properties with foam insulation compared to the Blow in Blanket system.

Often a whole building insulation job would incorporate fibreglass AND foam.  Foam is more expensive, but has an important role in many projects.