Spray foam insulation isn’t new, but its popularity is growing. Whether you are building a new building or upgrading the energy efficiency of an existing home, spray foam insulation is a great option for protecting your home from hot and cold weather. Spray foam is easy to install and does a great job of sealing even the tiniest cracks that let outside air in.
To install spray foam, you spray a thin coat over the surface to be insulated. It will stick to the surface and expand on its own. When spraying foam, the most important thing is to get an even coating. If the coating is lumpy or uneven, the thermal protection is also uneven. You won’t get the best insulating power unless the coat is all the same thickness.
When you are spraying foam, make sure to wear a full set of protective gear.
Goggles and a respirator are the most important – you don’t want to get foam in your eye or breathe the fumes. Those are both sure-fire ways to visit the emergency room.
Wear gloves and keep all of your exposed skin covered as well. The foam is caustic before it’s dried and will cause burns.
You should also wear coveralls or at least old clothes when spraying foam insulation. It will stick to your clothing and won’t wash out, so whatever you wear will have foam puffballs stuck to it forever.