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The 2015 Energy are making today’s homes tighter and tighter. New construction homes are turning to spray foam insulation to pass inspection so your having to build a house and almost have to put foam in most houses now, not all of them, it is just more and more difficult to be able to pass code unless they have foam. As a result of seeing that trend, they wanted to explore that option and launched Smart Seal Foam Insulation. We are a spray foam insulation contractor and that is about 95% of what we do.

There are a few minor differences in foam. There is an open-cell (.05 lb) and a closed-cell foam (2.0 lb) that are the two major comparisons for the average consumer. Roofing foam (3.0 lb) is even harder and is applied to low-slope metal roofs.

A recent interview with Michael Reed at Granburyradio.com and Rodney Geisler.

So let’s first start with an open-cell versus closed-cell comparison. Open-cell is typically something that is spongier and cheaper per square foot per inch and you get the R-value typically that you need to pass your code. So on a home, I can fill the cavity at 3.5″ and I may be at .90 cents per square foot. If I was going to fill that same cavity with closed-cell foam, I would be at $3.00 a square foot.

There is a difference in R-value, but there is also a difference in price. The thing of it is, there is a point of diminishing returns. So, I know that 2″ of closed-cell foam will do the same thing as 4″ of open-cell foam, but the 4″ of open-cell foam, I may be at $1.00 and the 2′ of closed-cell foam, I may be at $1.90 or maybe at  $2.00. So sometimes, if I can do the same thing with less money, then usually the homeowner or builder, is interested in being smart about their money. And so, that is why we try to guide them as to what their application is and what they are doing. On most homes, we use open-cell spray foam on the whole house. 

What are some options to consider when foam insulating a metal building? Smart Seal Foam offers a standard, premium and paint options. Option 1 – 1″ of closed cell foam will reduce heat transfer by 84% and will increase racking strengthen in the building up to 400%. Option 2 – 2″ of closed cell foam will reduce an average of 89% in heat transfer and will prevent condensation issues if the building is heated or cooled, and the foam will have a more uniform appearance. The paint option will brighten the shop and prevent the foam from darkening since it will be exposed to UV rays due to the many roll-up doors and windows. One last thing, be sure to check out the video at the bottom of our website to see the difference in the Standard, Premium and Paint options.

As weather conditions begin to cool, it is a good time to make sure your attic isn’t costing you money.

A few things to check for in the attic, beginning with places that can be leaking warm air; light fixtures and can lights, especially those manufactured before 2004, have plenty of holes and gaps to allow for air to escape from the living space into the attic. If these are installed wrong, you could be paying to heat your attic.

Can lights should have a cover that separates the fixture from insulation in the attic, and spray foam insulation can be applied to seal air leakages. These leakages can also occur around ductwork that drops in from above the ceiling.

What is a Barndominium? Normally a metal or steel building that has been repurposed to add the perfect mix of living quarters and a place for fun is referred to as a Barndominium.  This type of building often acts as a dual purpose living/shop or work/storage area. In North Central Texas, the average square foot price is less than $90.00 which makes Barndominiums an affordable option. By applying open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation, your home now becomes more energy efficient.  

To learn more about the differences between open cell and closed cell spray foam watch this explanation from Robert Naini, Spray Foam Advisor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7hAwjoPcWo

Let us help you create the perfect hybrid package of both open and closed-cell spray foam for your next Barndominium. (817) 993-5657

This Bardominium in Walnut Springs presents a unique situation regarding spray foam applications. We offer hybrid packages of both open and closed cell spray foam designed to meet each customers unique needs.  What looks like a barn on the outside, could be the Shangri-La on the inside. A Barndominium is a cross between a Barn and a Condominium – you may have metal on the outside of your structure with a wood frame on the inside. Barndominiums have become very popular in North Central Texas (averaging about $80.00 a square foot). We have discovered that Barndominiums are as unique as their owners. This particular barn is framed in metal. We spray applied 1″ of closed cell foam insulation to seal the building from the outside elements. We can then spray apply open cell foam to complete a hybrid package.  Rodney is the Barndominium expert.

According to the Department of Energy , a combination of inefficient technologies and poor insulation contributes to higher heating and cooling costs, especially in houses built prior to 1930, where precious little thought was given to matters of insulation.

In these cases, a retrofit insulation system is usually required, with spray foam proving the professional product of choice, due to its unrivalled thermal performance properties, which don’t deteriorate over time.

Retrofit Insulation Systems: Key Considerations

Always Keep Airtightness In Mind

When planning a retrofit insulation system, air-tightness should always be accounted for. Although air leakage can occur throughout a building, the key places to prioritise are: gaps around windows and doors, exposed openings around rafters, and the underside of floors.

Even buildings which appear adequately insulated require closer examination, as quantity doesn’t always translate into quality-especially if the current materials are outdated, resulting in impaired efficacy overall.

Intense scrutiny is required, with accumulation of moisture between fibres and sagging the main signs of wear and tear. If left unchecked, this can lead to long-term air leakage, and radically reduced internal temperatures as a result.

Prepare To Repair

There’s no denying that property renovation can be a long and laborious process, but if approached with long-term aims in mind, you’ll reap the rewards of your labour for many years to come.

One of the biggest benefits of embarking on a retrofit project is that it forces you to address persistent problems, and make the required repairs. This action alone goes someway to enhancing systems efficiency , and ensuring stringent safety levels are attained.

Replace existing wiring if needs be, and ensure that the overall framework of your property remains structurally sound. You should also mark out existing cracks and crevices that need sealing with tape, and insulate said places accordingly.

Strike A Successful Balance

Like most things in life, striking a balance is key-and a retrofit system is no exception. Material and labour costs should always be weighed up against performance and practicality, especially if relining work is required.

In many retrofit cases, areas not immediately visible (such as the underside of existing floorboards) remain left unchecked, despite being one of the key areas that heat can escape from.

Although it’s best to insulate the space in its entirety, those on tighter budgets can still benefit from the addition of spray foam. In these cases, insulate priority areas, such as gaps in the roof space and rafters.

Increasing Resale Value With A Retrofit

Even if insulation appears fully intact, chances are that if it was installed over 20 or more years ago, it’s in desperate need of an upgrade. To increase your property’s EPC rating substantially, replace conventional materials with spray foam.

Providing a fully breathable system, spray foam adheres to the latest building regulations, with each application leaving a 50mm air gap between the foam and the frame, enabling air to flow freely, consequently curbing condensation and moisture.

Indeed, the only instance where you can spray directly to breathable felt is when the roof has been counter battened, with the 50mm air gap on the outside of the roof instead.

Ready to get started on your retrofit? Transform your historic home into an energy-efficient investment to be proud with the help of spray foam insulation.

Originally posted :
https://www.sprayfoamexperts.co.uk/what-is-a-retrofit-insulation-system/

How does spray foam insulation help you meet the new codes?

Barndominiums big or small – Smart Seal Foam Insulation can apply open and closed cell spray foam to them all

Spray foam insulation is known to outperform most types of insulation. It can help you save on energy expenses, in some cases cutting power usage in half. The solution creates air tight seals, ensuring one of the biggest problems in the average building – air leaks – are eliminated. This solution makes for a great water barrier and mold deterrent. It’s an eco-friendly option and has a long-lasting performance.

For all its benefits, insulating with spray foam makes some property owners think twice. This, unfortunately, is because there is a lot of incorrect information floating around. The result is they’re avoiding one of the most affordable and practical application for protecting their structures.

For the record, here are 10 myths about foam spraying that should be dispensed with post haste. Just call us the Foam Myth Busters!

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