Spray foam is a premium insulation product that creates an air seal around the building envelope of your home. That prevents air from leaking into and out of your house and saves you money on your energy bills.
Where should you not use spray foam?
But the problem is, it’s also a toxic and potentially harmful material. The manufacturers of spray foam use a chemical called isocyanate to expand the plastic foam. The isocyanate is sprayed into the open cavities of your home and, because it’s a toxic compound, you need to wear a face mask and protective suit during the installation process.
In addition to the toxic fumes, the spray foam contains blowing agents that are greenhouse gases. These chemicals have a global warming potential of over 3,400 times more than carbon dioxide, on a per kilo basis. This is why many states, including Vermont, have moved to ban the use of HFCs in spray foam as well as insulating products that contain them.
While experts I spoke to say that less than 1% of spray foam installations go wrong, most homeowners don’t have any recourse when the work goes wrong. And when it does, the results can be disastrous for both health and home value.
ARMOR Insulations, LLC
1818 Edwards St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 467-7599