Healthy Home Spray Foam

About Us
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME,
TILL IT HAS SPRAY FOAM

Healthy Home Spray Foam is based in St. John’s NL and is leading the insulation revolution by being committed to top customer service and offering only the best insulating products, installed to the highest industry standards with our state of the art self contained mobile spray unit. Our specialty is in the area of foam insulation, whose performance far surpasses that of any other type of insulation which will help you build a healthier, greener building or addition. No matter how small or large, how simple or complicated the project, we understand that owners and contractors want fair pricing, honest dealing, and quality work. Clients want us to do what we say we will do, show up when we say we will show up, and do a complete job without looking for opportunities to charge for extras. We are committed to these practices and We try hard for a 100% customer satisfaction rate.The insulation you choose for your project has a big influence on your budget for heating and cooling as well as the air quality for it’s occupants. Healthy Home can advise you on the best insulation applications. Our standard procedure when contacted by a client is to examine your project closely either from blueprints or on-site inspection, then provide a written estimate which, when signed, becomes a contract binding us to its terms. This provides a level of clarity between us and our clients which assures that you will get what you expected to get, at the price you expected to pay.

We maintain necessary licenses, pay taxes, purchase insurance, and belong to trade organizations which require and promote high standards. We can provide positive references from former clients regarding just about every kind of insulation job.

We welcome your inquiries, and we believe you will enjoy and appreciate your experience with us should you choose us as your insulation contractor. Healthy Home Spray Foam provides BASF Walltite closed cell spray in place polyurethane insulation, the same blue spray foam as seen on, and used by MIKE HOLMES of HOLMES on HOMES. We are backed by the number 1 chemical company in the world with extensive training and research on Building Envelope, R-Value, Mold Prevention, Air infiltration and Water permiance, along with a warranty second to none in the insulation industry. As a result of BASF ‘s unparalleled research capabilities Healthy Home can offer the Walltite insulation to help you build the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient building possible. The returns for using BASF Walltite can be as much as %50 savings on your energy bill. And help you qualify for Energy Company, mortgage and government rebates and incentives. By using the BASF Walltite insulation system you will not only be saving money, you will be helping to save the planet.

Desirable Feature	Fiberglass Batts	Cellulose	½ lb Open cell foam	BASF WALLTITE
Perfect fit every time			1	1
Air barrier not required			1	1
Won't permit convection		1	1	1
Vapor barrier				1
Not damaged by water				1
No framing distortion	1	1	1	1
Won't wick or absorb water	1			1
Contains no formaldehyde			1	1
No CFC's or HCFC's used	1	1	1	1
No settling or sagging			1	1
Won't support combustion	1	1	1	1
Do not shrink	1	1	1	1
No drying time required	1	1	1	1
No food value for rodents & insects			1	1
No harmful emissions	1	1	1	1
No sagging			1	1
Structurally sound				1
R - Value per inch	3.2	3.5	3.5	6
TOTAL	7	7	13	17

OPEN - CELL VS CLOSED - CELL

What is the Difference between Open-cell and Closed-cell Polyurethane Foams?

This may be one of the most important pages on the website if your interest is in spray foam insulation. When it comes time to actually put the foam product in your home or commercial building structure, you must identify whether you will use .05 lb./cu. ft., open cell foam, or 2.0 lb./cu. ft. closed cell foam. This makes a big difference in cost, application methods, and performance.

With the open-cell vs. closed-cell issue, there are two major factors to understand and consider. The first is the nature of the foam. It is either open-cell foam, where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed. They are broken and air fills all of the "open" space inside the material. This makes the foam weaker or softer feeling than closed-cell foam.

Closed-cell foam differs in that all of its tiny foam cells are closed and packed together. They are filled with a gas that helps the foam rise and expand and become a greater insulator. These cells can be formulated to obtain many characteristics, the most common being size and density.

Density is measured by weighing one solid cubic foot of foam material. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0.4 to 0.5 lb./cu. ft. Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1.7 lb./cu. ft. to 2.0 lb./cu. ft. Roofing applications typically use a 2.8 to 3.0+ lb./cu. ft. to support traffic and loads better. The higher the density the foam, the heavier, or stronger it becomes. Some polyurethane foams are molded into decorative interior molding and painted or stained for a simulated wood effect. These "higher density" foams are typically in the 30 lb./cu. ft. to 40 lb./cu. ft. density range.

The advantages of closed-cell foam compared to open-cell foam include its strength, higher R-value, and its greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. The choice of foam can also be based on the requirements for the other performance or application specific characteristics such as strength, vapor control, available space, etc. Open-cell SPF has an R-value around 3.5 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. Closed-cell SPF has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch (aged R-value) and uses high R-value blowing agents.

Both types of foam are commonly used in most building applications and the choice for which to use can depend on many of the factors discussed above. Some foams are inappropriate in specific applications. For example, you typically would not use open-cell foam below grade or in flotation applications where it could absorb water; this would negate its thermal performance because water is a poor insulator compared to air. Closed-cell foam would be a good choice where small framing sizes need the greatest R-value per inch possible.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Stops air and moisture infiltration
Makes your home more comfortable
Saves on energy costs
Adds strength to the building structure
It is permanent and will not sag
Keeps dust and pollen out
Reduces capacity requirements, maintenance and wear of HVAC equipment

Spray Foam Insulation Redefines Traditional Construction Methods and Benefits Modern Building Sciences and Energy Efficient Green Building Initiatives

Read all about how spray foam used in the Building Envelope outperforms fiberglass insulation, becomes a superior air barrier, and defies traditional, and perhaps, outdated building practices of attic and crawl space ventilation

SPF Saves You Money and Pays for Itself

SPF home insulation saves on energy costs and lowers utility bills. SPF is used to seal the entire "building envelope" of your home to prevent air and moisture infiltration. The US Department of Energy (DOE) studies show that 40% of your home's energy is lost due to air infiltration. This air infiltrates the home in the form of drafts through walls sockets, windows and doorways.

Often times no expensive building wrap or additional vapor protection is required during construction when using SPF, saving money yet again.

High R-Value

Sprayed polyurethane foam has an aged R-value of approximately 6.0 per 1 inch thickness (depending on the particular formulation and application, higher values have been achieved), enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation material. SPF systems are frequently used to insulate and protect a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Monthly energy and utility savings of 30% or greater can be achieved when compared to the alternative roofing and insulation systems. The cost of an SPF roof or insulation system can often be recovered in less than 5 years, simply through energy savings alone.

Prevents Air, Moisture and Gas Infiltration

Studies have shown that as much as 40% of a building's total energy loss is due to air infiltration. Traditional fiberglass insulation is only stapled, or placed into the wall cavities and do not seal the stud and wall cavities from end to end, or top to bottom. Air infiltration can pass through these gaps, making it far less efficient than SPF. SPF not only adheres to, but forms to the walls and floors to create a tight seal and insulating barrier that stops this air leakage. SPF also boasts the highest R-value per inch than any other commercial material, (upwards of R-7.0, compared with Fiberglass at R-3.5) making your home more comfortable and less expensive to heat in the winter, and cool in the summer.

Since SPF acts as an air barrier, it also helps to reduce moisture infiltration, which is a source of dangerous mold and mildew growth in the home, and can cause severe health problems to its occupants. So save your family and save money at the same time with SPF home insulation systems. Moisture infiltration can also cause structural damage to your home or building.

Helps Reduce Moisture and Mold

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. SPF insulation is the key. Watch Video...

Enhances Overall Building Stability

Since SPF is seamless and monolithic, foam sprayed into the walls enhances overall building stability and reduces "rack and sheer."

Deadens Sound Travel and Noise

SPF also reduces airborne sound making the home acoustically tighter and more private from room to room.

Energy Efficient Homes are More Valuable

Builders of energy-efficient homes are wise to promote and market the value of energy efficiency features to consumers, because, as energy costs climb, new home buyers are increasingly looking for houses with superior energy efficiency. These homes typically offer significant payback in lower utility costs, greater comfort for homeowners, less maintenance and increased resale value down the road.

By upgrading your home's insulation in the walls, crawl space and attic, the result will be a stronger, more energy efficient, healthier home. Spray foam insulation can help achieve 3 out of the 6, or 50% improvements listed below. What single product can do that...

Energy Star-qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30 percent more energy efficient. Savings are based on heating, cooling and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

Building envelope upgrades
High-performance windows
Controlled air infiltration
Upgraded heating and air conditioning systems
Sealed and properly insulated duct systems
Upgraded water-heating equipment

Home builders should take the opportunity to educate potential buyers on how these features contribute to improved home quality and overall comfort, as well as lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.

Prevention from Dangerous Mold and
Respiratory Problems in Your Home

Recent reports of mold remediation projects shutting down schools or office buildings have raised awareness regarding the potential hazards of interior mold contamination. While scientists still have much to learn regarding the danger molds may present, some basic knowledge about interior mold prevention and remediation has been established. There is also increasing recent reports of mold remediation projects shutting down schools or office buildings have raised awareness regarding the potential hazards of interior mold contamination. While scientists still have much to learn regarding the danger molds may present, some basic knowledge about interior mold prevention and remediation has been established. There are also an increasing number of resources available for additional information on the topic.

Molds are one category of non-green plant-like organisms (along with mildew, mushrooms, rusts, smuts and yeast) that fall within the fungus family. All fungal matter shares the common characteristic of being capable of growth without sunlight. Because of this, molds can be found almost anywhere and can grow on almost anything as long as moisture and oxygen are present.

Many types of molds exist. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) "Mold Remediation in School's and Commercial Buildings " resource, "All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants."

Currently, there are no Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) assigned for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. There also are no EPA or Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA) regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. OSHA does reference a sampling protocol for fungi (PathCon Technical Bulletin 2.4, A Suggested Air Sampling Strategy for Microorganisms in Office Settings) under the Indoor Air Quality heading on its Web site. The protocol states, "Fungal amplification (excessive levels of mold) should be considered when the indoor concentration is above 200 colony forming units per cubic meter of air and substantially exceeds that detected in the outdoor air."

Mold Prevention

There is not a feasible way to eliminate all molds and mold spores indoors, so the most effective way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Mold growth frequently occurs when excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors. In buildings where mold is a problem, the mold must be remediated and the sources of moisture eliminated. This is where Spray Polyurethane Foam be used very effectively. Used as a primary source of insulation, it seals the cracks, gaps and holes in the building's structure and sheathing to create a tight space by reducing air and moisture flow from infiltration and exfiltration.

It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth from starting. Water-damaged porous or absorbent materials-such as ceiling tiles, wallboard or cellulose and fiberglass insulation-should be discarded and replaced. Discard no valuable books and papers and be sure to photocopy important paperwork before discarding the originals. Use a water extraction vacuum to remove water from carpeting. Then use dehumidifiers and fans to accelerate the drying process. Carpet that becomes moldy usually must be replaced. Nonporous surfaces can be vacuumed or wiped with mild detergent and allowed to dry completely.

Moisture Control

Identify and repair leaky plumbing and other sources of water in a timely fashion to prevent moisture and mold growth. You can minimize mold growth by reducing indoor humidity to between 30 and 50 percent. This can be done by venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.

Also, reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces like windows, piping, exterior walls, roofing and floors by adding insulation. Do not install carpeting in areas where there is a continuous moisture problem, such as near drinking fountains, sinks or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation

Contamination Identification

A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies.

Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters, but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, cardboard, paper and other porous surfaces should be given careful attention during a visual inspection.

The use of special equipment to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls-or a moisture meter to detect moisture in building materials-may be helpful in identifying hidden sources of mold growth and the extent of water damage.

Mold Remediation

The EPA's remediation guide for schools and commercial buildings offers detailed recommendations for a variety of mold removal scenarios and is a tremendous resource for anyone facing a mold problem.

Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Small areas of mold can be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner and allowed to dry completely. A HEPA vacuum can be used to clean items such as furniture, concrete, carpeting or books after the material has been thoroughly dried.

For small areas of mold growth, an N95 respirator, goggles and gloves should be worn during cleaning. For larger mold remediation jobs, or in situations where high levels of airborne dust or mold spores are likely or long-term exposures are expected, the EPA suggests a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) equipped with HEPA filters along with disposable coveralls, gloves and shoe covers. The cleaned area should be thoroughly dried. Dispose of any sponges or rags that were used to clean the mold, along with the used personal protective equipment.

If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may indicate an underlying problem, such as a leak or excessive humidity. Any underlying water problems must be fixed to successfully eliminate mold problems. If mold contamination is extensive, an experienced remediation professional may need to be consulted.

Uses for Spray Foam

Residential

There are many uses for spray polyurethane foam insulation in the residential sector. Some areas that benefit from spray polyurethane foam insulation include:

Walls - both interior and exterior applications
Foundations - both exterior and interior applications
Crawl Spaces - both exterior and interior applications
Ceilings - including cathedral ceilings and flat ceilings
Header spaces in basement and between floors
Door and windows - can be used to seal between frames and wall openings
Pipes and Ducts - including those underground
Swimming pools
Spas and hot tubs

Commercial

There are many uses for spray polyurethane foam insulation in the commercial sector. Some areas that benefit from spray polyurethane foam insulation include:

Cavity insulation in walls
Interior insulation for buildings
Roofing
Ceiling insulation for buildings
Pipes and ducts - including those underground
Air Barrier Systems for buildings
Under slab insulation for buildings
Retrofit building insulation applications - both interior and exterior
Freezers
Refrigerators
Display Coolers
Water Heaters

Industrial

There are many uses for spray polyurethane foam insulation in the industrial sector. Some areas that benefit from spray polyurethane foam insulation include:

Tank and Storage Vessels
Truck Bodies - including refrigeration and freezer truck bodies
Rail car insulation
Pipelines
Roofing
Pipes and ducts