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Frequently Asked Questions
- How are polyurethane foams applied?
- What equipment is required?
- Are there any special handling considerations?
- What is the insulation R-value of your systems?
- What are the differences between closed-cell and open-cell foams?
- What is an insulating air barrier system?
- Does polyurethane technology control air leakage?
- Can an insulation system add structural strength?
- What about mold?
- Is polyurethane good for the planet?
- Can polyurethane wall systems be used in a chemically sensitive environment?
- Are there any fire protection requirements?
1. Our systems are spray-applied, two-component products that include an isocyanate (A-Side Component) and a resin (B-Side Component). These are not pre-formed, friction-fit batts or boardstock insulations. It is not a wet application - no water is used. During application, there is a chain reaction between the two components that creates a bond to the substrate as it foams up. It dries, cures and hardens within 3-5 seconds. This product should always be installed by a trained applicator.
2. Spray-applied polyurethane foam systems require specific application equipment, including pumps, proportioners and spray guns.
3. Always use personal protective equipment, avoid all contact with skin and eyes and do not inhale the vapors of the isocyanate. Before opening the resin, unscrew the bung slowly to release the gas pressure in the drums.
While spraying, always work with adequate ventilation. Protective gloves and face mask are strongly recommended. When atmospheric levels may exceed the occupational exposure limit (PEL or TLV), approved air purifying respirators equipped with an organic vapor sorbent and particulate filter can be used as long as appropriate precautions and change-out schedules are in place. Persons with known respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to the isocyanate component. For more information, please view our material safety data sheets or contact us.
4. Our polyurethane foam systems are closed-cell, with a superior effective R-value of over 6.0 per inch.
5. There are three major differences. First, BASF Polyurethane Foam Enterprises uses the versatility of chemistry to offer a closed-cell content of greater than 90 percent for all of its formulations, and open-cell foams commonly used as insulation systems have approximately 60 percent open-cell content. Second, closed cell content offers an R-value of over 6.0 per inch and open cell offers between 3.0 and 3.6 per inch. Third, closed cell foam is virtually impermeable to air, while open cell foam allows far more air and vapor into the house interior.
6. A closed-cell, spray-applied polyurethane foam wall system that combines superior insulation values and near-zero air permeability in a single application to improve home durability, energy efficiency and occupant comfort, health and safety.
7. Our polyurethane foam wall systems have been tested and are certified to be an air barrier at an application of 1-inch thickness. Once applied, our wall systems are fully-adhered and do not allow air to flow around, behind or through the insulation system. Most open-cell foams have not been tested and therefore do not qualify as air barrier systems. One open-cell foam manufacturer's product requires an application of 5.5 inches to pass the minimum requirements of the air barrier test.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that 15 percent of traditional insulation materials' effectiveness is lost due to convection loops through and behind board and batt systems. Spray-applied polyurethane technology eliminates this by forming a fully adhered, seamless insulation and air barrier system.
8. Spray-applied closed-cell polyurethane foam is the only insulation material that adds structural integrity throughout the wall system. Testing conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center and the Canadian Construction Materials Centre shows spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation between wood- and steel-stud wall panels increased rack and shear strength two to three times compared with standard stick-built components with glass fiber insulation when sprayed onto gypsum wallboard and vinyl siding, and increased racking strength when sprayed onto oriented strandboard (OSB).
9. Mold requires three things to grow: moisture, warm temperatures and a food source. Polyurethane foam insulation has no nutritional value and is not considered a food source for mold. The use of polyurethane as insulation eliminates condensing surfaces and reduces the potential to accumulate moisture. It also eliminates air movement within the wall cavity. Other insulations are less successful at controlling air infiltration and providing adequate insulation to eliminate condensing surfaces, thus increasing the possibility of an environment susceptible to mold. Closed-cell foam is approved by FEMA for use in flood regions.
10. Our polyurethane technologies are formaldehyde-free formulas that emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and use ZONE3® zero-ozone-depleting blowing-agent technology. Plastic building products, including polyurethane foam, use less energy from all sources than alternative products during production. Spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation saved 3.4 trillion BTUs in manufacturing energy over glass fiber in 1990. Our systems also increase building energy efficiency and reduce waste.
11. Yes. Our wall systems do not emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Off-gassing from this product has been measured at 0.000 parts per million. The product is inert.
12. Polyurethane insulation meets Class 1 flame and smoke characteristics. Once installed, it must be covered by a 15-minute thermal barrier or ignition barrier, depending on the application. Check with local Building Codes for final determination.
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