How to Choose the Right Spray Foam Insulation for Your Green Project
All insulation products insulate against energy robbing air leakage to varying degrees. By this function, all insulations can be called “green”. But, there is more to consider when comparing the “greenness” of an insulation product.
The superior performance capabilities of spray foam insulation are quickly being recognized by the masses, making spray foam the most popular insulation product today. Let’s take a closer look at this category.
Spray foam insulation is spray applied, adheres and expands to the surface, creating a tighter, moisture resistant barrier without settling unlike other means of insulation. The energy saving characteristics of spray foam insulation alone, significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and electricity requirements for heating and cooling your home or building.
Identify “Green” amongst Spray Foam Insulation Options
Pertaining to the product’s composition, spray foam insulation is produced from the reaction of two components referred to in the industry as the A side and B side. While the A side is a petroleum based isocyanate, the ingredients that make up the B side will vary from product to product consisting of a blowing agent, fire retardants, surfactants, catalysts and polyols.
Blowing agents - Often used as a blowing agent in foam insulation, HFCs are considered to be high Global Warming Potential (GWP) gases that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Some foam insulations, even substitute water as part of their blowing agent. Icynene® spray foam insulation is 100% water-blown and does not use any HFCs or synthetic blowing agents, giving it an edge over other spray foam insulations.
Fire Retardants – Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in building products as flame retardants. Several studies have raised concerns over PBDEs’ impact on building occupant’s health. Icynene® insulation is free from PBDEs and yet it is a Class 1 fire rated product.
Polyols - There is a popular misconception that the bio-containing foams are more substantially green, when, in fact the final polymers are still mostly petroleum based. However, the USDA has offered the criteria to verify the claim of being “bio-based”. Icynene’s renewable based spray foam, ICYNENE LD-R-50™ has USDA’s approval as a bio-based product and it is also listed in the USDA BioPreferredSM program catalog. The renewable content of ICYNENE LD-R-50™, castor oil is 100% organic material and does not require any chemical treatment to be used in the formulation.
Other Important Aspect of Green Insulation
An insulation that is also an effective air barrier will help minimize air leakage and conductive heat flow. Be sure to ask the manufacturer if the insulation meets air barrier requirements as per ASTM E 283 testing. Here are the key benefits of using insulation and air barrier, like Icynene®: