FAQ's
Answers to some of your Frequently Asked Questions
Spray Foam is an insulation and air barrier material that seals walls, floors and ceiling cavities against air movement, including spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures and where walls meet windows and doors. Spray foam insulation can provide an effective air barrier insulation to minimize air infiltration through walls and ceilings, preventing drafts, cold spots and energy loss.
The foam maintains its installed U-values throughout its service life, contrary to air permeable insulation types that lose their thermal performance over time due to the deterioration in the insulation quality (compromised &/or shrinking) and ongoing convective current loops within the insulation (up to 50% heat loss).
Spry Foam insulation products should be installed by extensively trained and licensed contractors only.
JHJ Insulations is an approved Spray Foam Contractor and has been operating throughout Scotland for over 7 Years.
Our spray foam insulation has been assessed by the British Board of Agrément and KIWA
For builders, spray foam insulation can reduce construction time by simplifying the insulation process and minimising the number of callbacks due to building envelope failure. Using spray foam insulation, heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by up to 50% and smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment can be used because of the reduced heating and cooling loads.
For homeowners, spray foam insulation offers the opportunity of lower heating and cooling costs from reduced air infiltration and a more comfortable home, draft free without cold spots. Furthermore, spray foam can significantly reduce unwanted airborne noise from the outside resulting in a quieter interior living space. Proper mechanical ventilation must be provided to Icynene insulated houses and when merged with a Mechanical Heat Recovery System, superior air quality can be achieved for a healthier indoor environment
Organic chemical compounds from petroleum extract are the main source of its ingredients. Open-cell spray foam products do not contain environmentally harmful blowing agents like HFCs, HCFCs or HFAs; in fact most open-cell spray foam insulation products are 100% water-blown making them better for the environment.
Foam insulation is installed by fully trained, licensed contractors who spray the solution into open building envelope such as studded walls, ceilings and floors. Icynene foam insulation products are not Do-It-Yourself products…Always use an approved contractor!
Open-cell Spray foam expands up to 100 times its original volume within 4-10 seconds. After spraying is completed, the foam insulation is completely inert.
No. However, water can work its way through the foam under pressure or by gravity…If it is immersed, water can be forced into the foam by hydrostatic pressure; however, once it is removed from water and allowed to dry out, the original insulating properties will return.
Open-cell spray foam insulation products are vapor permeable to allow water vapor molecules to flow through the foam. This means any moisture in the building’s concrete or timber can escape through the insulation as the building dries out, thus eliminating moisture that could cause rot or mould.
No. Open-cell spray foam products are chemically inert meaning they will not change chemically or physically over time.
Spray foams are considered to be environmentally preferred products due to their air sealing qualities which contribute to improved indoor air quality, reductions in energy consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Open cell foam does not contain ozone depleting gases or environmentally harmful blowing agents.
Open-cell spray foam requires 1/2 hour fire protection in exposed situations…however the Closed-cell foams we use in commercial and industrial applications have a Class 1 Fire Rating.
Spray foam insulation has been extensively tested and found to be safe in most circuits however for high amperage circuits (shower/cooker etc.) these should be contained in conduit to allow sufficient airflow.
Icynene spray foam insulation offers no food value to rodents or pests. It should be noted that it would not present a barrier to their entry if they decided to gnaw through it, so Icynene spray foam should not be considered a barrier to rodents or pests.
As an effective air-seal, Icynene’s range of open-cell, light-density spray foam eliminates the air gaps through which airborne sound travels. As a result, these spray foams are able to noticeably control mid-range frequencies noise such as voices and traffic. Icynene open-cell, light-density spray foam thereby adds to the acoustic property of the building envelope.
Spray Foam seals tiny cracks and penetrations that would otherwise allow unwanted airborne irritants to invade the living space. It’s easy to get a tight fit around wall openings, such as windows, electrical/cable service entry points, and light fixtures. Spray Foam is recommended for spaces occupied by people with allergies, asthma and other particular respiratory issues.
There are no blowing agents such as CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFC’s in open cell products. It usually takes about 24 hours for any odour to completely disappear, although spaces will be habitable within 4 hours.
Build tight and ventilate right! With the proper use of exhaust fans and heat/energy recovery ventilators, a building envelope can be made tight while clean, healthy air is circulated through the structure. Air leakage needs to be controlled in houses by making wall and attic assemblies as tight as possible. This not only prevents drafts but reduces the amount of airborne noise and dust from entering the building while ensuring that insulated cavities remain moisture-free. In existing buildings natural ventilation is normally sufficient, along with any existing mechanical ventilation in areas of high humidity.
Why Choose Spray Foam?
Spray Foam Insulation is a soft, flexible spray foam insulation product that delivers up to 50% greater energy savings when compared to other home insulation products. The spray foam products we use have achieved BBA, ETA and IAB certifications. It’s an investment that you will rarely see but you will feel the benefits daily. Why not choose the peace of mind that comes with a healthier, quieter, more energy efficient indoor environment?
Did you know that up to 40% of your home’s air, whether heated or cooled, can be lost via air leakage? Your heating system or air conditioner can end up working harder to make up for the air that is escaping your home, which can drive up your monthly heating and cooling bills. Icynene spray foam insulation can help by eliminating air leakage as well as addressing conductive heat loss.
Reduce noise – Icynene open-cell spray foam can help reduce sound from noisy indoor rooms such as media rooms and laundry rooms, outdoor noises such as traffic and playgrounds, and transferred noise such as flushing toilets.
Buildings insulated with Icynene can achieve extremely high levels of airtightness without the need for air barriers, tapes or sealants – saving time and money. Spray foam helps achieve building compliance assuring clients and contractors peace of mind, and a lifetime of high performance.
Minimising the flow of random airborne moisture entering your home helps protect against mould growth that can lead to conditions such as asthma and allergies which can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Most of the moisture that enters the walls of your home is carried in the air.
Architects have to be aware of the limits housing materials impose; laying sheets of fiberglass and rolls of foil or rigid board insulation can determine the shapes and angles a floor plan can use. Icynene spray foam, on the other hand, moulds itself to all kinds of shapes allowing for alternative and unique design layouts.
Buildings insulated with Icynene can achieve extremely high levels of airtightness without the need for air barriers, tapes or sealants – saving time and money. Spray foam helps achieve building compliance assuring clients and contractors peace of mind, and a lifetime of high performance.