Spray Foam Insulation

Open-cell spray foam is typically made of polyurethane, but locally available in a “greener” version made with a percentage of soy-based products. It is sprayed as a liquid into the wall cavity, conforms to the space and cures as soft, irregularly shaped open cells. These tiny cells insulate by trapping dormant air inside, which slows down convection through and inside walls. The liquid application can seal up all gaps, stopping heat loss from air infiltration in the walls. In addition, it provides a good barrier for sound travel. It is not considered a vapor barrier, but has higher permeability than closed cell foam, still allowing the wall to “breathe,” a significant advantage in a hot/humid climate such as ours.

As compared to closed-cell foam, it has a lower density, is less expensive, and has a lower R-value rating. It has an R-value of 3.5/inch for 0.5 lb open-cell foam and about R-5.4/inch for 1.25 lb foam. Limit the use of this insulation to interior applications, such as attics and interior walls, because sunlight will degrade it. There are locally available “greener” versions that are made with a percentage of soy-based product.

Closed-cell spray foam is typically made of polyurethane, but locally available in a “greener” version made with a percentage of soy-based products. It is sprayed as a liquid into the wall cavity, expands and cures into tiny gas filled foam cells that are closed and packed together. This fills the gaps and creates an airtight seal that stops air movement in and through the walls. Closed-Cell foam is strong and rigid adding to the home’s strength and structural integrity. Spray foam insulation does not shrink, sag, settle, or biodegrade and provides insulation and air sealing all in one step.

Compared to open-cell foam, it has a higher density, is more expensive (because it requires more material), and has a higher R-value rating for thermal resistance. It also has a greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. It has an R-value of 6-8/inch.

Traditional spray foam can contain toxic VOCs and some open cell types are carcinogens. Additionally, most spray foams are fire and moisture resistant. A house using soy-based spray foam for entire envelope of the building is estimated to use approximately two acres of renewable soybean crop, while greatly reducing the use of petroleum derivatives. Soy-based spray foam does the same job as its older toxic cousin by sealing your home and saving on your energy bill. Green Bean Insulation, a flexible, energy efficient, non-toxic, and relatively easy to install product has the added advantage of being a locally produced product.

WHERE TO BUY:
This list is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of listed suppliers.

POLYURETHANE INSULATING FOAM:

Brazos Industries, LLC
11950 Richcroft
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
(504) 527 – 2967

Kennedy AirTight, LLC
P.O. Box 519
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(985) 386 – 0052
www.kennedyairtight.com

OPEN- AND CLOSED-CELL INSULATING FOAM

Apex Foam
2815 Division St
Metairie LA, 70002
(504) 445 – 2757/ (800) 630 – 2338
www.apexfoam.us

Therma Systems
1931 Plank Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

39463 Lincoln Rd
Slidell, LA 70458
(866) 273 – 2587/ (866) 554 – 3626
www.thermasystems.com

ICYNENE INSULATING FOAM

Allstar Insulation
10444 Airline Hwy, Bldg 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
(225) 293 – 8511
www.icynene.com

ENERGY STAR FOAM AND COTTON INSULATION

Duralite Insulator, Inc.
113 Venture Blvd.
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 655 – 5516
www.duraliteinsulators.com

SOY-BASED INSULATING FOAM

Insulation Technologies
1047 East St
Houma, LA 70363
(985) 580 – 0004
josedelgado@insulation-tec.com

Spray Foam Systems
761 Central Ave
Jefferson, LA 70121
(504) 638 – 3636

Greenbean
4856 Annunciation St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 914 – 0591
www.greenbeaninsulation.com

COST:
Varies

INSTALLATION:
Specialty Contractor