How to Properly Install Spray Foam Insulation in Your Home
Insulation is an important part of every modern home. Proper insulation helps to keep your home warm in the winter by reducing heat loss and without adequate insulation, heat would pass in and out of your walls without much resistance. Not only would your home be less comfortable for you and your family, but your monthly energy bills would skyrocket! Traditional options for insulating your home include fiberglass, cellulose, or other materials. However, more and more homeowners are choosing spray foam insulation over other conventional methods.
Spray foam insulation offers several advantages over traditional insulation materials. It is very energy-efficient, offering an airtight seal which reduces heat loss in all cracks, gaps, and seams. Spray foam has a high R-value, the unit to measure an insulating materials thermal resistance. The higher the insulator's R-value, the greater its effectiveness. The overall result is more home comfort with significantly lower energy bills.
So, can you install your own spray foam insulation? The answer is yes, but it needs to be applied correctly. You may be able to find DIY spray foam kits at your local hardware store. Remember to thoroughly read instructions and take all the necessary safety precautions.
Let's go over how to properly install spray foam insulation in your home:
1. Prepare the Area
Before you start, you'll need to prepare your home for installation. This will help protect your furnishings and ensure you're working in a safe environment. Here are a few tasks that will help prepare the area:
Remove or cover all furniture, appliances, and personal items. Protect any HVAC units and cover your vents to keep any debris out of your system.
Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Remove the drywall and clean the area where the spray foam will be applied by removing dust, debris, and any prior insulation. Surfaces should be clean and dry.
Cover all electrical outlets to avoid contact with the spray foam and turn off the power to any areas being insulated.
Staple plastic over windows and doors.
Address any moisture issues like leaks or high humidity. Spray foam may not adhere to the surface if the moisture content is too high.
2. Wear Protective Gear
Spray foam insulation uses chemicals that can give off harmful fumes before it cures. These fumes can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. It's very important to take all necessary safety precautions by wearing protective gear, including:
a respirator
a full-protective suit that covers all your skin
chemical resistant gloves
wrap-around safety goggles
shoes (Don't wear your favorite shoes as they might get covered in foam!)
3. Read Instructions
Before you begin, carefully read all directions on the product label.
4. Make a Plan and Practice First
After you start spraying your foam insulation you'll have to install and lube a new tip every time you stop for more than 30 seconds because the tip will get clogged with foam. This is why it's best to come up with a plan before you start spraying to minimize these disruptions. Know where you will spray first and try to set up any ladders before you start. When you're ready to go, shake the can to mix the contents, and try practicing in a cardboard box or large garbage bag so you can get a feel for the foam gun before you spray your walls.
4. Start with the Perimeter
Start by spraying the perimeter of each wall cavity in a thin layer. Remember that the foam will expand as it cures. This ensures that the foam penetrates any areas where the studs meet the sheathing. Imagine making a "picture frame" within each wall cavity.
5. Spray Even Layers
After waiting a few minutes, you can go ahead and start spraying the first layer against your wall. Never spray a layer, or "lift", that is more than 2 inches thick. It's important to wait for each layer to cure before adding another lift. Rushing the process and adding a new layer over an uncured layer results in reduced R-values and therefore reduced effectiveness. Repeat this process, adding layers in the wall cavities until the insulation is as thick as the wall studs.
6. Scrape off Extra Foam
Once the final layer has cured, you can take a straightedge blade or saw to scrape off any excess chunks of foam. You want a nice, even layer that is flush with the wall studs, or you may have trouble installing your drywall.
Many homeowners are choosing spray foam insulation for its high efficacy and airtight barrier. With the correct knowledge and tools, you can install spray foam insulation yourself! However, you may want to consider hiring a professional. An experienced insulation contractor has the necessary skills to complete your project safely and correctly. For a free quote, contact us today at Great Canadian Insulation!