Spray foam insulation is one of the most highly effective insulators you can use, keeping you comfortable while saving on monthly energy bills. However, insulation is not only important for maintaining the temperature in your home.

The type and quality of insulation you use also affect your overall indoor air quality (IAQ), a term that refers to the level of pollutants, allergens, and other irritants in indoor air. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health concerns including respiratory issues and allergies, among others.

Among the different types of insulation available, spray foam is one of the best options for improving the IAQ in your home, contributing to a safer, healthier indoor environment. Let's take a look at how spray foam insulation affects indoor air quality:

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation, or spray polyurethane foam, is a spray-applied plastic made from isocyanate and polyol resin. Upon application, the mixture expands and hardens, filling gaps, sealing cracks, and forming an air-tight barrier. There are two main types of spray foam insulation:

open-cell spray foam - lower density, softer texture, cheaper, R-value (measure of thermal resistance) of approximately 3.5 per inch
closed-cell spray foam - high density, harder texture, more expensive, very high R-value of 6.5 or greater per inch

How does spray foam insulation improve the indoor air quality in your home?

The importance of indoor air quality to you and your family's overall health is often overlooked. Here are some of the ways spray foam insulation contributes to the IAQ in your home:

Reduces Air Leaks

One of the biggest advantages of spray polyurethane foam insulation over other traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, is its ability to efficiently seal every nook and cranny in your home. This prevents outdoor pollutants such as dust, pollen, or other allergens from entering your living space. Regarding Winnipeg attic insulation, this superior sealing capability ensures that your attic remains free from unwanted contaminants, providing a cleaner and healthier environment throughout your home.

While other insulators may leave gaps or cracks, spray foam ensures harmful external contaminants stay outside your house, creating cleaner, healthier indoor air.

Reduces Allergens

Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can trigger an allergic reaction or respiratory issues in some individuals. Not only does spray foam create an effective air barrier, blocking outdoor allergens from entering your home, but it also prevents indoor allergens from spreading throughout your home.

By sealing off indoor pathways, allergens can no longer circulate throughout your ductwork. This is especially beneficial if you or a family member suffers from allergies or other respiratory issues.

Prevents Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are common issues in many homes. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth, which is not only unsightly but can spread quickly, contributing to several health issues. Spray foam insulation provides an airtight moisture and vapor barrier, reducing the risk of condensation and keeping your home dry. By preventing moisture from seeping into your walls, this type of insulation also protects your drywall from damage, ensuring that your home's structure remains sound and your indoor environment stays healthy.

Other forms of traditional insulation can absorb and retain water - but spray foam is sealed and water-tight! By helping to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout your home, spray foam insulation works to reduce the likelihood of mold or mildew forming, improving the indoor air quality in your home.

Pest Control

Outdoor pests such as mice or insects often try to get inside our homes and can be attracted to some forms of insulation. Not only are rodents and bugs gross, but they can cause structural damage to your home and be hazardous to your health. Pests can carry diseases, and animal droppings can cause respiratory issues.

Spray foam insulation does not provide a food source or a habitat for pests to burrow into. While it can't completely get rid of pests like rodents, its hard surface may deter them more effectively than other insulation types. By sealing all gaps and cracks, spray polyurethane foam stops most insects from getting into your home.

However, if your current insulation is infested or damaged, you might need to remove your insulation before applying spray foam to ensure a clean and effective installation.

Crawl Space Insulation

The crawl space is often a primary source of poor indoor air quality in the home. Improperly insulated crawl spaces are often a breeding ground for mold growth and other indoor air pollutants. Stagnant, musty air from your crawl space works its way upward, contributing to your home's overall IAQ.

Spray foam insulation is an ideal option for crawl space insulation due to its ability to get into the smallest places, reaching all nooks and crannies, and creating a vapor barrier in one of the coldest, most humid areas of your home.

Prioritizing indoor air quality is often overlooked, but is crucial for creating a clean, safe living environment. Spray foam insulation is not only a highly effective insulator, but it also improves the indoor air quality in your home, creating a comfortable, healthier space for you and your family.

At Great Canadian Insulation, we offer high-quality insulation services in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. If you're considering upgrading to spray foam insulation, contact us today for a free quote.

Spray Foam Insulation for Allergies and Indoor Air Quality