FAQs Soy Foam Insulation
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- How long has soy foam insulation been around?
- What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell foams?
- How are soy-based spray foams applied?
- What makes soy foam insulation so effective?
- How does soy foam insulation save consumers money?
- How does soy foam insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?
- How does soy foam insulation control moisture movement and condensation?
- How long does soy foam insulation last?
- How long does it take for soy foam insulation to cure?
- What is the R-Value of soy foam insulation per inch?
- What is the flame spread and smoke development of soy foam insulation?
- Does soy foam insulation adhere to metal or wood studs?
- Can soy foam insulation be sprayed over electrical wiring?
- What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once BioBased Insulation is installed?
- Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
- Does soy foam insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?
- Does soy foam insulation contain any formaldehyde?
- Since soy foam insulation is made from soybeans, do rodents and insects eat the insulation?
- How is soy foam insulation installed?
- Can homeowners install soy foam insulation themselves?
- What is Energy Star?
- What is LEED?
Answers
1. How long has soy foam insulation been around?
Polyurethane spray foam has been around for more than 30 years. Renewable Resource Insulation began in 2006 with the commitment to help Chicago area homeowners have a healthier, more durable, energy efficient and environmentally responsible insulation for their homes. Our focus as a company is to provide sustainable building products that perform well and benefit the environment.
2. What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell foams?
Both open-cell and closed-cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. Open-cell foam products are generally not considered vapor retarders. In climate zones 6-8 a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Open-cell foam should never be used for exterior applications. Open-cell foams are more cost effective per unit of R-value than closed-cell foams but do not provide the structural contribution to a building that closed-cell foams do.
Closed-cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed-cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications.
Please contact us to determine which product works best for your specific application.
3. How are soy-based spray foams applied?
Our soybean-based spray foam insulation
is the first water-blown, closed-cell foam in the industry. Typical closed-cell foams use either CFCs or HCFCs as a blowing agent, which are known greenhouse gases.
4. What makes soy foam insulation so effective?
Our soy foam insulation is so effective because it is applied as a liquid and expands 100 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse and void in the wall or ceiling to create a sealed thermal envelope. This creates a highly-efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss in a structure. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not sag, settle or disintegrate.
Soy-based spray foam insulation also is an inert substance and will not support mold growth, insects or rodents. It also does not breakdown over time, so it creates a sealed interior that blocks harmful outside irritants.
5. How does soy foam insulation save consumers money?
While the initial cost of installing soy foam insulation may be higher than traditional insulation, the savings in monthly utility bills outweighs the extra cost and results in a positive cash flow. When paired with other responsible building components, soy foam insulation can reduce monthly energy bills by up to 50%.
As an example, using soy-based spray foam insulation may increase your monthly mortgage by $15, but decrease your monthly utility bills by $65, providing a net savings of $50 each month.
Because foam insulation creates a continuous, sealed thermal envelope around your home or structure, in many cases, you also can save money by reducing the required size of the HVAC (heating and air conditioning) equipment.
6. How does soy foam insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?
Our insulation provides a healthier, draft-free, indoor environment. Because it expands to fill every cavity, crevasse and void, it provides a sealed thermal envelope that does not sag or settle over time. This improves indoor air quality by blocking harmful outside irritants such as mold, pollen and other allergens and offers an alternative to fibrous particulates which are attributed to many traditional insulation products.
This sealed envelope gives the HVAC system full control over the amount and filtration of fresh air coming into the structure in addition to reducing drafts and temperature differences throughout the building. A sealed envelope can also reduce the amount of airborne noise pollution entering the home.
7. How does soy foam insulation control moisture movement and condensation?
A significant cause of moisture issues in structures is the result of warm, moist inside air being exchanged with cold, dry air inside a wall cavity. This moisture can condense within the cavity and result in mold, mildew and rot. Because our soy foam creates an air seal, this moisture movement and subsequent condensation potential is greatly minimized.
8. How long does soy foam insulation last?
Indefinitely. As an inert, thermoset plastic, soy foam insulation will maintain its properties throughout the life of the building.
9. How long does it take for soy foam insulation to cure?
Open cell foam will cure in approximately 17 seconds as it expands to 100 times its liquid volume. Closed cell foam will cure in approximately 2 minutes and expands to 60 times its liquid volume. Learn about the differences.
10. What is the R-Value of BioBased Insulation per inch?
The R-value of our open-cell foam is 3.83 perinch. Our closed-cell foam has and R-value of 5.5 per inch.
11. What is the smoke development and flame spread of soy insulation?
Our open-cell foam has a smoke development of <450. Our open-cell soy foam insulation is a Class 1 fire-rated material, and a flame spread of < 25.
12. Does soy foam insulation adhere to metal or wood studs?
Soy insulation adheres well to almost any material, especially wood and steel studs, which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction.
13. Can soy insulation be sprayed over electrical wiring?
Soy-based spray foam does not pose any issues with electrical wiring as long as the electrical wiring is installed per National Electric Code. Any overheating issues with our insuslation in regards to wiring would be directly related to improper installation of the circuit or the size of the wiring. Our foam is chemically compatible with electrical wiring plastic.
14. What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once soy foam insulation is installed?
Open-cell insulation remains soft, allowing a certified electrical contractor to pull a new wire through. For wires that may be moved frequently, such as home theater wiring, ENT conduit should be place in the wall before the insulation is installed.
15. Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
Soy foam is stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acid and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials.
16. Does soybean based insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?
No, soy-based spray foam insulation is an inert substance that do not provide a food source for mold.
17. Does soy foam nsulation contain formaldehyde?
No.
18. Since your foam is made from soybeans, do rodents and insects eat the insulation?
No. Soy-based spray foam insulation is an inert substance and provides no food value for rodents and insects.
19. How is soy foam insulation installed?
Our insulation is installed by independent certified contractors. Application takes place after the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are installed, but before sheetrock is started. Our foam can not be installed in existing walls; the drywall or sheathing must be removed for a proper installation.
20. Can homeowners install soy insulation themselves?
No, only trained professionals can install soy spray foam insulation because of the sophisticated equipment needed to install it properly. BioBased Insulation trains its independent certified installers to ensure that products are properly installed.
21. What is Energy Star?
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. One step of the Energy Star Certification process is a Thermal Bypass Check list. BioBased Insulation covers 13 of the 16 items listed on this checklist.
22. What is LEED?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. Our insulation has been used by builders in the past to assist in qualifying for up to 16 LEED credits.
Contact us for more information.