The benefits of closed-cell spray foam insulation
Typically used in colder climates, closed-cell spray foam insulation outperforms traditional insulation by providing an air, water, and vapour barrier in a single component. It can be installed on either side of the building envelope, interior and exterior, and has one of the highest RSI-value. Open-cell spray foam installtion is superior to traditional insulation materials as an air barrier, and is often used to insulate interior walls and roofs to improve acoustic performance.
Closed-cell spray foam performs its functions at a high level, granting increased energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) for future residents. Due to its expanding nature when installed, closed-cell spray foam can fit any space, as it expands to fill in tricky crevices and spaces which traditional insulation materials may struggle to address. Since it expands to fit these spaces, a complete air and vapour barrier is easily, continuously, and consistently formed, without the need for additional materials and insulation methods to bolster its effectiveness.
The comparatively high thermal resistance of closed-cell spray foam means developers incorporating it into their building envelope will be met with builds that are more energy efficient, mould and mildew resistant, comfortable for end users, and more environmentally friendly. Some manufacturers have product-specific environmental product declarations (EPDs) demonstrating the much lower global warming impact SPF has when compared to any other type of insulation. In the warmer seasons, dwellings are kept cooler and retain air conditioning efforts for longer periods, while in the winter, the warmth is conserved, and heating elements can be run less frequently. Both result in energy and cost savings for building owners, and help contribute to Canada’s long-term goal to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050.3
Closed-cell spray foam also helps combat radon buildup, an odourless, tasteless, colourless gas which can be deadly at certain concentrations. It is essential for developers to do everything they can to mitigate radon build-up; closed-cell spray foam can help with this. Due to its ability to form a continuous soil gas barrier, spray foam insulation can prevent radon from entering a structure through the under-slab and foundation, when properly installed. Radon travels primarily through the air, so an effective air barrier can be a great way to ensure residents and users of a building are kept as safe as possible. When it comes to preventing radon diffusion, some independent recognized laboratory testing with certain HFO spray foam brands demonstrate it can perform up to 829 times better than polyethylene sheets at only 50-mm (1.9-in.) thick.4 In addition, the thickness of spray foam makes it more resistant to damage and punctures while construction is taking place, preventing the need for replacement and reinstallation. Some HFO spray foams are also Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) certified with respect to radon protection, such as CCMC evaluation 14280-R, which confirms the high quality of the product for this application.
Due to the way spray foam insulation expands and hardens, it can also benefit structures in other ways. First off, spray foam insulation absorbs water incredibly slowly and dries out quickly when a water source is removed. Depending on the brand, spray foam insulation also functions as a flood-resistant insulation material, rated FEMA Class 5, for buildings located in at-risk areas. It is recognized and referenced as such in the 2021 Federal Flood Damage Estimation Guidelines for Buildings and Infrastructure by Natural Resources Canada. Its rigid final state contributes to the racking strength of the structure it has been installed in, allowing square and rectangular walls to better withstand external forces, such as wind, seismic activity, and thermal expansion and contraction. Structures insulated with closed-cell spray foam enjoy higher wind load resistance, which can be especially advantageous for those living in particularly breezy areas. The rigidity of spray foam is backed by incredible durability, making it an excellent choice for insulating flat or cathedral roofs. This type of insulation will not sag or lose its properties over long periods of time, meaning roofs will remain strong and perfectly sealed for decades without the need to replace or maintain the insulation.
When it comes to fire compliance, it can sometimes be difficult to get assemblies in line with fire codes. Certain spray foam insulation assemblies are tested for fire in accordance with CAN/ULC S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction Materials. These assemblies are UL listed (EW25 and EW24).
