HFO-blown spray foam to prevent air leakage, improve waterproofing

Closed-cell spray foam’s water resistance goes beyond mould and vapour build-up, as case studies have demonstrated its value in the event of an actual flood. In Montreal, Quebec, a basement insulated with closed-cell spray foam flooded and was eventually drained. When it was drained, the basement drywall was damaged and had to be replaced, the studs had absorbed moisture, but the spray foam insulation was in perfect condition. Once the water was removed, the insulation and the structure did not need to be replaced, saving homeowners massive costs.

It is possible to waterproof the exterior of a building’s foundation with a polyurea coating or bituminous coating, which, when combined with HFO spray foam insulation, will help protect the basement. However, for existing buildings, this can be a huge effort, as it may require excavation all around the building.

For existing buildings, it is instead best to use materials which are inherently water-resistant. Then, if the basement does get flooded, the material can be kept and will only need to be dried—for example, utilizing metal for framing instead of wood, or using spray foam insulation. Some high-quality spray foam insulation products are rated Class 5 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which means it can survive getting wet, being dried out, and then being cleaned after a flood. Further, they are also mould-resistant and can be GREENGUARD gold certified to ensure high indoor air quality (IAQ).

Ecological impact and sustainability

In today’s environmentally conscious world, the ecological impact of building materials is a key consideration for building professionals. HFO-blown spray foam insulation is an eco-friendly choice due to its low GWP blowing agents, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional HFC blowing agents. This means, not only is HFO-blown spray foam insulation more energy-efficient than other insulation types, but it also has a lower carbon footprint.

Further, the material’s high R-value, air barrier capabilities, and water-resistant properties can help building engineers and architects achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other green building standards. By incorporating HFO-blown spray foam insulation into their designs, building professionals can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while providing clients with a high-performing and cost-effective insulation solution.

In terms of building operations, a considerable portion of expenses is attributed to energy consumption. Consequently, selecting a product with a lower GWP and greater energy efficiency than its competitors is crucial; as building operations energy consumption has an impact on GWP. In fact, a building insulated with a specific HFO can save 110, 000 kg (24,2508 lbs) of CO2 in a lifespan of 75 years.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation stands out as the top choice in the insulation sector for constructing eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes. Although closed-cell spray foam contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the installation process—due to the utilization of diesel generators to power the spray-foam installation equipment—its initially higher embodied carbon emissions are offset compared to fibreglass insulation in mere four years.

Looking forward, adjustments to the installation process could further reduce the ecological impact of spray foam insulation and serve to cement its position as a climate-conscious choice when it comes to designing a building envelope.