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

 Simplifying and solving multiple problems with spray foam insulation

Building engineers and architects often face the challenge of specifying multiple products to address different aspects of the building envelope, such as insulation, air barriers, and waterproofing. HFO-blown spray foam insulation provides an all-in-one solution, offering the advantage of being able to tackle these diverse functions with a single product.

This versatility simplifies the design and construction process, reducing the need for multiple materials, complex installation procedures, and compatibility issues that can arise when using various products. Further, HFO-blown spray foam insulation’s ability to be applied to a wide range of substrates, including concrete, steel, and wood, makes it an ideal choice for a variety of building types and applications.

HFO-blown spray foam insulation also offers additional benefits, such as improved structural integrity and racking strength. Its closed-cell structure can dampen vibrations and reduce the transmission of sound through walls and floors, leading to quieter and more comfortable living and working spaces. In addition, the foam’s strong adhesion properties can increase the structural strength of walls and roof assemblies, providing an extra layer of protection against natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

Real-world examples and comparisons

To further illustrate the advantages of HFO-blown spray foam insulation, here are some real-world examples and comparisons.

Residential retrofit

In a study conducted by the Building Science Corporation, a house built in 1907 was retrofitted with HFO-blown spray foam insulation. The result was a massive reduction in CFM50—due to multiple upgrades, including spray foam. CFM50 is the metric used to determine air tightness of a given structure using blower door testing. The entire home, including the basement, scored 7729 CFM50 before work was carried out, and it scored 1802 CFM50 after retrofits were completed. For this project, the estimated annual energy savings will reach 48 per cent.

The home’s comfort and IAQ were significantly improved as well.⁴ Spray foam insulation was used throughout the home, in the basement, attic, paneling, and so on, and installation was simple due to the flexible nature of spray foam insulation’s installation process.