Innovative Usage of Spray Foam Insulation in Dodge

It is interesting to know that research studies undertaken by the US Department of Energy has shown that 40% of a residence's energy is lost due to air infiltration through walls, windows, doors and other apertures.

The second law of thermodynamics states that heat flows from a warm space to a cold one. This is to say, warm air from inside your compact Dodge home will flow towards the cooler air outside - particularly when the outside weather is cold.

Fiberglass which has been a traditional building insulation helps prevent this from happening. But many are not aware that spray foam insulation is a more effective method for preventing heat loss and that is also easy to install and quite economical. It is reliably learnt that spray foam insulation saves on energy costs and meaningfully reduces utility bills.

Apart from temperature and moisture control, spray foam insulation is also said to reduce noise. Foam insulation serves as an impediment to airborne sounds and dilutes sound radiation through a building's roof, floor and walls. It is also noteworthy that in the United States, residences treated with spray foam insulation often qualify for lower state and federal taxes.

The right method of insulating would be to use spray foam insulation to fill the gaps between the framing studs in the walls and attic. Spray foam insulation is non-toxic in nature and lasts a lifetime. Studies have shown that spray foam expands to about 100 times its original volume, so it virtually fills in all air gaps.

Increasing the air sealing and decreasing the leaks within homes prevent moisture from external sources getting into the house. It also arrests moisture being released in the course of everyday activities such as exhalation, bathing, cooking, etc. Curiously enough, the foam is rigid as well as flexible and hence it is able to fill vacant air gaps, and still expand and contract in relation to the building.

If you plan insulating a small part of a wall or a few small spaces, then you may as well do it yourself by buying tanks of it from a local Dodge insulation contractor. However, if you intend insulating large areas such as an attic, it is preferable you hire a professional. This way, it will work out cheaper and the job will be done neatly and the professionals will also have the required equipment for such a large-scale job.

It is good to know how spray foam insulation is done:

• The procedure is to start off with a test spray. As this material expands to about 100 times its initial volume, it has to be used judiciously. 
• Spray uniformly between the studs and on the backside of the exterior sheathing. Wait for it to expand and effectively fill all the gaps. 
• After allowing the foam to form and set, use a handsaw blade and shave off any excess foam that protrudes past the studs. The foam has to be flush so that it will not interfere when you are installing the drywall.

By using spray foam insulation in walls and attics, you can create a better air-tight envelope than the conventional fiberglass or rockwood. There are two types of Spray Foam - Open-Cell and Closed-Cell. Closed-Cell is costlier but it is more durable, more effective and thus cost-effective in the long run. Open-cell foam is softer and less dense which can allow breaking and cracking. Most Dodge building contractors therefore recommend the use of the closed-cell type polyurethane spray foam instead of the open-cell type foam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6578032

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