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Spray Foam Insulation Duluth, MN
Welcome to Duluth Spray Foam Insulation. For both residential and commercial spray foam insulation jobs in Duluth, our firm exclusively employs high-quality materials. Spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN is becoming more popular as an insulating solution due to its numerous advantages.
It's vital to understand what spray foam insulation is, how it differs from other forms of insulation, and why you should employ a spray foam insulation contractor.
It's vital to understand what spray foam insulation is, how it differs from other forms of insulation, and why you should employ a spray foam insulation contractor.
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OUR TESTIMONIALS
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What is Spray Foam Insulation?Spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN is commonly known as spray polyurethane foam. It is made out of isocyanates and polyol resin. These basic ingredients are stored in separate cans or drums and only react with one another to produce spray foam.
When the raw materials react, it expands 30 to 60 times its original volume, filling all of the small fractures and crevices it is sprayed into. It hardens in a matter of minutes, forming a robust air and moisture barrier. |
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Understanding R-ValueA material's capacity to withstand heat is characterized by its R-value. This implies the material will not enable heat from the outside to enter a structure or conditioned heat to escape from within. R-values vary depending on the insulating substance.
For example, loose cellulose has an R-value of 3.1 to 3.8 per inch, whereas blown-in fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.9 per inch. R-values of R-2.9 to 3.8 per inch are seen in fiberglass batts. Spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN has a greater R-value than other forms of insulation. Open cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 3.7 per inch, but closed cell spray foam insulation has a very high R-value that reaches up to R-7 per inch. |
Spray Foam Insulation versus Traditional Types
Different forms of insulation are currently available on the market. The most popular forms other than spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN used for home and commercial insulation are listed below.
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Cellulose
Also known as blown-in insulation, cellulose is a loose-fill substance. Because it is denser than loose-fill fiberglass, it is commonly utilized in attics. Since it is manufactured from wood or paper and recyclable materials, cellulose insulation is readily accessible and cheap. It is small enough to fit around ducts, cables, and walls. However, cellulose insulation still allows air to pass through it. |
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Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is available in a variety of forms, including rolls, batts, and loose-fill. By trapping pockets of air, it functions as an insulator. Fiberglass insulation is harder to install and should always be done by a trained expert. When fiberglass insulation particles are disturbed, small glass particles can enter the respiratory system and penetrate the skin, necessitating the use of protective equipment. |
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Mineral wool
With an R-value of 2.8 to 3.7 per inch, mineral wool is a superb insulator. It offers a number of advantages, including fire resistance and soundproofing. It comes in batts and loose-fill forms. |
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Rigid foam
Rigid foam is available in two forms: EPS (expanded polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene). It's often applied to insulate the external basement walls, the home's shell, or the basement slab. Extruded polystyrene is a vapor barrier with a higher R-value of 4.5 to 5 per inch. It must be covered after installation. |
Types of Spray Foam
There are two types of spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN, both of which are widely utilized for diverse spray foam insulation applications. Open-cell spray foam insulation and closed-cell spray foam insulation are the two forms of spray foam insulation.
There are a few distinctions between the two, despite their similarities. Let's take a closer look at the differences that exist:
There are a few distinctions between the two, despite their similarities. Let's take a closer look at the differences that exist:
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Open-cell spray foam insulation
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Closed-cell Spray Foam Insulation
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Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation
Some of the benefits of using spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN are as follows.
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Moisture impermeable
Spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN does not allow moisture to travel through it in addition to functioning as an air sealer. As a result, heat generated inside your house will not be permitted to escape. In addition, because spray foam cannot absorb moisture, you will never have mold or mildew issues. |
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High R-value
Spray foam insulation offers a high R-value when compared to conventional insulations like fiberglass or cellulose. This indicates that it can withstand heat transfer as an insulating material. This contributes to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. |
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Sound barrier
Sound waves travel through the air. Though spray foam insulation cannot be relied upon as a comprehensive sound-proofing solution, when open-cell spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN is utilized, it absorbs sound waves. This is ideal for use in home theatres, workplaces, and other areas where peace and quiet are desired. |
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Long-lasting
Spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN may last for up to 80 years. Spray foam insulation, in most circumstances, lasts as long as the building structure does and won’t require replacement. Insulation made of cellulose and fiberglass, on the other hand, will need to be changed in as little as 15to 20 years. |
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Air-sealant
Spray foam insulation's capacity to function as an air-sealant is one of its most appealing features. Spray foam insulation, once placed, will seal every crack and crevice in your home, preventing outside air from entering and conditioned air from escaping. Turning on your kitchen and bathroom exhausts is an excellent technique if you ever feel that the air within your house or building structure is too tight. Even though cellulose and fiberglass are employed as insulators, air may still travel through them. |
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Areas Where Spray Foam Can be UsedYou might be asking if it's necessary to insulate every room in your house with spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN. The essential locations within your home that should be insulated in order to form a building envelope and then air seal are mentioned below.
Attic insulation - All attics whether completed or unfinished, should have insulation. This keeps conditioned air within by preventing it from escaping via your roof. In addition, attic insulation is proven to reduce energy expenses. Duct insulation- If you have ducts in an unconditioned space in your house, they should be sealed and insulated. Ask your insulation contractor to insulate around ducting as well while installing insulation. Outside wall insulation - If you're too chilly in the winter or too hot in the summer, you probably need exterior wall insulation installed. Exterior walls are more expensive to insulate and will require the services of an insulation professional, but the investment is well worth it. Basement insulation- While most people don't consider it, an insulated basement may give a pleasant and dry living space. In a house, an insulated basement is called conditioned space. Insulation for crawl spaces- Some crawl spaces are ventilated, while others are not. Vents in the crawl space are required by many construction standards to eliminate moisture from the region. Crawl space insulation should not be overlooked since it may protect your property from chilly flooring and undesirable dampness. Crawl space insulation also aids in the tightening of the building envelope. |
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Tools Used by Insulation ContractorsSpray foam insulation in Duluth, MN, should only be done by specialists who are experienced in the industry. It may be useless as an insulating material if it is not applied appropriately or at the proper thickness. When working on a spray foam insulation job, all professional spray foam insulation contractors will utilize specialized equipment and tools. The following are a few of them.
Spray Guns- The most crucial element of spray foam insulation installation is the spray gun. The two chemicals are combined in the gun, which then sprays the combination on the substrate. These spray guns are classified into three types based on the purpose they perform: solvent purge, air purge, and mechanical.
Mobile Spray Rigs- Mobile spray rigs are equipped with all of the gear required for application and installation of spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN, including power and air utilities. The majority of spray foam insulation companies operate from mobile rigs that contain all of their tools, spray machines, generator, and compressor. Proportioning machines - Proportioning machines, also known as spray foam machines, are a bit more complex. Only a knowledgeable insulation contractor dealing in spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN will be able to comprehend how to operate this equipment effectively. For instance, when utilizing the pump, they need to keep in mind whether the drive system is hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic. Heated hoses, staples, breathing apparatus, gloves, and a chemical-resistant body suit are among the additional tools utilized by spray insulation contractors.
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Can Spray Foam Insulation be Painted?Painting spray foam insulation is possible, but it is not easy or straightforward. If the spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN is not covered by drywall, you may consider painting it to improve the aesthetic of the insulated area; nevertheless, painting the spray foam must be done with caution.
Oil-based paints or solvent-based paints should never be used to paint spray forms because they might harm the insulation and possibly create a chemical reaction. Unless you are highly skilled and informed, it is usually best to employ a professional to paint the spray foam insulation rather than doing it yourself. Some spray foam insulation products in Duluth, MN come with specially developed coatings and paints for use on the foam insulation. Building standards frequently mandate the use of fire-rated barriers to separate the insulated area from the inhabited living space. |
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Does Spray Foam Insulation Cause Damage to Drywall?If the spray foam insulation is not placed correctly by a competent spray foam insulation contractor, it may create bending and even cracking in the wall cavity.
The majority of the time, however, cracking or bending has nothing to do with the spray foam insulation application. Your drywall might be damaged for a variety of reasons, including poorly placed drywall or drywall that has already been damaged. If spray foam insulation has damaged your drywall, a competent insulation contractor dealing in spray foam in Duluth, MN will install a board that goes over the drywall and secures it to the studs with screws. Your drywall will be pushed back into place, and the new screws and seams will be fixed. If the drywall fractures as well, this procedure is used. Most reputable spray foam insulation contractors will provide a lifetime warranty and guarantee on their work. You won't have to worry about having to fix your spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN if you have a signed agreement. |
Contact Us
When you choose an insulation contractor for spray foam insulation in Duluth, MN to do the job, you're guaranteeing your safety. At Duluth Spray Foam Insulation, all of our team members have years of expertise and are well-trained and licensed in the field of home insulation and commercial insulation. We know how to prepare the job site before installing the insulation and utilize the right equipment and gadgets for the job. If you want spray foam insulation placed in your home or business, give us a call today to talk about your options.