Spray foam is a pressurized liquid mixture of isocyanate and polyol resin. It sticks to a surface and then expands to 60 times its original size when sprayed on it. As a result, your home has a waterproof and airtight barrier that prevents water from entering and warm air from escaping.
Spray foam can be utilized in a variety of ways around the house, but it’s most typically applied as a roof insulation product. However, during the application many house builders are concerned about the potential spray foam insulation roof problems that may occur.
Problems with Spray Foam Roof Insulation
- Incorrect Mixture
Because the components are mixed incorrectly within the right temperature range or ratio of the mixture, the foam will eventually crumble and loosen up within a short time. Spray foam insulation is designed to survive for more than thirty years; consequently, any foam that fails before that time is likely due to an erroneous material mix.
How to solve: make sure you get the right mixture before you start applying.
- Inconsistent thickness
Spray foam insulation must be put at an even thickness to be effective and maintain a consistent R-Value (resistance to heat). Conduction can occur if it is not even, causing the spray foam to be unsuccessful
How to solve: An infrared camera can be used to detect areas of unequal thickness. Or else, spot check several areas for consistency with a marked stick or skewer.
- Improper ventilation could lead to a condensation
You can create a completely waterproof and airtight solution with spray foam insulation, but this can cause warm air to become trapped in the chamber. As a result, this could lead to condensation.
How to solve: Having ventilation options such as a window or simply vents is critical. Pick a spray foam that is more breathable, such as open celled spray foam, can also be used to allow warm air to escape.
- Lack understanding of where not to use spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is a very versatile product. It can spread fast and conform to the space. Therefore, there are some places where not to use spray foam insulation, such as spaces with a closed cavity, near an electrical box, or near a light ceiling box.
How to solve: make a border using plywood within a certain area to prevent it spreading.
- Water infiltration lead to a rotten wood
If the roof is broken from the outside, allowing water to enter the area between the spray foam and the slates’ underside, water will infiltrate the roof and not being able to exit through the spray foam is one of the main concerns raised by house surveyors.
This can cause condensation due to the temperature difference between this region and the remainder of the loft room. Condensation can saturate wood trusses and rafters, resulting in deterioration.
How to solve: The easiest approach to avoid this spray foam insulation roof problems is to keep your roof in good shape and use a breathable spray foam product.
