Spray foam insulation is a liquid foam that is used to set insulated floor, ceiling, walls, etc. It’s commonly known as a product to seal off the gaps when insulating. Even though it’s well known for its cost efficiency, the disadvantages of spray foam insulation were also around the net.
Before we jump to the disadvantages, we’d like to explain why installing spray foam insulation is highly common among the homeowners.
What Are the Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation?
As stated above, many people uses spray foam insulation as it’s beneficial for the energy efficiency which will cost you less energy bill. Other than that, spray foam insulation installation also cost you less than any other insulation.
Well, how can spray foam insulation is cheaper than the others? When in fact, the installation cost itself is higher?
Spray foam insulation can be sprayed in any surfaces including crawl space without losing its shape. This type of insulation will last longer without having to be upgraded over time. Spray foam insulation is best in resisting any heat loss.
However, the disadvantages of spray foam insulation has been talked about more than its benefit. Indeed, spray foam is quiet dangerous due to the materials contained inside, which are isocyanates and polyol resin.
These two chemicals are harmful as it’s sprayed into the airspace and form into an aerosol that you breathe in. As a consequence, protective equipment is necessary when using the spray foam. The breathing irritation from these hazardous materials may vary depending on how much it’s inhaled.
5 Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation
In order to give you a brief explanation, here are the 5 disadvantages of spray foam insulation we have concluded for you:
- Health Risk
Using spray foam requires protective equipment and must be applied correctly. If you spray them too much, it allows you to inhale more hazardous aerosols. Those chemicals can cause you a long term irritation, starting from the skin to the respiratory system.
- Damage Water in Your House
Spray foam insulation also gives you a risk of water damage, especially when it’s placed in attics. Generally speaking, problems with spray foam insulation in attics is it can encourage the water to soak into the walls and roof.
- It’s Shrinking Over Time
Even though the spray foam are affordable and easy to use, this product will start shrinking over time. Typically, in extreme temperature changes area. Therefore, you need to reapply the spray foam insulation or maybe try to use another insulation.
- Longer Time to Cure
As it is contained dangerous chemicals, the spray foam insulation needs more time to cure. The two materials inside will release itself into a gas that is harmful for the homeowners. Accordingly, you have to wait a little longer to prevent inhaling the threatening materials.
- Increases Global Warming
The spray foam insulation is called as green as studies shown it can be more eco-friendly. On the other side, the materials inside is contributing in global warming. It diminishes the ozone layer. So as for now, the use of spray foam insulation only gives a higher risk of global warming increases.
Last thoughts, the spray foam insulation offers you a longer lifespan and less bills. It does work well in insulating walls, floors, and the roofs. Thanks to its efficiency, most homeowners and contractors choose spray foam insulation as an ideal solution to keep the house warm.
Also, it’s low in maintenance which gives you a peace of mind without having to worry about a replacement or an upgrade. Besides, spray foam insulation is a winner for those who are concerned about eco-friendly products.
Despite that, the toxic compounds that are inside the spray foam insulation is something you might want to consider. If you already have a respiratory system irritation or else, we bet you to use another type of insulation.
All in all, check if the spray foam insulation is met your needs and budget.
So, for we have given you a detailed explanation in this article about the disadvantages of spray foam insulation, do you find this article helpful?
Does it give you more confidence in using the spray foam insulation? We would love to know!
