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Open-Cell FAQ
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| What is open-cell (semi-rigid) polyurethane spray foam insulation? |
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| What are the advantages? |
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| Does it adhere to metal studs and is it compatible with other building materials? |
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| Does it break down, shrink or sag? |
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| Are there any issues about overheating of electric wiring? |
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| Does it support the growth of mold and mildew? |
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| What about pests (e.g. roaches, ants, mice and termites)? |
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| What is the R-value of open-cell (semi-rigid) spray foam insulation and is that an aged value? |
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| What are the acoustical properties? |
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| Does it contain urea, formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs? |
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| Are there health concerns associated with the use of open-cell (semi-rigid) spray foam insulations? |
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| At what stage of construction is it installed? |
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| Can it be applied in an existing structure? |
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| Who is allowed in the general area during application? |
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| Is it possible for owners to install this foam themselves? |
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| How much does it cost? |
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| What’s the difference between the SEALECTION® product line? |
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| What is open-cell (semi-rigid) polyurethane spray foam insulation? |
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| Open
cell (semi-rigid) spay-applied polyurethane foam insulation systems
(0.5 lbs/ft³) are made up of million of microscopic cells that
simultaneously insulate and air-seal. They make residential and
commercial structures more energy efficient, comfortable, quieter and
less dusty. Open-cell insulation is applied as a liquid, which expands
into a semi-rigid mass, automatically sealing off drafty areas such as
baseboards, headers, sill plates, around windows, doors, electrical
outlets, pipes, etc. It also minimizes uncontrolled air leakage
throughout the building envelope (wall, ceilings, etc.), thereby
reducing energy losses and the possibility of mold, mildew and
premature decay. |
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| What are the advantages? |
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| Open-cell
(semi-rigid) spray foam insulation remains flexible throughout the life
of the building. As the building expands and contracts with changes of
season and temperature, it will move with the changes without
destroying the seal. As well as simplifying the construction process
for the builder, open-cell spray foam insulation eliminates the major
causes of building envelope problems - airborne moisture movement and
entrapment. Heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by 30 to
50%, and more money can be saved by purchasing a (properly sized)
smaller, less expensive HVAC unit. Soundproofing is another benefit
that is quickly appreciated in areas such as plumbing runs, media rooms
and offices |
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| Does it adhere to metal studs and is it compatible with other building materials? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam insulations produced by DEMILEC (USA) adhere well to steel
studs and other natural materials such as cement board, wood, etc.
Since open-cell insulation will adhere to almost all surfaces, areas
that do not require spray foam insulation (such as windows, doors etc.)
must be protected from overspray. It is stable in the presence of most
solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives,
and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel,
mineral oil, weak acid, and weak bases, which are typically found in
residential and commercial construction materials. Open-cell spray foam
insulations produced by DEMILEC (USA) are non-corrosive and neutral
(neither acidic nor alkaline) and will not cause corrosion to metal
studs and other metals typically found in construction. |
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| Does it break down, shrink or sag? |
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| The
reaction that created the open-cell spray foam insulation is
irreversible, preventing the breakdown into its constituent parts.
Therefore, open-cell spray foam is stable and will not shrink or sag. |
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| Are there any issues about overheating of electric wiring? |
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| There
is no special requirement needed to encapsulate electrical wires other
than what is required with all types of insulation. As with other types
of insulation, when the properly rated size and type of electrical
wires are used, there is no overheating of those electrical wires |
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| Does it support the growth of mold and mildew? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam insulation offers no food value. Therefore it cannot support
bacteria or fungal growth. The effective air-sealing characteristic
prevents the movement of hot air to the cold parts of the walls,
preventing condensation from taking place within the wall cavities. The
elimination of condensation within the wall assemblies prevents the
growth of molds and mildew. |
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| What about pests (e.g. roaches, ants, mice and termites)? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam acts as a physical and odor barrier that has shown to
significantly reduce the number of pests entering structures. It offers
no food value, and while it by itself does not present a concrete entry
barrier, pests normally do not attempt to go through an area where they
cannot detect a food source. |
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| What is the R-value of open-cell (semi-rigid) spray foam insulation and is that an aged value? |
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| The
R-Value is rated at 3.81 ft2.h°F. In a nominal 4-inch wall, the R-Value
is about R-13; in a 6-inch wall, about R-21. Unlike foams filled with
CFC or HCFC, the R-Value of open-cell spray foam insulation does not
decline as it ages. R-Values of insulating materials are measured in
laboratories and are designated a nominal R-Value per inch. In the wall
or ceiling of a building most factory-made insulation materials suffer
a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The
insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of
the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. By contrast, the
insulation of a wall containing spray foam insulations produced by
DEMILEC (USA) Insulation will perform closely to that of the laboratory
tested R-Value of the material, and it seals the wall cavity from air
infiltration as well. The spray foam insulations produced by DEMILEC
(USA) are particularly suited for steel or wood frame construction.
Open-cell spray foam insulation expands 120:1 as it is installed,
adhering to surrounding building components. It completely seals
joints, crevices and voids, including difficult-to-insulate spaces such
as steel stud "U" and "C" sections, double studs, and non-standard stud
locations. |
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| What are the acoustical properties? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam insulation has excellent sound absorption properties and
sound transmission properties. When comparing spray foam insulations
produced by DEMILEC (USA) to other insulations, there is a very
noteworthy difference. As an effective air seal, they eliminate the air
gaps through which sound travels easiest. In addition to controlling
all frequencies, they are superior in controlling mid-range frequencies
that include the most common sounds - the human voice and stereo music.
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| Does it contain urea, formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs? |
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| No,
open-cell spray foam insulations produced by DEMILEC (USA) do not
contain urea, formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. Among other approvals,
SEALECTION® 500 has obtained the seal of approval from the EcoLogoM
(formerly Environmental Choice) Program of Canada. |
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| Are there health concerns associated with the use of open-cell (semi-rigid) spray foam insulations? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam insulations produced by DEMILEC (USA) are "green" products.
They meet off gassing requirements of CGSB 51.23 92 for new residential
construction, and no toxic or carcinogenic products were detected. In
addition, the use of open-cell foam insulation reduces airborne dust
and air infiltration, making it the healthy choice for those who suffer
from allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivity. |
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| At what stage of construction is it installed? |
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new construction, open-cell spray foam insulation is installed after
the windows, doors and roof are in, the electrical and plumbing
inspections are completed, and after any other electrical or mechanical
system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last
installation to take place before drywall is installed. |
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| Can it be applied in an existing structure? |
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| We
do not recommend that spray foam insulations be applied in existing
walls. However, good results are achieved in using open-cell spray foam
insulation in the attic and in the crawl space (if applicable) without
disturbing the walls in a retrofit application. The reason is that a
large portion of a building’s energy loss is caused by the "chimney
effect" - hot air rising therefore creating air movement within a
building. |
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| Who is allowed in the general area during application? |
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| Open-cell
spray foam insulations shall be installed on site by certified
installers who have been trained in the proper safety and handling of
the chemicals. Other persons should keep away from the immediate area
where spraying is conducted. |
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| Is it possible for owners to install this foam themselves? |
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installer must be a factory-trained and certified contractor using
specialized proportioning equipment. The installer has been trained to
work with the chemicals involved and has also been trained in a
building science to provide the best installation possible. |
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| How much does it cost? |
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reality, open-cell spray foam insulation cannot be compared to
conventional insulation. Open-cell spray foam insulation actually
air-seals the building end eliminates energy robbing air leakage and
the associated problems with moisture, mold and mildew and condensation
problems inside the walls. When calculating the actual cost you need to
consider the possible need to downsize the HVAC systems, eliminate
building wraps, and eliminate a significant portion of the material and
labor costs associated with an air-sealing approach. The investment to
upgrade from standard fiberglass is an insignificant part of the
overall cost of a home and your long-term energy costs. When you are
planning to install an upgraded insulation package, remember that the
spray foam insulations produced by DEMILEC (USA) are initially more
expensive but provide you with the best performance and comfort value
in addition to long-term savings. The additional upfront costs
typically pay for themselves in energy savings within three years and
will keep on saving you money every year thereafter. |
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| What’s the difference between the SEALECTION® product line? |
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| SEALECTION®
500 and SEALECTION Agribalance® are both superior water-blown,
open-cell spray foam insulations, and perform equally well. SEALECTION®
500 is our premier product while SEALECTION Agribalance® is the next
generation that contains more than 20% renewable agricultural-based
materials (refined vegetable oils) in the resin. |
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