Spray Foam Insulation Falls Church, VA
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Spray foam insulation in Falls Church VA is gaining popularity because of its great qualities. Architects and building construction companies are using spray foam insulation since it is great for insulation, long-lasting, adds structural integrity to buildings and has sound dampening qualities. If you have not yet decided about whether you want to install spray foam insulation or are not so familiar with the topic, it is a good idea to get acquainted with some of the common concerns and topics. Let’s take a look at what exactly spray foam insulation is made of, how it is applied, how it helps to dampen sound and other facts about spray foam insulation in Falls Church VA.
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What exactly is Spray Foam Insulation made of?
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Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA is made at the job site itself and does not come pre-made from a factory. To make spray foam insulation two liquids are combined at a certain temperature which causes a chemical reaction to take place. Upon reacting spray foam insulation expands 30 to 60 times its liquid volume after it is sprayed. The two liquid components are referred to as side “A” and side “B”. These two components come in separate containers or drums.
The “A” side of spray polyurethane foam is basically made of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Usually the “B” container has a blend of catalysts, blowing agents, polyols, flame retardants add a surfactant. The reaction happens when the contents of the “B” side is mixed with the “A” side. The “A” and “B” containers may differ according to the manufacturer as each manufacturer will have their own blend. Typically most spray foam insulation companies use water as the blowing agent along with organic chemical compounds that have been derived from petroleum extracts. |
How is the Jobsite Prepared?
Before installing spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA, there are plenty of factors which are considered by a spray foam insulation contractor. These include surveying the total area of the building, the place of work, the size of the area and others factors. All risks or special requirements are assessed before starting the job. A proper plan is developed in order to ensure that everything goes smooth. For example all ventilation requirements should be taken into consideration which includes shutting down the HVAC system.
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This will ensure that no dust, aerosols and vapors are drawn into the HVAC system. It also prevents airborne materials from being distributed and spread from one part of the building to the other.
Once the HVAC system is fully shut off, the air intakes is generally sealed with plastic sheeting and tape in order to prevent any dust or spray from entering the system. The HVAC system stays sealed and inoperable for as long as 24 hours after the spray foam insulation has been installed. Other than this, all the information is provided to the owner of the building or house by us so that they can understand the safety measures to be followed during and after the application of spray foam insulation. Our team installs all warning signs and caution tapes and the building is cleared of occupants and persons who are not part of the spray foam insulation contractor’s team before we begin our work. |
Steps in Applying Spray Foam Insulation
Before the actual application and installation of spray foam insulation in Falls Church VA, our team of specialized spray foam insulation contractors follow certain methods and procedures in order to make sure that the job is done in a systematic and perfect way. This includes checking the job site at the beginning, checking the atmosphere, temperature, checking the spray foam insulation to be used itself, testing and finally cleaning and disposal of the waste and extra materials.
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Does Spray Foam Insulation Off-Gas?
When it comes to spray foam insulation in Falls Church, you may have heard the term “off-gas”. Off-gas refers to the Volatile Organic Compounds that are given off during and after the application of spray foam insulation. One part of the spray foam consists of isocyanates. These are highly reactive chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds so in short, yes, spray foam does off-gas.
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But you need not worry about this, because it will be completely safe after the spray foam cures, which is why it is recommended that you leave your home for 24 hours after the installation of the spray foam insulation. VOCs are present in many products that we use daily. For instance, it’s present in body spray and hair spray cans as well.
Off-gassing can be detrimental to health only if it is present in very large amounts. Always make sure that the spray foam insulation contractor that you hire in Falls Church VA uses spray foam that has low VOCs. This will ensure that there is only a tiny amount of VOCs present in the spray foam. Using a product which has low amount of VOCs also means that you will not have to leave your home for 24 hours. Instead you will have to stay away only for 2 to 8 hours and then it will be safe for you to return. Even if your spray foam insulation contractor in Falls Church, Virginia is not using a product that has low VOCs, you can just leave your residence or commercial building for at least 24 hours in order to ensure that the spray foam insulation is completely cured and will not cause any harm to you and others. |
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Does spray foam contain formaldehyde?The fact that spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA can contain formaldehyde may scare you. However there are many other things in our own home that include formaldehyde, such as cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, shower gel, nail polish, and keratin hair smoothening treatments. Other things that may contain small amounts of formaldehyde are caulk, glue, insulation boards, liquid detergent, and drywall adhesive.
Formaldehyde was linked with spray foam insulation because an earlier generation of spray foam insulation which manufactured, commonly formaldehyde which is also known as urea-formaldehyde foam. This type of spray foam had a substantial level of residual formaldehyde. However today, spray foam insulation in this new generation, does not use any formaldehyde at all during the manufacturing process or it may contain only tiny amount of formaldehyde in the dry product. But after the two parts are mixed at the job site, the formaldehyde just dissipates and the finished spray foam insulation which is installed in your home or commercial building does not contain any formaldehyde at all. Thus you do not need to be worried about formaldehyde being a residue in the spray foam insulation that is installed in your home or commercial building. |
What Makes Spray Foam Insulation Good at absorbing Sound?
Nowadays many architects contractors use spray foam insulation in Falls Church VA in the construction of new houses and buildings because it serves the dual purpose of insulating as well as providing sound dampening. All of the outside noise is blocked as well as noise that travels in a house or building between rooms as deadened. This is especially great for offices or day cares where there are many children or even for comfort and peacefulness in your own home.
Traditional sound barrier methods included the use of fiberglass products or vinyl products but these proved to be rather expensive. Open cell spray foam insulation has a low density while at the same time is relatively less expensive than closed cell spray foam insulation. It is great for sound dampening and it can be used to fill tiny gaps because of its great expansion properties.
Sound travels in waves, but unlike light waves, it can also travel through objects like the drywall, floor and roof. It is known that spray foam can be used to reduce sound and noise.
Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA is a great sound barrier because it performs these three functions:
Traditional sound barrier methods included the use of fiberglass products or vinyl products but these proved to be rather expensive. Open cell spray foam insulation has a low density while at the same time is relatively less expensive than closed cell spray foam insulation. It is great for sound dampening and it can be used to fill tiny gaps because of its great expansion properties.
Sound travels in waves, but unlike light waves, it can also travel through objects like the drywall, floor and roof. It is known that spray foam can be used to reduce sound and noise.
Spray foam insulation in Falls Church, VA is a great sound barrier because it performs these three functions:
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Sound blockingSound blocking is the best possible method of sound reduction. As we know that sound travels in waves, in the sound blocking method, spray foam insulation helps the sound waves to be redirected form the floor, ceiling and walls. The sound is not allowed to be transferred between rooms and spray foam insulation can also help in preventing sound from entering from the outside of the house r the building to the inside.
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Sound absorbingOpen spray foam insulation which is more porous is used for trapping, absorbing and dissipating sound waves. It also helps to prevent sound waves from leaking to the outside. It is used especially in music and sound studios, for a stage or auditorium or for home theaters.
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Sound dampeningSimilar to sound blocking, spray foam insulation is often used amongst a mix of other building materials with different densities in order to dispel or absorb the sound waves in a particular room. It is mainly used in order to isolate sound from a room or particular structure.
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Contact Us
If you live in and around Falls Church, VA and want a free assessment and quote on spray foam insulation, contact us today. We also customize and personalize plans and projects and offer a follow up and warranty on our products and services.