Within the spray foam insulation industry, Icynene is highly regarded for its sprayer training program. This is due to the chemicals not having time to cool before more material was applied. Also make sure the contractor offers a lifetime warranty with the product, so if anything goes wrong, they will come back out and fix it. Leave a review for Arrow Insulation - Thermabead Wall Cavity | Lapolla Spray Foam | Insulation Extraction Problems like lack of adhesion and moisture management have occurred because an imitation product was falsely represented as an Icynene product. With so many new spray foam products and manufacturers available, the potential for spray foam insulation problems has increased. Spray Foam Installation Problems. Theoretically, spray foam insulation is only installed by a certified expert and has a safe result; in reality, insufficient training can lead to highly dangerous conditions. For instance, the name “Icynene” has become a synonym for the term “spray foam insulation” amongst builders, architects and homeowners since Icynene pioneered modern open-cell spray foam insulation in the mid-1980s. We also offer a lifetime warranty on both the products and workmanship of our foam insulation services. Each licensed Icynene contractor has completed extensive training and testing before being allowed to spray Icynene spray foam products. Solution: Ensure that you work only with a licensed Icynene spray foam contractor. Problem: Lack of Adhesion/Poor Application Additionally, AirTight™ Retrofit Foam Insulation reduces energy use in buildings beyond its stated R-value because AirTight™ Retrofit Foam: • Reduces moisture infiltration through air leakage. Solution: Spray foam insulation has to be installed at a certain thickness before it creates an air barrier. Leading Innovative Building. Since there are dozens of brands of spray foam insulation available, it is important to make sure you are getting what you want and what you paid for to avoid spray foam insulation problems. The reason for this significant difference, despite equal R-values, comes with trained installation and the built-in air seal. Lapolla Industries, Inc. is a global manufacturer and supplier of state-of-the-art spray polyurethane foam insulation (spf or spray foam), reflective roof coatings, and rigs and equipment — designed to reduce energy consumption in the residential, industrial, and commercial structures. Spray Foam Magazine – Winter 2020 – It’s a nice sunny day with not a cloud in the sky and you’re spraying on the roof of a 10-story high-rise apartment building. Conventional insulation products do not address many of the building envelope concerns that exist today such as: When Amanda isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and rescued huskies. Problems regarding spray foam insulation applications, poor installations and health and safety have become typical concerns expressed by homeowners. Spray foam in … Only hire licensed contractors who have experience with the material you requested, Spray foam insulation will create an air seal, The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter. A good contractor will have something in writing between the two of you – like a lifetime warranty – stating if something goes wrong or a space was missed, then they will come back out and fix it. Be sure to have that discussion with your licensed contractor and don’t be afraid to double check the information before the project begins. It has been in use for over 30 years and is now becoming increasingly popular as … Spray foam insulation and what do Surveyors think 1stAssociated can provide help and advice with regard to structural defects reports for things like problems with your roof, insulation, window problems, dampness, lateral dampness, condensation, cracking, movement. If you don't do your research before hiring a spray foam insulation contractor you may not understand what you're getting and you may not know what to look for in a contractor. Another issue is potential off-gassing that can cause breathing problems or other adverse health effects, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Off-ratio spraying, fishy odors and lack of adhesion are often the result of a poor application by an untrained contractor. This type of diligence will help avoid any spray foam insulation problems in the future. Dust. The problem arises when an imitation product is falsely represented so you have lack of adhesion to the cavity the foam is sprayed in and moisture management issues that can … In order of prevalence, here are the problems I've seen, with explanations following the list: Spray foam isn't thick enough. All spray foams have an odor at the very least during the installation process. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(2621536, 'e44d743b-6f4d-48b1-b2f1-4aa6da563154', {}); Amanda previously has worked as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor in Flint and Detroit. © 2021 RetroFoam of Michigan Inc. All Rights Reserved. Yet despite the challenging landscape, the integration of the two businesses has progressed rapidly. 200 Grover StreetPO Box 3098Montrose, MI 48457, © 2021 RetroFoam of Michigan Inc. All Rights Reserved. In an unvented attic scenario, to limit air leakage as well as any associated condensation at the roof line, a continuous air barrier is required. Solution: A good contractor will ensure large air exchange units are placed in the area where the spray foam insulation is being installed. COPYRIGHT ICYNENE 2019. If the chemicals in the spray foam aren’t mixed properly it can cause the insulation material to pull away from the cavity where it has been applied. The reason this occurs is because the chemicals in the spray foam get too hot and a permanent odor is created. Discover how Icynene spray foam insulation can add value to your energy-efficient home designs. When this happens, an air seal is not created, thus cool air will still be able to move around the insulation which will make your home uncomfortable. Lapolla’s AirTight spray foam insulation has many protective benefits for the home. Spray foam the focus of previous complaints There’s nothing new about homeowner complaints that a fishlike chemical odor lingers for months after spray foam has been applied. If your expectations for both of these topics don't match up with what the contractor thinks will happen, then there is going to inevitably be issues. The popularity of spray foam insulation in the building industry has seen a surge in the number of spray foam products entering the marketplace. Also, dust particles from the spraying can pose a risk for up to 24 hours which is why a proper 24, or 48 hours as an extra safety measure, ventilation process is required after applying spray insulation. If the foam isn’t applied at the correct rate or thickness, the contractor will need to touch up spaces. Being hasty and missing areas can lead to gaps in your insulation coverage which reduces the efficiency of the spray foam. Please let us know how we can assist you. - Michael Schrauben, Spray Foam Insulation Problems: Look Out for These 7 Issues. RetroFoam of Michigan has more than 17 years of experience insulating homes across the lower peninsula and greater Toledo area. Our warranty is transferable from one owner to the next. Additionally, spray trainers from Icynene’s Technical Support team travel throughout North America to strengthen the knowledge and skill of our dealers’ sprayers. Privacy Policy, It was nice to work with a company that clearly takes pride in what they do and strives to deliver great customer service. JEFFREY RACE. Also ensure you know what the correct thickness of application should be, because going into a project with knowledge is power. Problem: Misrepresentation Which Insulation is the Best for My Existing House? Lapolla’s approach to designing, building or retrofitting a home involves identifying traditional building envelope problems and correcting them through the use of spray foam insulation and other air sealing products. lapolla industries is the first globally to develop and commercially release the fourth generation wall foam system – foam-lok 2000 4g Lapolla continues to remain on the cutting edge of technology by being the first to introduce the next generation blowing agent into our closed-cell spray foam insulation system. The case no is 2:2012cv04622. When considering whether to invest in home insulation, Lapolla knows that cost is the greatest consideration for most of our customers. This can also lead to high energy bills as your appliances work overtime in an attempt to heat or cool your home. Some odors only last for maybe an hour or two, while others can last much longer if the space to be insulated isn’t well ventilated. Lapolla says the suit was crafted to force a cost-of-defence settlement or face an expensive court fight. If that air barrier isn’t created and air movement is allowed in your home, your AC unit and furnace will be working overtime as you attempt to keep your home comfortable. Only hire licensed contractors who have experience with the material you requested and have been trained by the spray foam insulation manufacturer. Understanding the facts about spray foam insulation and how Icynene addresses any spray foam insulation problems, you can be confident that you’re choosing the best spray foam insulation product on the market. Spray foam insulation will create an air seal that will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer if it is applied correctly. Given equal R-values, foam delivers about 20% to 40% better overall performance than traditional fiberglass or cellulose insulation, says Rick Duncan, technical director of the Spray Foam Alliance. She also loves knitting, making art, cooking, and hosting dinner and a movie night for friends and family. Solution: The best way to solve this problem is to make sure that you are working with a licensed contractor that is providing you with the spray foam insulation material you agreed upon. We know a lot about injection and spray foam insulation because that is all we do. Throughout her career as a journalist, she has won several awards from the The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter and the Michigan Press Association. The transaction will combine Icynene, a Mississauga, Ontario Canada-based manufacturer and distributor of high performance, one step spray foam polyurethane foam insulation ("SPF") products, with Lapolla, a Houston-headquartered global supplier and maker of SPF products. We’ve seen what can happen when an inexperienced contractor attempts to install spray foam insulation, and it isn’t pretty. This is especially true due to the superior performance of spray foam over conventional fiberglass, and the fact that our products cut home energy costs dramatically. From poor application to chemicals not mixing correctly, we have seen and fixed it all. Excess moisture can seep in from the outside or can build up directly in the wall itself.Taking the right precautions to block this kind of accretion requires considering spray foam insulation from Icynene, one of the best tools for avoiding the accumulation of harmful mold spores in homes of all kinds. spray foam insulation problems. Building Genius presents architects, commercial builders and production builders with an insight. With the addition of Lapolla's Spray Foam, homeowner's gain a "peace of mind" that their home delivers maximum protection against energy loss and maximum comfort for their family. It restricts air movement, which stops moisture accumulation so that the possibility of mould growth is less likely to occur. There are a number of ways that mold can form inside the walls of a home. • Avoids thermal bridging & resists heat movement in all directions. In our ongoing efforts to educate our customers, we have compiled a list of seven things that can cause real problems when installing spray foam insulation and how to fix them. Lapolla's Spray Foam is designed to meet all of these demands. Are you considering spray foam insulation for your home, but you have concerns about what could go wrong? Since Huntsman completed the acquisition of spray polyurethane foam specialist Icynene-Lapolla in February 2020, the coronavirus has made the world a very different place. A huge benefit of spray foam insulation is that it helps deter pests from entering your home. Solution: Educate yourself on your specific project so you can ensure that your contractor is experienced and on the same page as you. work only with a licensed Icynene spray foam contractor. Incorrect Application: 3 Problems It Presents. The claim centred on an allegation that the spray foam compound fails to become inert and non-toxic when applied to homes due to a fundamental design flaw or the near impossibility of proper installation. For example, the name Icynene-Lapolla has become a synonym for the term “spray foam insulation” with builders, architects, and homeowners alike since the company developed modern open cell spray foam in the 1980s. A huge benefit of spray foam insulation is that it helps deter pests from entering your home. This will also lead to higher energy bills. Spray foam insulation installers bring two separate sets of chemicals: Set A consists of Isocyanates and Set B consists of a Polyol blend. Another client scraped away most of the foam in his roof but still experiences problems when the summer heat warms the remaining foam. Just like with any other product, as something becomes more popular, there will be an increase in misuse leading to spray foam insulation headaches. Cutting or trimming the foam as is hardens can release chemicals in the air. Unsure whether your spray foam contractor is a licensed Icynene contractor? Almost all of the problems associated with spray foam roof insulation comes down to incorrect application. • Minimizes dew point problems and condensation. Spray foam is installed between the roof rafters, along the soffit areas and directly to all exterior surfaces such as gable walls, dormers, etc., to produce an air tight building envelope. You’ve taken all the necessary overspray precautions. A permanent odor can also be created when this happens. For example, Icynene-Lapolla open cell spray foam must be installed at 3-inches before an air seal is created. So you can LIVE comfortably and sensibly –protecting your investment. Poor application includes off-ratio spraying of the material, bad odors, and the lack of adhesion. As an industry leader in high performance building products, we were the first in the world to commercialize the latest state-of-the-art spray foam insulation technology. Rushing the job can also lead to a contractor trying to apply a closed cell spray foam at too high a thickness. Spray foam in unvented attics Spray foam in unvented attics allows homeowners to convert the area into a liveable space. It's also a great place to learn even more about spray foam and all the benefits that come with it when you choose a superior product. Yet with some due diligence, spray foam insulation problems can be avoided from the outset allowing your clients take advantage of the immediate and long-term benefits of this modern insulation material.. Solution: Make sure that you have a reputable contractor that has experience installing the spray foam material you have chosen. Although it’s behind the walls, choosing the right insulation can help you save up to 50% in heating and cooling costs.. We provide information that can help homeowners understand where their home could be losing money due to their inefficient insulation. Solution: Icynene’s equipment is designed to avoid “off ratio” spraying, and testing shows that “off ratio” Icynene spray foam does not present a safety concern. This will help to dissipate the odor and any potential off-gassing. Spray Foam Myth: Insulating with spray foam insulation at the roof line will cause moisture problems with the roof sheathing. As part of the RetroFoam of Michigan family, Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that will help educate homeowners on the benefits of foam insulation. AVENUE INSULATION "Toronto’s Most Referred" for SPRAY-FOAM installation & related service. Servicing Michigan's Lower Peninsula & Greater Toledo, By: From complex to small projects, we’ll knowledgeably assist you & install with optimal result. As the name suggests, spray foam insulation is a liquid foam which is sprayed into position and sets into an insulating layer. Solution: It's crucial that you and your spray foam insulation contractor are on the same page as to what the results will be as far as your goals are concerned. As the heat gets turned up, warmed air condenses in cold spaces and produces moisture between walls where gaps are present. While all spray foams have an odor, not all have issues with off-gassing. The problem arises when an imitation product is falsely represented so you have lack of adhesion to the cavity the foam is sprayed in and moisture management issues that can create mold and mildew, according to Icynene. Lapolla Spray Foam Insulation When you use Lapolla™ Spray Foam Insulation, installed by Bayshore Insulation’s factory trained and certified installers you eliminate air leakage, problem solved. We have a ton of great resources in our Learning Center that might help ease some of those concerns you have. A poor spray foam application by an untrained or unlicensed contractor can lead to significant problems. Common problems found with traditional insulation in an unvented attic assembly can be mitigated with spray foam insulation like Icynene. Spray Foam Insulation | Commercial & Residential | Energy Efficient. Using closed-cell spray foam on the roof deck ensures the roof will not get warm enough to melt snow and cause refreezing as … As North America’s leading spray foam insulation manufacturer, Icynene is driving the insulation category further with its product innovation, world-class building science expertise, hands-on technical support and integrated marketing initiatives. Icynene warrantees its insulation for the life of the building. A huge benefit of spray foam insulation is that it helps deter pests from entering your home. 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