How to Use Spray Foam Insulation Kits

Spray foam insulation kits are a great way to conserve energy in homes. It can be a confusing topic, so here are the basics. Up to 70{13624d55b67f4b161de617d2e9d293368a3a357ee2b9d3c0f7245ef1c05927df} America’s home energy bills are due to heating and However, most of that energy gets wasted, by escaping through basements, attics, even cracks in ceilings, walls or windows. Quality insulation can make heating and cooling your home more cost effective.

Foam insulation kits is becoming increasingly popular in green building projects, replacing fiberglass in renovations and new construction. Safe and nontoxic, spray foam meets requirements and specifications because it expands to fill cracks, even in hard to insulate areas around electrical outlets and pipes. Unlike fiberglass, spray foam insulation reduces energy wasting air leaks, noise, pollution, and drafts. By reducing air leakage, spray foam reduces moisture within the walls and ceilings, stopping mold growth.

Although the foam is slightly more expensive to install, unless you purchase a spray foam insulation kit. Regardless, spray foam is typically more economical than fiberglass in the long run as homeowners can slice energy bills by up to 30{13624d55b67f4b161de617d2e9d293368a3a357ee2b9d3c0f7245ef1c05927df}. If you insulate your homes with spray foam, it will be quieter and more comfortable. It’s best to use polyurethane foam as it gives a higher R-value than any other type of insulation.

You can purchase a DIY Energy Efficient Home Insulation Kit for $1,369.00. It is a 2 x 602 Foam It Green Polyurethane Spray Foam Kit. It provides approximately 1,000 Square Feet (at 1 inch thickness) + 20{13624d55b67f4b161de617d2e9d293368a3a357ee2b9d3c0f7245ef1c05927df} Recommended Overage. Each includes a garden hose looking gun and 15 feet of hose. Sealing and insulating your home is a easy as watering your lawn. There are easy to read instructions and helpful tips. You would also get nozzles, spray fan tips, a Tyvek Suit, gloves and goggles.

Step by step instructions to using a foam insulation kit:

Put on gloves, safety goggles and suitable clothing or overalls. Set up the valve on tanks facing up and open the top of the carton. Take the gun applicator and hose assembly out of the carton. Through the openings in the back of the carton, connect the hoses to the tanks hand tighten, then tighten thoroughly with a spanner. Slowly open the valve on each tank. Make sure the tanks are fully opened. Check the hose and tank connections for leaks. Fold flaps is you want to close the box.

The gun applicator is usually set in the “off” position when manufactured. To unlock, push the switch to the on position. Point the gun applicator into a waste container. Squeeze the trigger all the way. You should see that two strong streams spray come out of the gun applicator. Select a disposable mixing nozzle and line up the slots on the nozzle with the notch on the gun applicator barrel. Push the nozzle onto the notch and twist clockwise to lock in place. Make sure to point the spray nozzle into a waste container. Carefully press the trigger and make sure the chemicals are mixing properly.

The foam should be an off-white color, not white or dark brown and should cure to a tack free surface within 30 to 45secs. If the foam is not the right color or is not curing properly, make sure the valves on both tanks are turned fully on and shake the tanks. If the foam is still not curing, contact your supplier. To stop or pause spraying, release the trigger of the gun. If spraying is stopped for 30 seconds or more, remove the mixing nozzle. To restart the spray, place a new or clean nozzle to the gun applicator.

Spray foam insulation kits are best used for new construction and renovations after plumbing and electrical work has been done. Spray foam is can be difficult to add once buildings are complete and walls are sealed. However, basements or attics can be redone with spray foam insulation.