Exposed Exterior Spray Foam Insulation

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to thermal barriers regarding what they are and when they are needed with spray foam application.

Exposed exterior spray foam insulation.

Spray foam can be left exposed if it used indoors. If you ve got spray foam insulation in an attic for example it s probably already separated from the living space by a thermal barrier. But the spray foam is still exposed to the attic and needs an ignition barrier. It is recommended for use in both interior and exterior environments and is sandable and paintable.

The ftc investigation consent decree. Building renovations demolition or building disassembly done years later can disturb spray foam insulation. Quick and convenient to use and apply tite foam big gaps offers an easy insulating spray foam option. As long as it is closed cell insulation.

Performing hot work on or near polyurethane foam may lead to potential exposures to isocyanates and other toxic emissions. Most ceilings are made of 1 2 drywall. Spray foam exposed to sunlight will deteriorate in a year or so. Use to seal out air moisture and pests in basements or crawlspaces attic hatches and plumbing hvac or electrical penetrations.

As far as i know most types of rigid foam insulation can t be left exposed but need to be covered with a layer of drywall for fire resistance. Eifs with the fiberglass mesh is expensive and not that durable. T mass is about 1 5 times as much as spraying closed cell urethane foam on walls furred and insulated inside. This type of foam insulation has a higher r value per inch making it also suitable for small areas that require the highest possible r value to meet building code requirements.

This type of insulation can be more expensive than loose fill insulation. It can be sprayed or injected into walls and it expands to fill the wall cavity even the smallest crevices and eventually hardens. Exposed polyurethane foam plastic insulation sold as non burning or self extinguishing parents won a suit against the manufacturer led to a 14 month investigation by the us federal trade commission genesis of chapter 26 foam plastic in the ibc. Spray foam can potentially generate toxic emissions under these circumstances.

Exterior insulation benefit vs cost while exterior rigid foam insulation has its benefits it s really expensive to protect regardless of how you do it. Closed cell spray insulation a rigid medium density material can be used in exterior applications such as continuous insulation applications as well as interior applications.