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United Spray Foam Insulation – Traverse City
At United Spray Foam Insulation, we offer top-quality spray foam insulation services in Traverse City, MI. Whether you need commercial or residential insulation, our company has grown over the years to keep pace with the increase in demand for premium foam insulation services in Michigan.
Today, foam insulation is preferred over other types of insulation like cellulose or fiberglass because it has additional advantages. If you are planning on installing new spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI, or you want to replace your old insulation, you should have sufficient knowledge about the product so that you can make an informed decision.
Which Type of Insulation to Choose?
Spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI is of two types. These are open cell and closed cell spray foam. Open cell spray foam is a low-density material and is soft and flexible. This is great for use in basements, wall cavities, rim joists, and the underside of the roof.
On the other hand, closed cell spray foam is a high-density material and is more suitable for commercial and industrial applications. It has a dense and rigid structure and can be used in pole barns and industrial applications.
You might be confused as to which one is the best for your home or commercial space. To help you get a better understanding of these two types of spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Pros and Cons of Open Cell Spray Foam
Pros:
- Open cell spray foam is great for indoor use including covering any nooks and crannies as it has a high expansion rate.
- Open cell spray foam is cheaper than closed cell foam.
- It uses water as the blowing agent.
- It has sound dampening qualities and can be used in music rooms, and home offices to diminish noise from the outside and other rooms.
Cons:
- Does not add much structural integrity compared to closed cell spray foam.
- Has a lower R-value compared to closed cell spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI.
Pros and Cons of Closed Cell Foam Insulation
Pros:
- It has a higher R-value.
- It can easily be applied at low temperatures.
- It can block water and is suitable for areas where flooding takes place.
- Has higher inside space and structural integrity.
Cons:
- Closed cell spray foam uses a chemical agent as the blowing agent. This may give off an odor for a short period after installation.
- Unlike open cell spray foam, it does not have sound dampening qualities.
- Is best avoided in tiny spaces.
Though there are differences between open and closed cell spray foam, it does not mean that one type is better than the other. Both open and closed cell spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI when installed correctly can create an air seal. If you are still confused about which type to choose, speak to your insulation contractor and they will give you a better idea regarding which one will suit your project better.
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Does Old Insulation Need to be Removed?
If you are thinking about replacing your old insulation, it is best to choose spray foam as the replacement. Spray insulation will last you a long time and not need to be replaced soon.
Spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI is best installed during a renovation project. During a building renovation, the old insulation can easily be removed and the new insulation can be installed especially if you need wall insulation.
However, old cellulose and fiberglass insulation can be removed even if you do not intend to do a home renovation. A good insulation contractor will have expertise in removing the old insulation.
You might be wondering whether it is essential to remove your old insulation. The short answer is yes. You will need to remove and replace your old insulation if you want new insulation to be installed especially if it is dusty, and has allergens like mold or mildew. Sometimes pests may have made their nests in old cellulose or fiberglass insulation. Other than this, spray foam insulation always has to be installed on a clean substrate. Adding foam insulation over other types of insulation will not serve any purpose as there will not be any increase in R-value.
Attic insulation, crawl space insulation, basement insulation, and wall insulation is best removed by a professional insulation contractor. An insulation contractor will be familiar with insulation removal and disposal. They also have the necessary safety gear and equipment.
Can Spray Foam Insulation Be Used Anywhere?
Spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI is versatile and can be used in almost all parts of a building structure. However, some areas should be avoided.
Too close to electrical light fixtures
Spray foam insulation should be avoided near recessed canister lights because if it is sprayed too close to lightboxes, it can get trapped and the risk of fire increases.
In closed spaces
Since foam insulation has a high expansion rate it should not be used in enclosed cavities like in walls. Injection foam can be used instead because it has the same expansion level but a lower rate of expansion.
Behind electrical boxes
Insulation is used in areas between the electrical box and the outside wall. While other types of insulation are safe, spray foam insulation can enter the electrical box once it expands and can jam up the parts inside. It is also dangerous to introduce a flammable material in this area. Speak to your insulation contractor for the best advice.
Get in touch with us if you want to find out more about spray foam insulation in Traverse City, MI. Our team can answer any specific questions that you may have including the type of product we use, and how long it will take to complete the job. We also offer a free assessment and quote for home insulation and commercial insulation.
