Spray polyurethane foam meets the demanding requirements of proposed changes to the national and BC building code.

Global Realities demand improved building codes.  With rising energy prices and increasing evidence that our climate is affected by carbon dioxide, Canadian building codes continue to raise the bar for both energy efficiency and air tightness.  Though the amendment to the B.C. building code has been postponed to fall 2011 so that it does not overlap with changes to the national building code, both are expected to demand improvements to the thermal envelope.

Traditional materials cannot meet the need.

Fiberous materials, including fiberglass PINK and ROXUL have both reached their physical R-Value limits in conventionally framed 2×6 walls, and neither contributes to air tightness.  Any code-required improvements to the building envelopes R-Value or Air tightness will require the widespread adoption of new products.

Spray Polyurethane Foam rises to the challenge.

One product that has been in the market place for over 30 years is closed cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation.   Manufactured on site and installed to bond with the substrate on which it is sprayed Spray Polyurethane Foam expands 30 times to fill every nook and cranny of variance in your homes wall.  For years SPF has been the standard in commercial buildings, which demand higher performing envelope details.  Used to air seal the transitions between unlike products like glazing and concrete, Spray Polyurethane Foam has become the material most often specified to create unbroken building envelopes.

Spray Polyurethane Foam now widely adopted.

SPF technology has been more slowly adopted by residential builders primarily due to cost, but also due to misinformation and a lack of understanding of the science of heat loss.  As Spray Polyurethane Foam receives greater visibility through popular television programs, increased availability with the entrance of new installation contractors and formal recognition in residential building codes, SPF has never been more readily available nor commonly used than it is today.

The benefits of Spray Polyurethane Foam extend far beyond its high R-value.  With an R-Value of 6 per inch, R30 is achievable in a 2×6 wall and when thermal bridging accounted for a whole wall R-value of R20 is reached with conventional framing.

An Air tight building envelope is Spray Polyurethane Foams greatest asset.

Air tightness is significantly improved over 6 mil Poly sheets, though attention to details at the top and bottom plate is required to ensure that these areas are not left unaccounted for.  Rim joists are better sealed with SPF than with any other material because it expands to completely fill these otherwise difficult details to seal.

Polyurethane foam results in HVAC equipment savings.

The resulting reduction in air leakage through the wall means that HVAC equipment can and should be downsized up to 40% to maintain maximum efficiency and eliminate short cycling.

Spray Polyurethane foam is a vapor barrier.

Because closed cell SPF is a recognized vapor barrier, 6 mil poly is not required.   SPF is less permeable than a thin poly sheet and will stand up better over time because penetrations are not easily made.

No changes required to framing to use Polyurethane foam.

Using SPF is an easy transition requiring no changes in technique.  Installed at the same time as fibrous products,  it can be sprayed into conventional framing without any adjustments.

Polyurethane foam, the smart choice!

While Spray polyurethane foam insulation is more costly than fibrous materials, its durability, stable and high R-Value, air tightness, and impermeance to vapor drive results in a readily available solution.  By using Spray Polyurethane Foam today, you ensure that your home will meet the building codes of tomorrow.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 8:57 am and is filed under Environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.