This video by Modern Marvels is very helpful in understanding Foam Insulation.
Click on the picture to go to the video.
 

 Information Library for Spray Foam Insulation:

1. The benefits of insulating an attic space and the myths of Roof Ventilation
2.Attic Ventilation
3. Unvented Attics
4. Understanding Foundations and Foam Insulation
5. Insulation and Energy Savings
6. Saving Energy and the planet through Foam Insulation
7. Spray Foam Insulation: A sustainable solution
8. Emission Studies for Spray Foam Insulation
9. Another great video of how spray foam insulation is applied

 FAQS


Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Greenstar Foam Insulation in general. If you do not find the answers to your questions or if you would like more information please contact us directly, and we will be glad to assist you.

1. What is Spray Foam Insulation?
2. What is The Difference Between Open Cell and Closed Cell?
3. What is Permeability?
4. How Long Has Spray Foam Insulation Been Around?
5. What is Greenstar Foam?
6. What is R-Value?
   7. What is The R-Value of Greenstar Foam?
   8. What Makes Greenstar Foam So Effective?
   9. How Does Greenstar Foam Control Indoor Air Quality and Comfort?
   10. How Does Greenstar Foam Control Moisture and Condensation?
   11. What Is Greenstar Foam Made Of?
   12. Are There any Glass Fibers in Greenstar Foam?
   13. Does Greenstar Foam Create a Rodent or Insect Problem?
   14. Does Greenstar Foam Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth?
   15. Where is Spray Foam used?
   16. How is Greenstar Foam Installed?
   17. How Long Does it Take for Greenstar Foam to Cure?
   18. At What Stage is Greenstar Foam Installed?
   19. Can Homeowners Install Greenstar Foam Themselves?
   20. Who Applies Greenstar Foam?
   21. Does Greenstar Foam Adhere to Metal or Wood Studs?
   22. How Long Does Greenstar Foam Last?
   23. Does Greenstar Foam Cause any Overheating with Electrical Wiring?
   24. Is Greenstar Foam Corrosive to Metals?
   25. Are There any Compatibility Concerns with Other Building Materials?
   26. Is it healthy For a Building to Have a 100% Air Tight Seal?
   27. Does Greenstar Foam Contain any VOCs or CFCs?
   28. Does Greenstar Foam Have Building Code Approvals?
   29. Is Greenstar Foam a Fire Hazard or a Fire Barrier?
   30. How Does Greenstar Foam Compare to ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms)?
   31. How Does Greenstar Foam Compare to Geothermal Energy?
   32. Does lack of ventilation have an effect on shingle life or will the spray foaming of the attic cause ice dams?
   33. How Much Does it Cost?
   34. How Can I Get Greenstar Foam For My building?

    

   1.  What is Spray Foam Insulation?

      Spray Foam Insulation (also referred to as Spray Polyurethane Foam) is a method of sealing and insulating that is spray applied like paint. It is a 2 component system typically consisting of petroleum oils, plastics, and resins. The 2 liquids are heated at high pressure and mix at the spray gun. When the 2 liquids hit the target substrate they react with each other and rapidly expand curing as a foam. Spray Foam Insulations fall under 2 categories Open Cell (also referred to as ½ lb. or low density foam) and Closed Cell (also referred to as 2 lb. or medium density foam).

   2.  What is The Difference Between Open Cell and Closed Cell?

      Open Cell, ½ lb. or low density spray foam cures soft and the irregular bubbles which form during the expansion reaction are broken or open. These pockets fill with air, and as such the R-Value of Open Cell foam is close to that of dormant air, around 3.6 per inch. Being spray applied as a liquid Open Cell foam conforms to any shape, but it is not a Code Approved Vapor Barrier with a permeability rating of over 400 ng. Closed Cell, 2 lb. or medium density spray foam cures rigid and the millions of microscopic bubbles which form during the expansion reaction remain closed and intact. This traps the reaction gases, and as such the R-Value of Closed Cell foam is close to that of the reaction gas, around 7 per inch. The Closed Cell structure is very strong; increasing shear and racking strength by 300%. Closed Cell foam is a Code Approved Vapor Barrier with a permeability rating of under 45 ng. Closed Cell foam stops both air flow through the wall and air flow within the wall cavity.

   3.  What is Permeability?

      Permeability, rated in ng, is a measure of the transference of grains of water through a material at a standard vapor pressure and temperature. The Canadian National Building Code gives a Code Approved Vapor Barrier rating to materials with a permeability rating of less than 60 ng while the Alberta Building Code requires a permeability less than 45 ng. Greenstar Foam meets the requirements of the Alberta Building Code as a Vapor Barrier.

   4.  How Long Has Spray Foam Insulation Been Around?

      Spray Foam Insulation has been around for more than 50 years. Its primary use was in the food storage industry. Original Spray Foam Insulations contained urea formaldehyde, and used CFCs as blowing agents. Spray Foam Insulation today does not contain urea and Greenstar Foam uses a Zero Ozone Depletion Substance (Zero ODS) blowing agent.

       

   5.  What is Greenstar Foam?

      Greenstar Foam is a spray-in-place, medium density, two-part, soy based polyurethane foam insulation. It is a 2 lb. Closed Cell and 1/2 pound open-cell, rigid foam that in one step provides a sealed, thermal envelope that simplifies construction practices. It is rated by the Canadian National and Alberta Building Code as an approved Vapor Barrier, Air Barrier, and Thermal Insulation. Greenstar Foam exclusively uses materials which have been certified and formulated with the Environment in mind. It is made from Soy Bean Oil, Sugar and Recycled Plastic Bottles. It emits no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or CFCs (Chloro-Fluoro Carbons). It contains no formaldehyde or bleach. It behaves just like petroleum based spray foams, without any of the harmful Environmental side effects. Greenstar Foam is the most cost effective, energy efficient and Environmentally friendly insulation method available today.

   6.  What is R-Value?

    

    R-Value is a measurement of thermal resistance. A higher R-Value means a greater ability to resist heat flow. However R-Value only measures resistance to conduction. Conduction (heat transfer through solid molecules) is only responsible for 20% of a buildings heat loss, while convection (heat transfer by air molecules moving from hot areas to cold areas) is responsible for 80%. Just 1/4" of Greenstar Foam will stop 99% of heat loss by convection.

   7)  What is The R-Value of Greenstar Foam?

Greenstar Foam has the highest R-Value (7 per inch) of any insulation product available today. Also, unlike Fiber Insulations such as Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Rockwool, Greenstar Foam has a "real world" R-Value which is not affected by external forces. Studies by the US Department of Energy found that Fiber Insulations loose half of their R-Values when outside temperatures reach -28°C. Similar tests found the same effect from wind, with Fiber Insulations loosing half of their R-Values when exposed to a 15 km/h wind.

8)  What Makes Greenstar Foam So Effective?

Greenstar Foam is much more effective than traditional insulation products, because it is applied as a liquid, and then expands as a foam 20 to 30 times (for 2 pound foam) and 100-130 times (for ½ pound foam) its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms to and fills in every single nook, cranny, crevice, hole, crack, and gap to create a continuous thermal envelope. Greenstar Foam creates a complete seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not shrink, settle, or disintegrate. Since Fiber Insulations like Fiberglass and Cellulose are settling materials, they cannot seal from stud to stud or around outlets and other penetrations. In addition, Fiberglass and Cellulose can lose their insulation value if water or moisture invade the wall cavity. As a Code Approved Vapor Barrier, Greenstar Foam can actually help eliminate moisture problems in a wall cavity. Greenstar Foam is an inert substance and will not support mold growth.

9)  How Does Greenstar Foam Control Indoor Air Quality and Comfort?

Greenstar Foam creates an air-tight sealed thermal envelope. When spray applied, the liquid rapidly expands as a foam 20 to 30 times (for 2 pound foam) and 100-130 times (for ½ pound foam) times it’s original size conforming to and filling in every single nook, cranny, crevice, hole, crack, and gap. With Greenstar Foam there are no fibers or loose matter to contaminate the interior air. By stopping exterior air infiltration, Greenstar Foam also stops dust and external pollutants from entering the building. As a Code Approved Vapor Barrier it also stops air movement or convection within the wall cavity, which eliminates moisture problems such as mold and mildew. Greenstar Foam does not contain bleach or formaldehyde nor does it emit any harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or CFCs (Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons). A building sprayed with Greenstar Foam is also much quieter; it decreases the noise from both the exterior Environment and interior mechanical systems. The end result is improved indoor air quality, and a healthier more comfortable building. This is why The American Lung Association uses Spray Foam Insulation for their "Health Homes" being built in the U.S.

10)  How Does Greenstar Foam Control Moisture and Condensation?

Most of the damaging moisture within a building envelope is the result of convection currents both through and within the wall cavity. Warm moist inside air circulates and exchanges with cold dry outside air in a cavity insulated with Fiberglass or Cellulose. As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. This destroys the insulation, decreases it’s effectiveness, and if it is there long enough causes mold and rot. Both Greenstar Foam, and other Open Cell spray foams create an air-tight seal and are highly effective at stopping air movement through the wall. However only Greenstar Foam with it’s Closed Cell structure can stop the air movement within the wall. No air movement means no convection, resulting in no condensation, and elimination of moisture problems.

11)  What Is Greenstar Foam Made Of?

Greenstar Foam is made from Soy Bean Oil, Sugar Cane, Recycled Plastic Bottles, and Resins. It is a two component liquid system that is spray applied like paint, using a Zero Ozone Depletion Substance (Zero ODS) blowing agent. The chemical constituents are similar to those used in many products already in your home, such as upholstery foam and the foam used for pillows and mattresses; although the properties of the foam are different.

12)  Are There any Glass Fibers in Greenstar Foam?

No. Glass fibers have been listed as a suspected carcinogen by the EPA and most Fiberglass insulation manufacturers now print a warning label on the wrapper.

13)  Does Greenstar Foam Create a Rodent or Insect Problem?

No. Greenstar Foam is an inert substance and as such, is pest resistant. There is absolutely no food value in the insulation.

14)  Does Greenstar Foam Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth?

Greenstar Foam offers no food value, and is an inert substance; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth.

15)  Where is Spray Foam used?

Spray Foam Insulation is used in all aspects of construction: Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Institutional, and Residential. In new home construction, Spray Foam Insulation is fast becoming the industry standard for hard to insulate areas such as Rim Joists, Sill Areas, Cantilevers, Bays, Cathedral Ceilings, and Bonus Rooms. However, homes that are completely insulated and sealed with Greenstar Foam give their owners substantial advantages over traditional insulation methods. Greenstar Foam can also be used to insulate HVAC plenums and ducts as well as plumbing drains and lines which helps conserve energy and reduces the interior noise of these mechanical systems. Other applications include the exterior of flat roofs, basement floors, underground footings and foundation walls, and pools.

16)  How is Greenstar Foam Installed?

Greenstar Foam is a two component liquid which is sprayed in place by a Trained and Certified Professional Applicator. The two liquids, which are heated under high pressure, mix at the spray gun reacting with each other causing the liquid to expand rapidly and cure as a rigid foam.

17)  How Long Does it Take for Greenstar Foam to Cure?

Greenstar Foam goes from liquid to foam in a few seconds. You can watch it quickly expand 20 to 30 times its original volume. It is dry to the touch within seconds, and is completely cured in 24 hours.

18)  At What Stage is Greenstar Foam Installed?

Greenstar Foam is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, after the framing, electrical, and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other system located behind the drywall is installed. Simply, it is the last installation to take place before drywall.

19)  Can Homeowners Install Greenstar Foam Themselves?

No, it takes a trained professional to install Greenstar Foam because of the sophisticated equipment needed to install it properly.

20)  Who Applies Greenstar Foam?

Only trained, certified and licensed applicators can apply Greenstar Foam, ensuring professional and consistent installations.

21)  Does Greenstar Foam Adhere to Metal or Wood Studs?

Greenstar Foam adheres well to almost any material, especially wood and metal studs and concrete which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction.

22)  How Long Does Greenstar Foam Last?

Indefinitely. As an inert, long lasting polymer, any residential or commercial structure is a great place for Greenstar Foam.

23)  Does Greenstar Foam Cause any Overheating with Electrical Wiring?

          No, Greenstar Foam has been tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities.

24)  Is Greenstar Foam Corrosive to Metals?

          No, Greenstar Foam is non-corrosive.

25)  Are There any Compatibility Concerns with Other Building Materials?

Greenstar Foam is stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives, and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acid, and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials.

26)  Is it healthy For a Building to Have a 100% Air Tight Seal?

No. While having a 100% air tight seal is essential to stopping heat loss and reducing energy bills, occupants need fresh air. As such, buildings sealed with Greenstar Foam must have a heat recovery air exchanger installed. In the winter, this simple machine brings cold fresh air from the outside and passes it by (without mixing) the warm stale air being expelled. This allows the fresh air to pick up the heat from the stale air, maintaining energy efficiency while providing a continuous supply of fresh air. In the summer, the opposite occurs giving the same results.

27)  Does Greenstar Foam Contain any VOCs or CFCs?

No. Greenstar Foam does not contain any Volatile Organic Compounds, nor does it contain any formaldehyde, bleach, or any CFCs (Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons) or HCFCs (Hydro Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons). In fact, Spray Foam Insulation has been used in many of the American Lung Association "Health Homes" being built in the U.S.

28)  Does Greenstar Foam Have Building Code Approvals?

Greenstar Foam has the approval of all four major US building codes. Greenstar Foam is not only recognized as a Thermal Insulation, it also meets the requirements of a Vapor Barrier, and an Air Barrier. In fact, it is one of the most extensively tested insulation products ever. Concern in the 1970's over the excessive off-gassing of an early foam product called urea formaldehyde, and the health effects of other insulating products, specifically Asbestos and Fiberglass, resulted in some very thorough and sensitive emissions testing for new building products. Greenstar Foam has met the requirements of these emissions tests and all subsequent re-certifications.

29)  Is Greenstar Foam a Fire Hazard or a Fire Barrier?

Greenstar Foam only chars, it does not self-sustain combustion, and will extinguish once an external flame source is removed. Greenstar Foam is also thermoset, not thermoplastic; meaning that it does not return to liquid form once it is cured. These properties make Greenstar Foam a great fire barrier. For example, if the common wall between a warehouse and a showroom is sealed with Greenstar Foam a fire can burn in the warehouse all night and the showroom would remain untouched. However, it is the super insulating properties of Greenstar Foam that make it a fire hazard. The heat from a fire inside a building completely sealed with Greenstar Foam will be reflected back to the fire and cause the fire to burn hotter and quicker. For this reason a code approved fire barrier must be installed over Greenstar Foam in living spaces. ½" drywall is an approved fire barrier for this.

30)  How Does Greenstar Foam Compare to ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms)?

ICFs or Insulated Concrete Forms share many of the same advantages as Greenstar Foam. They both create a more energy efficient wall by creating a completely sealed thermal air barrier. They both create a stronger wall and a quieter building. However ICFs are much more expensive and time consuming than conventional wood framed walls insulated and sealed with Greenstar Foam. Since Greenstar Foam is applied at the same time in the construction process as Conventional Insulation, there is no interruption or alteration to the construction schedule. Everything from framing, plumbing, and electrical to interior and exterior finishing is exactly the same. ICFs require drastic changes to all aspects of the construction process, which result in increased time and money. ICF block walls are typically 11" to 13" thick decreasing your living space where Greenstar Foam’s high R-Value (7 per inch compared to 3.6 per inch for the EPS foam ICFs typically use) allows you to use maximize your living space. Also ICFs are limited to walls with little customization, where Greenstar Foam can be used to seal and insulate the roof (hot air rises) and the most highly customized wall structures. ICFs however are a great alternative for cement basements, and work extremely well with wood framed main floors and roofs that are sealed and insulated with Greenstar Foam.

31)  How Does Greenstar Foam Compare to Geothermal Energy?

 While Geothermal Energy and Greenstar Foam both work towards the same result: lowering your energy bills, and reducing your greenhouse gas emissions, they accomplish this in 2 different ways. Geothermal Energy is an alternative source to heat and cool your home. Greenstar Foam is the best way to seal and insulate your home from the exterior Environment, reducing your heating and cooling requirements. As such a home that is insulated and sealed with Greenstar Foam which also utilizes a Geothermal Energy heating and cooling system will use little to no energy. For more information on Geothermal Energy please click here.

32)  Does lack of ventilation have an effect on shingle life or will the spray foaming of the attic cause ice dams?

No. Curling of the roof shingles is caused as heat from the sun is transferred beneath the roof decking which then traps it in the attic space. The trapped heat in the attic then becomes higher than the temperature of the shingles and "cooks" the hydrocarbon based shingles. Spray foam insulating the interior roof bays prevents the initial entry of heat which effectively stops the "cooking" effect of the attic space. The spray foamed attic space in turn will be about 50% cooler in the Summer (or warmer months) which not only will prevent shingle damage but, it has been shown in some studies to actually increase the shingle life by 30%. A cooler attic will then decrease your cooling bill and will lessen the use and wear of attic-installed-HVAC systems.

The attic space sprayed with foam insulation will be 50% warmer during the Winter (or cooler) months. The warmer attic (in winter months) phenomenon is caused by preventing heat loss from the home and reflecting it back into the home. The warmer attic (in the winter months) will effectively stop any future ice dams from occurring.

The unvented attic space achieved by spray foam insulation has been approved by Elk Shingle Company (one of the largest producers of shingles in the world.)

33)  How Much Does it Cost?
While the initial cost of insulating and sealing your building with Greenstar Foam is 2-3 times higher than using Fiberglass, it will actually add value to your building and put money in your pocket every month. Some of the initial cost is offset by the ability to downsize the heating and cooling systems. The remaining extra cost may only affect your mortgage slightly, maybe a few dollars every month, but by using 50% to 80% less energy you could save hundreds of dollars every month on your utility bill, and add thousands of dollars in value to your home. According to the Home Appraisers Journal "A homes value increases $20 for every $1 of annual energy savings." With the rising costs of energy, your savings will continue to grow for the entire life of your building. Furthermore, there are large rebates made available by federal, state and local authorities and natural gas companies that can offset foam insulation costs by as much as 50%.

34)  How Can I Get Greenstar Foam For My building?

You can Contact Us directly by clicking the previous link or by calling us at 781-810-4858. If you already have a builder we would be glad to meet with you and your builder to discuss the advantages and applications of Greenstar Foam.

If you have any more questions or would like more information please Contact Us at 781-810-4858. We look forward to helping you "save more than just your money."

 

 

 

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