F.A.Q.

Air-Lok Spray Foam Insulation Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 803-9531

What is the R-value (insulation value) of the product we use?

How does Spray Foam Insulation increase the structural integrity of my home and make it more resistant to movement?

How does Spray Foam Insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?

How does Spray Foam Insulation control moisture movement and condensation?

How is the insulation installed?

Does foam insulation cause any electrical wiring overheat problems or any problems to any metal surfaces?

Can spray foam insulation be applied under my house below my wood floors?

Does Spray Foam Insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?

How long does Spray Foam Insulation last?

How does spray-foam compare with fiberglass batts and blow-in cellulose?

Does the insulation contain formaldehyde?

At what stage is the insulation installed?

What kind of Building Professional endorse foam insulation?

Wouldn't spray-foam insulation seal my house too tight?

How long has this type of insulation been around?

What is the R-value (insulation value) of the product we use?

Air-Lok Spray Foam Insulation uses a closed cell product with an R-value of 7 per inch when installed, R-6 over long term. Spray foam is the only insulation product that offers a true R-value because it is the only product that creates an air seal. Don't get caught up in the myth of R-values. R-value means nothing without a true thermal air seal. Only spray-foam achieves this.

How does Spray Foam Insulation increase the structural integrity of my home and make it more resistant to movement?

Our denser foam products offer additional structural support to both walls and the roofs of any property. For roofs, our foam seals the soffit openings where winds can sometimes get in and lift a roof off the top of a house. Walls become thicker and stronger with foam installed.

How does Spray Foam Insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?

Spray Foam Insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope. When applied, the insulation conforms and fills each cavity and void. It contributes to the overall comfort and health of the occupants of a home because there are no loose fibers to move about. By reducing air infiltration, the insulation also reduces dust and harmful, household mold and mildew. Spray Foam Insulation provides a healthier, draft-free, indoor environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions.

How does Spray Foam Insulation control moisture movement and condensation?

Most damaging moisture within a building envelope cavity is the result of warm moist inside air being exchanged with the cold dry outside air within the walls. As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. Because foam insulation is an air seal, this moisture movement and condensation does not occur. It is ideal for use in climates where buildings are both heated and air conditioned because the situation is reversed in summer with moisture forming on the back of the interior vapor retarder.

How is the insulation installed?

The Spray Foam insulation is sprayed into place onto a studded wall by a certified professional. As with any open surface, the foam insulation can be sprayed after electrical and plumbing services are in place. It then expands in seconds, permanently adhering to the surfaces of the surrounding building materials and sealing all gaps.

Does foam insulation cause any electrical wiring overheat problems or any problems to any metal surfaces?

No, foam insulation has been thoroughly tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities nor is it corrosive to any metals whatsoever.

Can spray foam insulation be applied under my house below my wood floors?

YES!!! This is one of our favorite applications. In the winter time, those of us with raised houses suffer from cold, moist wood floors and in the summertime we lose much of our conditioned air through cracks in our floors. Applying our product under the wood floors or under sub flooring not only creates an air seal and insulates the floor, but it also seals all the cracks and holes where rodents, insects, and spiders enter our homes. The foam also will protect your wood floors from soil moisture rising from the ground to slowly rot your wood. Installing fiberglass batts under your floors can be a huge mistake because they tend to drop a few inches creating an air gap where moisture can penetrate and wreak havoc on your wood, not to mention creating a more pleasant environment for termites and rodents.

Does Spray Foam Insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?

Our product offers no food value. It is an inert substance; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth whatsoever.

How long does Spray Foam Insulation last?

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

How does spray-foam compare with fiberglass batts and blow-in cellulose?

1. Fiberglass batts will not stop air leakage (they might filter out some dirt and dust). Blown-in cellulose will slow down air leakage. Spray-foam will stop air leakage dead. Spray-foam is also mold and moisture resistant unlike fiberglass and cellulose.

2. Fiberglass batts have an R-value of about 3.5 (1-inch thickness) but this is not a true R-value since there is no air seal. Blown-in cellulose has an R-value of about 3 to 4 (1-inch thickness) but also no air seal. Our spray-foam has a true R-value of 6.0 – 7.0 depending on the density foam we use (1-inch thickness).

3. Fiberglass batts can sag over time; blown-in cellulose can settle over time: both situations leave sections uninsulated and you’ll feel warmer or colder because of it. Spray-foam completely adheres to wood and sheathing; the result is a permanent barrier to heat loss and air entry.

4. Spray-foam will add strength and rigidity to your house. Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose will not.

Does the insulation contain formaldehyde?

No.

At what stage is the insulation installed?

For new construction or renovations, the insulation is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. On existing homes, the spray foam insulation can be installed to the attic, roof line, and sub-flooring to seal in the house.

What kind of Building Professional endorse foam insulation?

Everyone from cutting edge building scientists, engineers, insulation experts, Green Home specialists, mold experts, etc recommend the use of spray foam in new construction or renovations.

Wouldn't spray-foam insulation seal my house too tight?

Your house DOES need to be ventilated, BUT most home engineers and building scientists well advise that you seal the structure as tight as possible and provide necessary ventilation through your air conditioning and heating system. Many systems employ an "air exchanger" which pre-conditions incoming outside air to control humidity and energy efficiency. This type of design along with spray-foam creates a true Thermal Envelope.

How long has this type of insulation been around?

Spray foam has been around for more than 30 years for commercial and industrial uses. It has gotten very popular for residential use in the last 10 years.