Photo: Anna Shvets

Can I use expanding foam as shed insulation?

Expanding foam insulation can be applied to any surface that needs to be reinforced to prevent draughts and enhance structural integrity. Expanding foam became a valuable form of insulation due to its thermal properties and resistance to heat flow, otherwise known as R-value.

massfoamsystems.co.uk - Expanding Foam Can Be Used as Insulation, Here's How

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Can Expanding Foam Be Used As Insulation?

Yes, expanding foam can be used as insulation. Expanding foam can be defined as a two-component mixture composed of two materials that react when mixed. This causes the foam to expand and harden, providing an insulating material. Expanding foam insulation can be applied to any surface that needs to be reinforced to prevent draughts and enhance structural integrity. Expanding foam became a valuable form of insulation due to its thermal properties and resistance to heat flow, otherwise known as R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

The history

It was first invented in 1937 by a man named Otto Bayer, developed for initial applications of shoe soles and cushions, and later used as building insulation in 1979. As expanding foam grew in popularity, new methods arose that simplified the installation process. Expanding foam was poured into crevices and onto materials, which, for upright applications, proved tricky. Spray foam insulation is a form of expanding foam that can be sprayed onto any surface at any angle, and at a much faster rate.

Types of expanding foam

Spray foam insulation is available in a wide range of densities and cell structure; open cell spray foam is low density whilst higher density foams are referred to as closed cell spray foam. This allows buildings, warehouses, boats and more to be insulated at the R-value most suitable to their needs. The image below clearly illustrates the air bubbles within each variant of spray foam insulation.

How it works

Once spray foam is installed into an area, the material expands and hardens. The expansion creates many little air bubbles within the material and fills all corners and gaps, ensuring that there is an airtight seal. Air is a good insulator for heat but can transfer heat through convection. These air pockets alone are not the reason why spray foam is so effective. Spray foam is effective because of the thin walls between each air bubble which makes it difficult for convection to occur. This material allows heat to get trapped in the air bubbles and not escape further. Among the insulation properties of spray foam, there are other benefits that should not go unnoticed:

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Sound-proofing

Environmentally friendly

No R-value lost overtime

Air leak prevention

Convenient application of the product

The different foams

Expanding foam insulation has been developed by various insulation companies. The two-component mixture has been changed and adapted; Icynene® spray foam insulation is now one of the most popular due to its environmentally friendly properties and effectiveness. There are other expanding foam solutions on the market, such as polyurethane foam, with their own pros and cons. However, at Mass Foam System we strongly believe Icynene provides the best level of insulation. Within each spray foam product, there are also the varying types that are mentioned above: open-cell and closed-cell.

DIY expanding foam spray

Spray foam can be but should not be installed by yourself. If you are enquiring about this for money savings, you will certainly do the opposite through a DIY installation. We strongly recommend this because of the related costs involved in a DIY procedure. Using expanding foam spray without the proper equipment or safety measures in place, such as an appropriate ventilation system, can cause the effectiveness of the spray foam to decrease or even cost you more money for repairs to damages involved. Read our full guide on DIY expanding foam spray to learn about the costs and dangers associated. However, whilst expanding foam can be used as insulation, it should only be applied by a professional. Mass Foam Systems are professional Icynene® contractors offering spray foam insulation all over the UK. Get an instant quote for expanding foam or get in touch to request a brochure – call today!