Spray foam is more than just a high R-value insulation:

• Spray foam is an air barrier. Effective air barriers are now an integral part of building codes and standards, and they can increase the efficiency of mechanical systems, which could allow for additional savings in reduced HVAC requirements.
• Spray foam helps control moisture. Open- and closed-cell spray foam can act as a moisture vapor barrier. In addition, sealing gaps and air leaks can prevent humidity and condensation within a building.
• Spray foam helps prevent mold. By controlling moisture, spray foam can limit one of the key variables that can lead to mold growth.
• Spray foam makes buildings more durable. Fewer moisture problems result in a more durable building. Also, medium density, closed-cell spray foam can be used to make wall assemblies stronger by increasing their racking strength.
• Spray foam can improve customer satisfaction by improving comfort, durability, and energy efficiency.
• Spray foam provides design flexibility. Spray foam expands to fill cavities, crevices, and gaps –even awkward or difficult to reach areas—allowing you to be creative with your design.

Spray foam is different. Designing with spray foam allows an architect to use one product for many purposes: to achieve an air barrier, vapor barrier and provide effective insulation. Spray foam can provide you with a cost-effective building design and energy efficient building performance.
Spray foam is an excellent way that you can incorporate energy reductions into your building design. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) conducted a life cycle assessment of spray foam insulation. The results of the study show that the energy and environmental benefits from spray foam insulation used in new residential construction and commercial roofing retrofits far outweigh the embodied energy and embodied environmental impacts. Learn more about SPFA’s life cycle assessment of spray foam insulation.

States and localities continue to adopt codes that encourage or mandate increased energy efficiency. Spray foam can help you meet or exceed stringent building and energy codes.

• Incorporating spray foam in your building design can help you achieve LEED certification or NAHB Green Building certification.
• Some states may offer tax credits, rebates, grants, or other incentives for architects and building designers who include SPF in their building designs.

For more architectural resources and a guide on using spray foam Click here!

Interested in finding more about the benefits of designing with spray foam and earning continuing education credits? Contact North Central Insulation to set up a meeting!