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Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Enviro Foam and Spray 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?

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 Vapour 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 Vapour 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 Vapour 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. Enviro Foam meets the requirements of the Alberta Building Code as a Vapour Barrier.

4) How Long Has Spray Foam Insulation Been Around?

Spray Foam Insulation has been around for more than 30 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 Enviro Foam uses a Zero Ozone Depletion Substance (Zero ODS) blowing agent. 

5) What is Enviro Foam?

Enviro Foam is a spray-in-place, medium density, two-part, soya based polyurethane foam insulation. It is a 2 lb. Closed 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 Vapour Barrier, Air Barrier, and Thermal Insulation. Enviro Foam exclusivley uses PF-7300-0 Soya which has been certified the CCMC and formulated with the environment in mind.  It is made from Soy Bean Oil 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.  Enviro Foam is the most cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly insulation method available today.

6) Who is The CCMC?

The Canadian Construction Materials Center.

7) 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 Enviro Foam will stop 99% of heat loss by convection.

8) What is The R-Value of Enviro Foam?

Enviro Foam has the highest R-Value (7 per inch) of any insulation product available today.  Also, unlike Fiber Insulations such as Fibrglass, Cellulose, and Rockwool, Enviro 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.

9) What Makes Enviro Foam So Effective?

Enviro 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 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.  Enviro 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 Vapour Barrier, Enviro Foam can actually help eliminate moisture problems in a wall cavity.  Enviro Foam is an inert substance and will not support mold growth.

10) How Does Enviro Foam Control Indoor Air Quality and Comfort?

Enviro Foam creates an air-tight sealed thermal envelope.  When spray applied, the liquid rapidly expands as a foam 20 to 30 times it’s original size conforming to and filling in every single nook, cranny, crevice, hole, crack, and gap.  With Enviro Foam there are no fibers or loose matter to contaminate the interior air.  By stopping exterior air infiltration, Enviro Foam also stops dust and external pollutants from entering the building.  As a Code Approved Vapour Barrier it also stops air movement or convection within the wall cavity, which eliminates moisture problems such as mold and mildew.  Enviro 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 Enviro 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.

11) How Does Enviro 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 Enviro 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 Enviro 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.

12) What Is Enviro Foam Made Of?

Enviro Foam is made from Soy Bean Oil, 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.

13) Are There any Glass Fibers in Enviro 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. 

14) Does Enviro Foam Create a Rodent or Insect Problem?

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

15) Does Enviro Foam Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth?

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

16) 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 Enviro Foam give their owners substantial advantages over traditional insulation methods.  Enviro 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.

17) How is Enviro Foam Installed?

Enviro 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. 

18) How Long Does it Take for Enviro Foam to Cure?

Enviro 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.

19) At What Stage is Enviro Foam Installed?

Enviro 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.

20) Can Homeowners Install Enviro Foam Themselves?

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

21) Who Applies Enviro Foam?

Only trained, certified and licensed applicators can apply Enviro Foam, ensuring professional and consistent installations. The Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association uses the Spray Foam Quality Assurance Program to train, certify and license applicators.  Enviro Foam Insulation is a Licensed Contractor with CUFCA, and all our applicators are trained and certified with CUFCA.  As a Licensed Contractor we ensure that all the requirements of the CAN/ULC S705.2 Installation Standard are met and that all safety and building code requirements are adhered to. 

22) Who is CUFCA?

The Canadian Urethane Foam Contractor’s Association.

23) Does Enviro Foam Adhere to Metal or Wood Studs?

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

24) How Long Does Enviro Foam Last?

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

25) Does Enviro Foam Cause any Overheating with Electrical Wiring?

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

26) Is Enviro FoamCorrosive to Metals?

No, Enviro Foam is non-corrosive.

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

Enviro 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.

28) 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 Enviro 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.

29) Does Enviro Foam "Off-Gas"?

All manufactured materials will off-gas to some extent. Some building products will off-gas in large quantities.  Enviro Foam Insulation exclusivley uses PF-7300-0 Soya, a Medium Density spray foam which meets the CAN/ULC S705.1 Material Standard, and is the only building product that is tested for occupant conditions.  CUFCA took an unprecedented stance and required that all of its Licensed Manufacturers meet a maximum limit of 1/100 of the government allowable limit. The manufacturer of PF-7300-0 Soya met this requirement in less than 24 hours.

29) Does Enviro Foam Contain any VOCs or CFCs?

No. Enviro 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.

30) Does Enviro Foam Have Building Code Approvals?

Enviro Foam has the approval of all four major building codes in the United States, Canada and Alberta.  Enviro Foam is not only recognized as a Thermal Insulation, it also meets the requirements of a Vapour 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.  Enviro Foam has met the requirements of these emissions tests and all subsequent re-certifications.

31) Is Enviro Foam a Fire Hazard or a Fire Barrier?

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

32) How Does Enviro Foam Compare to ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms)?

ICFs or Insulated Concrete Forms share many of the same advantages as Enviro 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 Enviro Foam.  Since Enviro 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 Enviro 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 Enviro 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 Enviro Foam.

33) How Does Enviro Foam Compare to Geothermal Energy?

While Geothermal Energy and Enviro 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. Enviro 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 Enviro 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.

33) How Much Does it Cost?

While the initial cost of insulating and sealing your building with Enviro Foam is 3-4 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. 

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

You can contact us directly, or you can use our Home Builder’s page to find a builder in your area that offers Enviro Foam.  If you already have a builder we would be glad to meet with you and your builder to discuss the advantages and applications of Enviro Foam.

If you would like to learn more about Enviro Foam and Spray Foam Insulation in general, please visit our How Enviro Foam Works page, our Why Enviro Foam Is Better page, and read our report "The 7 Criteria of Highly Efficient Insulation". If you have any more questions or would like more information please Contact Us directly. We look forward to helping you "save more than just your money."