Spray Foam Insulation

Steel buildings are renowned for their long-lasting durability. They’ll stand strong against time and the elements. However, they do require proper insulation. Insulation will regulate the exchange of heat to reduce the energy costs involved in heating and cooling. This is often the most costly energy expense in a steel building. On average, 40% of a building’s energy is lost via air infiltration. Insulation also serves to protect your building against condensation caused when warm air comes into contact with cool surfaces, like steel walls and metal roofing. Insulation is important to create a barrier between the air and your steel walls, as well as to fill gaps that allow air to escape, and there are plenty of options to choose from. A popular choice for insulating steel buildings is to use spray foam insulation, and we’re here to tell you all about it.

Spray foam insulation is a liquid insulation that contains polyurethane and a foaming agent called isocyanate. Together, these substances expand and solidify, effectively filling even the smallest of necessary spaces, insulating up to 50% better than traditional insulation materials. Spray foam’s airtight seal removes the need for additional caulking and protects against moisture and mold, and it is especially effective at insulating oddly shaped spaces that other types of insulation struggle to handle. Spray foam can be used to insulate every surface in a steel structure, including the walls, ceiling and floor with little to no risk of air infiltration.

Spray foam insulation is available in light-density and medium-density categories. Light-density half-pound foam, or open cell foam, is sponge-like and can be crushed in your hand. As such, this type of foam has a lower R-Value and is a less effective insulation. Its more expensive counterpart is the medium-density, closed-cell spray foam, also called two-pound foam. This variety is more rigid with sealed air cells, and it comes with a superior R-Value, which means that it is more resistant to heat flow.

As a bonus, spray foam insulation is an effective way to reduce noise, reducing the volume of airborne sounds through walls and roofing.

Spray foam insulation is a long-lasting, effective insulation material, providing excellent insulation for up to 20 years. The long-lasting nature of spray foam, combined with the energy saving effects make spray foam not only a cost-effective choice for insulating your steel building, but also a eco-friendly, green choice, as well. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to call and speak to our experts today!