Eco Spray Insulation - Produits, offres, nouvelles

There is no doubt that the world climate is changing. We see it in rising temperatures across the globe as well as the increasing number of severe weather events such as tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, etc. Ergo, the earth is heating up and costing us dearly. We are losing a large number of species and their habitats, and the chances that sensitive ecosystems will adapt naturally are slight. Moreover, there is now a great consensus that global warming is happening and man is the main cause of the gases that are producing the greenhouse effect.

The developed world is taking the problem of global warming very seriously and has entered into agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement where all signatories have agreed to reduce the impact of industry, greenhouse gas emissions, and our current way of life in our climate. Moreover, even though Canada as a country is a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement, we can still reduce our carbon footprint to an individual level.

Reducing our Collective Carbon Footprint on the Environment

There are many ways to lessen the impact that we have on the environment. However, before we look at improving insulation in buildings using foam insulation, let’s take a look at a concise definition of what our carbon footprint means and what it consists of: green feet carbon footprint reduced by insulation

A carbon footprint is described as “the measure of the environmental effect of a particular individual or organization, lifestyle or function, measured in units of carbon dioxide." Moreover, there are two parts of the carbon footprint - the main footprint is the direct emissions of carbon dioxide that we produce as a result of the burning of fossil fuels. The secondary trail consists of the indirect emissions of carbon dioxide associated with the consumables we buy and use every day.

Improve insulation in buildings with spray foam insulation

In essence, spray foam insulation is a polyurethane plastic foam that is applied to walls, on roofs, around corners, as well on all curved surfaces to form continuous protection and air sealing barrier. This foam is created on-site by mixing specific liquid components together on site. The fluids react very quickly when mixed, expanding on contact to create a foam that insulates, seals gaps, and can form moisture and vapour barriers; thus, preventing air from escaping through cracks, seams, and joints.

We are not genetically designed to live in very hot or very cold climates; therefore, we use artificial heating and cooling devices to keep our indoor environment at an ambient temperature. Needless to say, these appliances such as boilers, ovens, and air conditioners burn fossil fuels both directly and indirectly. Ergo, by increasing the natural insulation of the building, the ambient temperature will be maintained more easily; thus, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling of the building.

Spray Foam Insulation Experts in Toronto

Spray foam insulation in Toronto is best installed by experts like professional contractors at Eco Spray Insulation. Contact us for a free quote today at + 1 (416) 860-6664, or by email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca.

The great majority of your home’s energy expenses come from heating and cooling. And just like you lose most of your body heat through the top of your head, you can lose most of your home’s heating/cooling energy through your home’s attic. Insulating your attic reduces the amount of energy you need to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, so you can help reduce your energy costs by insulating your attic.

Insulating your attic with fiberglass

Fiberglass has been the popular choice for insulating homes for several decades. It consists of plastic filaments fortified with recycled glass spun into fibers. The glass slows the spread of heat, cold, sound, and can reduce residential energy costs by up to 40 percent.

And because fiberglass is, well, glass, it is also moisture-resistant. It is not an environment that promotes fungus or mold growth.

Is fiberglass safe?

When properly installed, fiberglass is considered safe. And because it is made with glass it doesn’t burn or absorb water.

However, being glass, there are a few precautions you should take when being around it or handling it.

Safely handling fiberglass

When fiberglass insulation is moved or disturbed, it releases tiny particles into the air. If they get on bare skin they can lodge into pores and cause itching, rashes, or irritations. If they are inhaled, they can result in coughing, nosebleeds, and/or respiratory problems. So if you have to handle it in any way, be sure to wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, goggles, and a respirator-type mask.

R-Value of fiberglass

R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. A higher R-Value means higher resistance. For example, an inch of wood has an R-Value of 1, whereas an inch of blown-in fiberglass insulation has an R-Value of up to 3.4.

Loose-fill fiberglass

Most people think of fiberglass in rolls of pink or yellow sheets. Fiberglass insulation also comes in bags as loose fill. A specially-designed electric blower is used to install fibers or pellets of insulation, and offers several advantages:

• Allows installers to blow loose insulation fibers with the correct depth and density for optimum coverage
• Provides a convenient delivery system for attics where there’s low headroom clearance
• Fills gaps and spaces on the unfinished floors that many attics have
• Coverage is especially useful in attics with irregular joist spacing, or spaces with a lot of obstructions to workaround
• Increases the efficiency of existing insulation because it settles in and fills gaps easily

When properly installed, fiberglass provides an insulating layer that slows the passage of moisture, heat, and sound. Blowing in loose-fill fiberglass also seals air spaces to prevent air movement and heat loss. A trusted HVAC professional can explain different insulation materials and methods and help you decide which is best for you.

The first choice in insulation that many residential, commercial, industrial builders make is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is created by two materials isocyanate and polyurethane, when mixed with each other they react and expand after it is sprayed onto almost any material.  

Is very important to have the right applicators of this insulation because spray foam insulation unlike other types of insulation is not as simple as to unroll it. There needs to be an understanding of how it fills in cracks, how it expands and other benefits.

Benefits: Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation

1. Thermal effectiveness - Spray foam insulation combined with air tight, it enables heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems to perform more efficiently. It has a higher insulation value or R-value.

2. Air Tight - After the spray foam is applied it is blown out, mixing at the tip of a pressurized nozzle and sticks to the surface being applied, the combination of the very low air permeability and a sealed application process, insure a much tighter building envelope

3. Vapor Permeance  -  Spray foam insulation, closed cell provides sufficient vapour diffusion which means that spray foam  is capable of replacing both fiberglass insulation and the polyethylene vapor barrier.

4. Durability – The tests show that polyurethane sprayed as an insulation is tough and adds an element of structural integrity to the building. Spray foam will last the life of the building and is not susceptible to water damage.

5. Reduces Energy Consumption - Due to a poor building envelope, up to 40% of a building heat is lost. Spray foam seals tighter around windows, vents, doors, little nooks, to surfaces like concrete and wood.

6. Air Quality – Less pollution and water can leak into the building with the building envelope sealed tighter. The air is filtered through intake/outtake points.

7. Noise Reduction - Spray foam is effective at combating noise pollution between certain rooms within the building. 

8. Quality Assurance – Should have certified installers and contractors the polyurethane spray foam companies.  These programs are designed to make sure that application of the product and the conduct of the company are kept in line with the standards set out by the product manufacturer.

Application Method 

Spray foam through pressurized spray nozzles is pumped into the walls, crawl spaces or attic, once it is applied it expands to form an insulation barrier. It fills the smallest spaces for a seamless, durable insulation and eliminates energy-wasting air filtration.

Spray Foam vs Batt Insulation 

Batt insulation is generally manufactured from fiberglass and it is one of the most common products used to insulate walls, ceiling, attics, basements and crawl spaces but as spray foam has gained more popularity people are beginning to recognize its benefits. Batt insulation does not provide an airtight seal meaning that heat can still escape because it is placed between studs, stapled into place and then drywall is nailed over it. On the other hand spray foam insulation creates a better air-tight envelope that keeps heat in.

Spray foam To–Do List

The homeowners need to do a few things before the installation process of the spray foam. Here’s a to-do list to help you to get your home ready:

- Make sure there is full access to the area that requires spray foam insulation even before the first initial visit from the contractor. Clear all things from the area, you may stack them in the middle about 3-4 feet away from the walls.

- All residents need to vacate the home for 24 hours once the job has been finished, to ensure proper off-gassing. This is a health and safety protocol, so please make plans in advance to stay out of home until it is safe to return.

- Remove any dust or debris prior to installation to ensure safety and quality of the process.

- After the installation of the spray foam is completed it must be covered by an approved thermal barrier such as drywall or an approved thermal fiber.