DIY Tips for Spray Foam Insulation

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If like many homeowners, you have become aware of the potential cost-savings from updating your home to the newest, most energy efficient means, then it's likely you've conducted an energy audit of some form and arrived at the conclusion that improving insulation is one step you can take. Not only is spray foam insulation a quick, efficient way to eliminate energy loss and waste - a practice that will save you money month after month - but you can also install spray foam insulation yourself, saving even more money. Even though the average homeowner can easily accomplish this task in a weekend, there are a few things to consider before beginning.

The main factors to consider before installing spray foam insulation are air and surface temperatures. Air and surface temperature can effect the adhesion and expansion properties of spray foam insulation. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, less expansion occurs and you may experience adhesion problems. This means that you will need to plan your project accordingly. The ideal air and surface temperatures for installing spray foam insulation are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the excessive running of your heating or cooling system in the dead of winter or middle of summer may be what prompted you to insulate your home, you should wait until conditions are right to avoid excessive waste of product and ineffectiveness. Keep in mind that the primary spot for installing insulation is the attic which is several degrees warmer or colder than the rest of your home. Plan your project for spring or fall, when temperatures should fall in the right range.

Accurately measure the space you are insulating to ensure ordering enough product to do the job. Calculate the square footage of the area to be insulated and determine the volume for desired thickness. The basic formula for calculating volume is length times width times height. Most products will indicate how many cubic feet can be covered with each unit of product. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer. Having the right amount of product to get the job done requires only a little bit of planning ahead.

When you are ready to begin your project, perform a small test spray first. Keep in mind that the way spray foam insulation is designed to work is through expansion and the product expands to many times its initial volume. A test spray will allow you to familiarize yourself with the installation tools and see how the product works, helping you gauge the entire installation process. It's better to use it conservatively than to spray gung-ho, creating excessive volumes and wasting product.

Take your time while installing, paying attention to gaps between studs and around obstacles. Spray the backside of exterior sheathing as evenly as possible, allowing time for expansion to determine any remaining gaps. Rushing through the job will only result in a less effective installation which is a waste of time and money in the long run.

Use a steady, back and forth sweeping motion when spraying the foam and try to maintain as constant as possible pressure on the trigger of the installation tool. The nozzle should be no closer than 18 to 24 inches from the application surface but remember to adjust the pressure you apply to the trigger if you need to avoid splatter in certain areas.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly. Read through the installation instructions completely before beginning. Make sure to read and understand any warnings, safety tips, and warranty information included with the instructions prior to starting as well. Warranties may be voided if the directions were not followed. Make sure to wear any recommended protective gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, or other apparel. Also make a note of the manufacturer's phone number to call if you have any questions.

If you are insulating a space such as an attic prior to a remodeling project make sure you have performed all necessary plumbing and electrical installation before insulating. Insulation should occur right before you are ready to install drywall or wallboard. You will want to keep a knife or saw blade handy to shave away any foam that has expanded beyond the studs so it doesn't obstruct the drywall installation. Also make sure to spray behind knee boards before installing the attic ceiling to maximize insulation.

With careful planning, by familiarizing yourself with the product and installation instructions, and allowing enough time to complete the project, you can successfully and effectively insulate your home, saving yourself money with both initial installation costs and on your monthly utility bills. That's an effort that will pay off in big ways.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself spray foam insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.

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