Architectural Advantages
of Foam Insulation
For nearly half a century, architects have specified sprayed polyurethane
foam insulation for very specific structural benefits:
Improves Structural Strength
Testing conducted by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB’s)
research center shows spray foam insulation between wood- and steel-stud
wall panels increases rack and shear by a factor of 2 to 3 when sprayed
onto gypsum wallboard and vinyl siding, and increases racking strength
by 50% when sprayed onto oriented strand board (OSB).
Spray foam also can add structural strength to buildings. NAHB Research
demonstrated SPF filled walls could add from 75% to 200% racking strength
to walls of OSB, plywood, light gauge metal, vinyl siding or gypsum board.
Enhances Overall Building Stability
A2O spray foam is a seamless and monolithic foam sprayed into the walls.
A2O inside your stud walls fully adheres to both the exterior sheathing
and the studs, reinforcing both. With this added rigidity, there will
be less wall movement due to wind, vibration, and occupant activity. Additionally
walls have greater than code required resistance to "racking events" such
as hurricanes or other strong wind situations.
Increases Resistance to “Shearing Force”
A2O spray foam increases resistance to strong winds and storm gusts that
impose wall distorting lateral forces. It also reduces creaking and shaking
during high winds.
Reduces Structural Damage Caused by Moisture Infiltration
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor
and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors,
they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order
to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and
foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth
will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered
or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold
spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth
is to control moisture. A2O spray foam insulation is the key.
R-values Do Not Deteriorate Over Time
Tthe compaction of loose cellulose fill reduces the volume of air spaces
and its insulation value. Some types of foam insulation, are blown with
heavy gases that, over time, diffuse out of the foam and are replaced
by air, thus reducing the effective R-value of the product.
A2O spray foam does not change significantly with aging because it is
blown with water and twenty-year tests have shown no shrinkage or reduction
in insulating value.
Deadens Sound Travel and Noise
AO spray foam and to some extent, A2O reduce airborne sound making the
structure acoustically tighter and more private from room to room. This
is especially important in live-in institutions so as dormitories, hospitals,
facilities for the aged and other multiple dwellings.
Prevents Ice Dams
In cold climates, attics and roofs with inadequate insulation, can allow
heat to transfer from the living space or generated from recessed light
fixtures, air ducts, furnaces and other appliances located in the attic
to raise the roof temperature above the freezing point, causing the snow
and ice on the roof to melt and flow downward. Once the melted snow,
or water, meets back up with the colder part of the roof (overhang) that
hangs over and outside of the interior walls (just above the soffit vent
area), it begins to freeze again, expand and back up. This dam that forms
is called an "ice dam". A2O spray foam provides the
insulation necessary to prevent ice dams.
Aesthetic Flexibility
A2O spray foam insulation can be trimmed, sanded and painted
| 
