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Spray Foam Insulation Fort Myers, FL

Welcome to Gulf Coast Spray Foam Insulation. Our company takes pride in offering premium spray foam insulation products and services to the residents of Fort Myers, FL. Nowadays, spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL is in higher demand for both home insulation as well as commercial insulation because of the many benefits that it offers compared to traditional types of insulation.
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But before opting for spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL, it is important to know what it is, the different types, where it can be used and other details. This will help you to make an informed decision regarding whether it is suitable for you or not.

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray insulation was invented by Otto Bayer in 1937 and has been used as an insulation material since the late 1970s. Other than being used for insulation, spray foam has also been used for packaging and furniture.

Spray foam insulation is a chemical compound and it consists of two parts i.e. polyol resin and isocyanates. These two chemicals are kept in separate containers and combined only at the job site itself.

​When mixed, they form spray foam insulation. Upon reacting with each other it expands 30 to 60 times its volume, depending on whether it is open cell or closed cell spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL should always be installed by a professional insulation contractor as it requires expertise and technical knowledge. 

Types of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL comes in two types; open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam insulation.

Both are similar in the sense that they are used to create an air-seal; however there are also have certain points of difference.

​To get a better understanding, let’s take a look at how open cell and closed cell spray foam compare.
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Similarities:

• Both open and closed spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL are long-lasting and durable
• An air-seal is created by both types
• Open cell, as well as closed cell spray foam, each come in different degrees of thickness
• Both types of spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL offer high performance

Differences:

• Open cell spray foam is more flexible because the cells are not completely sealed and they contain air. This makes it less dense in nature. Open cell spray foam insulation is commonly referred to as “0.5 lb” or “low density” foam, as this is how much one cubic foot of open cell spray foam weighs.
• Closed cell spray foam is referred to as “2.0 lb” or “medium density” foam. Even denser, closed cell spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL is available as “3 lb” or “high density” spray foam. Closed cell spray foam is denser than open cell spray foam and hard and rigid after it cures.
• In closed cell spray foam, the cells are fully encapsulated and no air is allowed to enter.
• Closed cell spray foam will completely prevent the entry of moisture and water, whereas open cell spray foam allows water to pass through it but it won’t soak it up.
• Open cell spray foam has an R-value of around 3.5, but closed cell spray foam has a very high R-value that can go up to R-6.5 and even R-7.
• Open cell spray foam is great for residential insulation projects and is used for attic insulation, wall insulation and in rooms that require a sound barrier.
• Closed cell spray insulation is usually used for crawl space insulation, basement insulation, metal buildings, pole barns and other exterior applications.
• Closed cell spray foam is more expensive than open cell spray insulation.

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Both open and closed cell spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL are widely used and which one you choose depends on your end use application. A good insulation contractor will be able to correctly asses your requirements and advise you which one is best for your needs.

What is the R-value of Spray Foam Insulation?

R-value refers to the ability of a material to resist heat. A higher R-value indicates that the insulation material is better and more effective. Different insulation materials like cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam have different R-values. Cellulose insulation has an R-value of around 3.8 per inch whereas loose fill fiberglass has an R-value of 2.7 per inch.
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The R-value of spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL ranges between R-3.5 and can go up to R-7. R-value is dependent on what type of insulation is used, the thickness and density of the material. Certain factors like temperature, aging and moisture may affect the R-value of a material.

According to your building codes, there is a recommended and specific R-value that needs to be maintained when installing insulation. When installing spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL, since it falls under Zone 2, according to Energy Star, the recommended R-value is 30 to 60 for an attic that is not insulated, R-25 to R-38 for an insulated attic and R-13 to R-19 for floors.

The great thing about the R-value of spray foam insulation is that it does not degrade over time because it is made and applied at the job site itself unlike fiberglass insulation which can lose 8% of its R-value before it is installed.

Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation in Fort Myers, FL has several advantages, especially when compared to traditional types of insulation like fiberglass or cellulose. Listed below are some of the benefits of using spray insulation for home as well as commercial insulation.

Helps to save on energy bills

Spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL can help to significantly reduce the amount you spend on energy each year. When your home or workspace is insulated with spray foam, it prevents the escape of conditioned air from inside the building structure and the entry of outside air. This decreases the load on your HVAC system and it will have to work much less.

Prevents the entry of moisture

Closed cell spray foam insulation acts as a complete air seal and will completely prevent moisture from entering especially when used as crawl space insulation. This eliminates the problems of mold or mildew which can cause health-related problems, and damage to your building structure. Spray foam insulation fills the tiniest of gaps and you won’t have to worry about moisture problems once you install closed cell spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL.

Improves comfort

​If you feel frequent temperature fluctuations in your home, it means that your current insulation is ineffective. Spray insulation helps to keep the conditioned air inside for longer periods of time, when used in the walls or for attic insulation, or crawl space insulation. You will experience a comfortable environment.

Sound absorption

​Open cell spray foam insulation is a great sound absorber and can be used as soundproof insulation. Because of the nature of the cells, sound waves are absorbed.  Open cell spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL is great to use in office buildings or music rooms and home theaters.

Spray foam lasts longer time

Unlike cellulose and fiberglass insulation which needs to be maintained and replaced at least every 15 to 30 years, spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL is very long-lasting and can last as long as the building structure is taken care of. You do not need to worry about upgrading or replacing spray foam insulation if it has been installed by a professional insulation contractor.

Spray form will not lose its R-value

Spray foam insulation has one of the highest R-values compared to other types of insulation. Open cell spray foam has an R-value of approximately 3.5 per inch whereas closed cell spray foam offers an R-value of up to 7 per inch. The R-value for spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL will remain constant and not degrade over time unlike fiberglass or cellulose insulation which may lose quality with time.

Keeps out pests and other contaminants

Since spray foam insulation seals every crack and crevice, it keeps out pests and critters. But if you already have a pest infestation, you will need to first get rid of the pests and then have spray foam installed.

​Once spray foam insulation is used in your home it will also keep out pollen and allergens thus improving the air quality in your home or workspace.

​How much does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

​The cost of spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL depends on whether you are using open cell spray foam or closed cell spray foam insulation. Other than this the thickness of the spray foam itself will also affect the cost.Open cell spray foam costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per board foot and closed cell spray foam costs between $0.90 and $1.50 per board foot. The measurement of one board foot is 12 inches in breadth, 12 inches in length and 1 inch in thickness.

When calculating the cost of spray foam insulation per square foot, you can expect to pay between $1.30 and $2.63 per square foot depending on whether you choose open or closed cell spray foam. An average 2200 square-foot home will cost $1250 for open cell spray foam that is 1.5 inch thick. But it will cost around $3000 for a thickness of 3.5 inches. Closed cell spray foam will cost approximately $6000 for spray foam that is 1.5 inch thick and $10,000 for 3.5 inch thickness, for the same amount of square feet.

Does Spray Foam Insulation Off-gas?

You may have come across the term off-gassing when researching spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL. Off-gassing refers to the toxic gases that are given off after spray foam is installed. But this remains only for a few hours until the spray foam has cured completely.

Your insulation contractor will be able to tell you what type of spray foam product they are using and how many hours you will need to vacate the building. Some spray foam products off-gas a lot whereas others do not.

​Premium spray foam insulation will cure quickly and you may need to vacate your home only for three to four hours. But sometimes (depending on the product) you may need to vacate your home for 24 to 48 hours.
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It is very important to hire a good insulation contractor for installing spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL. Off-gassing of spray foam insulation can continue if the two chemical components are not mixed well, or the site conditions are not correct.

​FAQs about Spray Foam Insulation

Listed below are commonly asked questions about spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL. 

Is spray foam insulation in Fort Myers FL, worth it?

​Though spray foam insulation has a higher installation cost and is more expensive than traditional types of insulation, it is long-lasting and helps to lower energy bills by as much as 40%. It adds structural integrity to a building and in the long run, you will be saving more money just by installing spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL. 

​How many years will spray foam insulation last?

​Cellulose insulation lasts about 20 to 30 years, and fiberglass insulation lasts about 10 to 15 years if it is not damaged by water. But spray foam insulation is a sturdy material and lasts as long as your building structure is maintained and not damaged.

What about DIY spray foam insulation?

​A DIY spray foam insulation project in Fort Myers, FL seems like a tempting option to save on installation costs, but it is not recommended as spray foam installation needs expert knowledge and machinery. At Gulf Coast Spray Foam Insulation, our team receives regular training about using spray foam insulation products. Always hire a professional and experienced insulation contractor for your spray foam insulation projects.

Is spray foam insulation waterproof?

Closed cell spray foam insulation will not allow moisture or water to pass through it and is considered to be waterproof. However open cell spray foam is not waterproof or water-resistant but at the same time, it will not absorb any water.

​Where should spray foam not be used?

Spray foam insulation can be used in most places but there are certain restrictions. For instance, it should not be used near electrical boxes, or ceiling light boxes. Spray foam is expansive and when can catch fire. It is also best avoided near closed cavity spaces and if you have a history of respiratory illnesses or skin problems.

​Contact Us

At Gulf Coast Spray Foam Insulation we are a team of professional and trained insulation contractors who are passionate about what we do and strive to provide the best service to you.  Contact us if you want to install home insulation or commercial spray foam insulation in Fort Myers, FL, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.