Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SPRAYTITE insulation and air barrier material?
The SPRAYTITE product is a closed-cell, spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation system that creates a seamless, insulating air barrier to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of homes and buildings.

How is it applied?
The SPRAYTITE system is a sprayed application of a liquid, two-component, non-fibrous product that includes an A-Side and a B-Side. During application, there is a chain reaction between the two components that creates a bond to the substrate as it foams up. It dries, cures and hardens very quickly. This product should always be installed by a trained applicator and is not suitable for do-it-yourself projects.

What is its insulation R-value?
SPRAYTITE polyurethane foam insulation is a closed-cell system with a superior effective R-value of over 6.0 per inch.

What are the differences between closed-cell and open-cell foams?
There are three major differences. First, closed-cell foams like SPRAYTITE technology offer an R-value of over 6.0 per inch, while open-cell foams offer an R-value between 3.0 and 3.5 per inch. Second, closed-cell foam is virtually impermeable to air, while open-cell foam allows far more air to move through the walls of the house or building, causing drafts and high energy bills. Third, closed-cell foams offer a greater resistance to moisture movement in the walls.

Is the SPRAYTITE system an air barrier?
SPRAYTITE insulation has been tested and is certified to be an air barrier material at an application of 1-inch thickness. It is fully-adhered and does not allow air to flow around, behind or through the insulation system. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that 15 percent of traditional insulation materials’ effectiveness is lost due to convection loops through and behind board and batt systems. SPRAYTITE polyurethane technology eliminates this by forming a fully adhered, seamless insulation
and air barrier material.

Is SPRAYTITE good for the planet?
The SPRAYTITE insulating air barrier is a formaldehyde- and lead-free formula that emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and uses ZONE3® zero ozone depleting blowing agent technology. The BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis, which recently won an award from the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC), assesses total cost and ecological impact over the product lifecycle to benchmark current performance and get insight for future improvements. The SPRAYTITE insulating air barrier material outperformed traditional air barrier materials in ecoefficiency on its test scores.

Can SPRAYTITE be used in a chemically sensitive environment?
Yes. The SPRAYTITE system does not emit VOCs. Off-gassing from this product has been measured at 0.0001 parts per million. The installed SPRAYTITE product is inert.

Can it be used for unvented cathedral ceilings?
Yes, in cathedral ceilings and cathedralized attics, SPRAYTITE does not promote deterioration of the existing roof sheathing, because a properly designed spray foam application does not allow condensation between the foam / roof deck interface. Some traditional insulation systems have high air / vapor permeance and moisture retention, which could lead to water accumulation against the underside of the sheathing.

SPRAYTITE insulation can be applied without roof ventilation, because it is fully adhered and air / vapor impermeable (at over 2” thickness). See the 2006 International Codes for additional acceptance criteria for unvented roof designs.

Can an insulation system add structural strength?
Spray-applied, closed-cell polyurethane foam (SPF) has been proven to add substantial structural integrity throughout the wall system. Testing conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center shows SPF insulation installed between wood- and steel-stud wall panels increased racking (shear) strength two-to-three times compared with standard stick-built components with fiberglass insulation, when sprayed onto gypsum wallboard, vinyl and plywood siding, and oriented strand board (OSB).

What about moisture and mold?
When used as insulation at appropriate thickness, SPRAYTITE polyurethane eliminates condensing surfaces and reduces the potential to accumulate moisture. It also eliminates air movement within the wall cavity. Other insulations are less successful at controlling air and moisture movement and providing adequate insulation to eliminate condensing surfaces, thus these systems increase the possibility of an environment susceptible to mold.

Are there any fire protection requirements?
SPRAYTITE insulation meets Class 1 flame and smoke characteristics in accordance with ASTM E84, meeting all major building Codes, including the International Residential (IRC) and Building Codes (IBC). Once installed, it must be covered by a 15-minute thermal barrier or ignition barrier, depending on the application. Check with local Building Codes for final determination.

The performance features of SPRAYTITE insulation may help contribute to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.

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