“Open cell” 0.5lb SPF is considered a semi-rigid polyurethane foam. It offers an R-value of approximately 3.5 per inch. The cells of the foam are “open”, meaning moisture is able to flow across the foam as the air pockets in the foam are not sealed. Open cell SPF can be used in area’s where space is not an issue, and where you have an alternate vapor barrier in place.

“Closed cell” 2lb SPF on the other hand contains many unconnected closed cells which are encapsulated with an inert halocarbon gas (the blowing agent). This provides a low thermal conductivity (high RSI (r) value) across the cell, leading to the exceptional insulating ability of this foam product. It offers an R-value of approximately 6 to 7 per inch, which is ideal for smaller cavities or projects where space is an issue. 

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a unique product that is not made in a factory, but is made by your 1000 Islands Spray Foam installer, at the time of install. 

Two chemicals are heated and put under pressure where they travel down the hoses to the installer’s spray gun.  Once the installer triggers the foam spray gun, these two chemicals are released and mix immediately as they get  propelled under pressure towards the surface being sprayed.  The end result is an immediate chemical reaction where spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is created. 

Yes, our products are safe when applied correctly. 

During the SPF install phase, there are certain safety precautions that must be followed by both the 1000 Islands Spray Foam installation staff, and by the customer. For example, spraying inside a residence where the customer resides on a regular basis (i.e. not a new home under construction), may require the customer to vacate the premise for a period of 24-hours while the spray foam is curing.  In commercial applications where employees or other workers may be present or working, the same 24hr rule could apply.  It may be possible to adequately isolate and vent the space being sprayed, to alleviate any concerns regarding SPF fumes or off-gassing. 

1000 Islands Spray Foam will discuss any requirements that may need to be followed, for your given project.  

Yes, depending on the 2lb spray foam being used, and whether your contractor is certified.  

1000 Islands Spray Foam is a qualified contractor / installer for the CUFCA certified Radon Control System (RCS). This SPF system works in conjunction with other building code required Radon gas systems (specific gravel base and sub-floor depressurization system), to provide both 2″ of sub-slab (R-12 to R15) insulation, and a complete vapor barrier to completely seal the interior living space, from the ground below.   

Other spray foam companies may offer to install a 2lb closed cell foam on your basement floor and claim it seals against Radon gas, however unless they are a CUFCA certified installer using RCS approved 2lb closed cell foam, it hasn’t been tested to see quantitatively whether it prevents Radon gas from passing through.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of uranium deposits.  It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless substance.  Radon escapes the ground into the outdoor air where it is diluted to low concentrations where it is not a concern or issue.  Where Radon can cause problems is when it enters enclosed spaces in your home, and possibly accumulates to higher levels (especially in colder months when houses are closed up).

The only known health risk of Radon gas in high concentrations, is an increased risk of lung cancer.  The Government of Canada has set an exposure level of 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels per cubic metre).  Measurements of 200Bq/m3 require remediation (barrier systems) within 2 years.  If the levels are greater than 600 Bq/m3, remediation should occur within a year.

1000 Islands Spray Foam is certified in Radon Control Systems (RCS) certified by CUFCA, and lab tested to greatly decrease radon gas levels.  Contact us for more info.

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has a HUGE number of possible uses, including the following:

• Insulation for wall cavities, ceilings, attics, rim joists, under floor etc.
• Soundproofing of walls / floors / ceilings
• Insulation of tanks, pipelines, septic lines
• Insulation of swimming pools and hot tubs, both above ground and in-ground
• Under slab insulation for basements, garage floors (prior to pouring of concrete)
• Insulation of foundation walls
• Radon Control System (RCS) barrier, when installed using certified foam by a CUFCA qualified installer
• Insulation of storage tanks, RV’s, reefer trucks, cube vans, enclosed trailers etc.
• Insulation and sealing of HVAC systems and plumbing lines (not to be used on high temp boiler lines)

We are confident there are many more uses for SPF that we simply haven’t listed here. Feel free to contact us with your spray foam ideas to see if 1000 Islands Spray Foam can help you “Get Foamed!”

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), or spray foam as most call it comes in two different types, one being “open-cell” foam, and the other being “closed-cell”. 

0.5lb open-cell SPF has a cell structure where the cells are open after the foam product is created. These pockets are filled with air, and create a foam that is soft and flexible. Typically open-cell foam has an R-value of 3.5-3.8 per inch. Open-cell foam, when applied at a certain thickness, does create an “air barrier” and will stop air flow across the foam membrane. It does not however create a vapor barrier, and will allow moisture to travel through the foam. Depending on the particular application, you may want to have an insulation that allows moisture to escape to prevent having a double moisture barrier. In your building construction, you need to follow local building codes and ensure you account for this lack of vapor barrier, by applying an appropriate vapor barrier after installation.

2lb closed-cell SPF on the other hand is a foam product that has closed cells after the foam product is created. It is a dense and rigid foam, that will increase the strength of a given structure. Typically closed-cell foam has an R-value of 6-7 per inch. Since the foam cells are closed, they prevent the passage of both air and moisture. When applied at a certain thickness, closed-cell foam provides an “air barrier” and “vapor barrier” at the same time, meaning there is no additional vapor barrier required after installation. This type of foam is used where contact with water is likely (i.e exterior foundations, under slab insulation).

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a unique product that is created by your 1000 Islands Spray Foam installer, at the time of install. Two chemicals (Isocyanate and Polyol Resin) are heated and sent under pressure to the installer’s spray gun, where they get mixed and projected onto the substrate requiring the spray foam. Immediately after the products mix, a chemical reaction begins where the foam expands and begins to “cure” or harden to its specified requirements. This chemical reaction process can create some off-gassing or smell, which is why installers and people inside the workspace must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirators. 

Most spray foams require a period of 24 hours, where people MUST remain out of the space if not wearing PPE, to allow the foam to fully cure. This no-entry period will be stipulated by 1000 Islands Spray Foam in our contracts.

Foams that are sprayed improperly or “off-ratio”, can lead to situations where the foam never cures and off-gassing happens for an extended / indefinite period of time.  Having your spray foam applied by a qualified contractor and installer, virtually eliminates the risk of extended off-gassing as the installer is performing quality checks on the foam being applied, and constantly monitors the foam application to ensure it remains “on-ratio” during the installation process. 

If your SPF is applied correctly as per the manufacturer’s requirements, you should have no off-gassing smell after this curing period.

During the installation process of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), chemicals are released into the atmosphere. This requires anyone who may be in this work area to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirators. Typically building occupants or other trades requiring access back into this space, can return after 24-hours have elapsed. This timeframe may extend however depending on the area being sprayed, ventilation in that particular space, and the volume of product that has been applied.

1000 Islands Spray Foam will work with our customers to outline recommended re-entry time to minimize risks to any occupants of the space where foam was applied. There may be ways of reducing extended times over 24-hours, by providing increased ventilation to the work areas (i.e. ducted fans), and we will work with our suppliers to determine appropriate re-entry times to keep your people safe.  

Closed-cell spray foam can be applied to a specific thickness to create an air and moisture barrier in your building envelope, followed by the addition of conventional insulations such as fiberglass, cellulose or foam board, to increase the R-value up to your building code requirements.  An example of this type of “hybrid” use may be sealing off an attic space with closed cell foam, followed by adding blown-in insulation to achieve your total required R-value.

Consideration must be given in our colder Canadian climates, to prevent possible moisture condensation issues that could occur using a hybrid insulation approach.