COMFORT FOAM by BASF

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INSULATION IS NOT ENOUGH!
Rising energy costs are fueling a demand among educated home  buyers for energy-efficient, sustainable, comfortable houses. Incentives from all levels of government, as well as local utilities, help raise awareness, desirability and affordability of energy efficient homes. Is it a wonder that developers, architects and contractors are actively seeking cost effective, environmentally responsible ways to build homes with reduced energy demands?
Used commercially for over 30 years, Comfort Foam is a sprayed in place polyurethane insulation. The closed-cell nature of Comfort Foam stops air infiltration at the source.  It creates a seamless, insulating air barrier to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of a home. Comfort Foam has an effective R-value of over 6.0 per inch and adds structural strength throughout the wall system (testing conducted by the National Association of Home Builders) (NAHB). Comfort Foam coupled with a managed ventilation system will create an indoor air quality environment unequalled in recent history. By actively managing air flows, moisture levels and pressure differentials the Comfort Foam built home will allow more efficient operation of HVAC equipment resulting in improved indoor air quality, comfort and value of your most prized investment- your home.

The Comfort Foam system is accepted by all major building codes.   

Below is a comparison between Comfort Foam closed cell foam and Icynene open cell foam.

                                                        

                                         Comfort Foam        Icynene foam

R-Value per inch                           6.0+                       3.0 to 3.5   

Rigid                                              Yes                               No

Adds structural strength               Yes                              No 

Allows moisture vapor in               No                              Yes

Approved air barrier at                 1.5"                             5.5"


Closed-cell foam is the only type of insulation classified as an “acceptable flood-resistant material” by FEMA. 
"During a design racking event like a hurricane, there would be less permanent deformation of wall elements and possibly less damage to a structure that was braced with spray polyurethane foam filled walls.” 
Residential insulation such as fiberglass has no where near the benefits of spray foam insulation.  And while SPF may cost more up front, it pays for itself through energy savings, air quality improvements, air/moisture/mold management, noise reduction, and overall strength improvements. If you really look at these benefits, SPF is actually less expensive and far more valuable over time, and isn’t that what sustainable design and “green” building is all about?  
There is no better home insulating material that can seal your home from air and moisture intrusion, save on costly utility bills, strengthen your home, and protect your family’s health from dangerous mold than Spray Foam insulation.

Why an air barrier system?

While many people believe that simply adding insulation is the best way to make a home more energy efficient, most traditional insulation products do nothing to stop uncontrolled air leakage. And uncontrolled air leakage has been proven to be the biggest energy vampire in almost any home. The U.S. Department of energy (DOE) reports that up to 40% of the energy cost of heating and cooling a building is wasted by uncontrolled air leaking. 

Uncontrolled air leaking contributes to premature building deterioration, condensation, ice damming, poor air quality (IAQ) and mold growth. Most homeowners notice the problem through accompanying comfort issues such as chilly drafts, cold floors, or excessively dry or damp conditions. Building science experts agree than an effective air barrier system is the best way to substantially reduce both air leakage and the passage of moisture through the building envelope.

A residential study by ADVANCED CERTIFIED THERMOGRAPHY shows that Comfort Foam installations can reduce energy costs by as much as 60 percent each year compared to traditional insulation systems. Over 20 years, this can mean as much as $15,000 in savings at today's energy costs. With escalating energy costs, realized savings may be even greater.

Breath easy

"...Although many stories in the media attribute indoor air quality problems to houses being built too tightly, the reality is that homes need to be as tight as practical. Air leaking into and out of homes has created many of the problems. Moist air leaking out in cold weather can condense on wall and attic surfaces, creating mold growth and in some cases structural decay. This is a direct result of the home not being tight enough. Moist air leaking into a home in hot humid weather can have the same effect on finished surfaces of walls. Air leaking into a home from an attached garage has been shown to be a significant source of carbon monoxide in homes..." 

The United States Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® program also recommends making homes more airtight to improve energy efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality while preventing mold infestations, wet attics and ice damming.


For further information click on the following links: 

http://www.insulationsprayfoam.com/

http://www.sprayfoam.org/

http://www.sprayfoam.com/

                  

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