Spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) is is specifically designed to ensure that spaces are airtight – in particular attics and ceiling cavities – so that no air movement can take place. Frequently, these precise areas can become overly hot from the Florida sun, and that hot air enters your house. Thus resulting in higher electric bills.

Two liquid chemicals are used to manufacture and apply SPF directly on-site. It’s become increasingly popular in Highland County among home and business owners looking to reduce their energy costs because it holds its shape and is long-lasting. However it also has several cons to its installation and maintenance on our specific weather conditions.

There are two types of insulation: open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam. Both have pros and cons for application.

Let’s talk numbers:

The cost of spray foam insulation is determined by square footage and could very well surpass $3.00 per sq foot.

That is due to the fact that high-performing SPF is pricey and difficult to install due to multiple variables. Also, Florida’s humidity can cause variations in curing times – the time it takes for the material to set and harden.

Improper spray foam insulation has been shown to release poisonous gasses into homes and businesses.

Exposure to such gases can result in:

• Asthma.
• Breathing problems.
• Further adverse side effects including skin irritation and other skin conditions.

Additionally, chemicals that make up closed-cell SPF release dangerous greenhouse gases, which harm the earth’s ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

In severe cases, families in our area have had to permanently vacate their homes because of the harmful effects of faulty spray foam insulation. We urge those seeking spray foam as an energy saving option to shop carefully and understand all the risks before having it installed, as the scope of the negative effects still aren’t fully understood by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Did the aforementioned risks scare you? Don’t worry – there’s a better alternative on the market that doesn’t cause health issues or hurt your Highland County property!

Greenstar Panels are a game-changing solution for Florida homes and businesses because:

GreenStar Panels’ patent-pending design allows hot air to travel under the roof deck, through a channel located above the 2” EPS insulation panel. Through this mechanism, the sun’s intense heat doesn’t ever reach your attic, meaning that your house is cooler year-round.

Fabricated from 100% recyclable expanded polystyrene, GreenStar Panels have a foil facing, reflective skin surface on both the panel’s front and back. This means that you receive all of the insulation and energy-saving advantages of spray foam minus the toxic chemicals.

Our 2″panels have an R-value of R-38, which is Florida’s standard for new homes. (R-value demonstrates an insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow, with R-38 being the highest available on the market). We’re the only solution on the market that incorporates protection from all 3 types of heat transfer.

If you’d like to learn more about why Greenstar Panels are considered the world’s best insulation, check out our detailed comparison chart here or contact us for a full deep dive into our panels.