• Also known as ‘half-pound foam made from raw biological materials, carbon dioxide or water.
• Requires a vapor retarder (like gypsum wallboard).

• Also known as ‘closed-two pound foam made from raw biological materials.’ Closed cell foam is a vapor retarder.
• The blowing agents in most types of closed-cell spray polyurethane which are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of greenhouse gas, which cause harm to the ozone layer, and have been proven to contribute to global warming. In fact, the United Nations arrived at a decision to phase out HFC’s from use.

A type of fiber primarily composed of glass, used in a wide variety of applications, and predominantly employed as a residential and commercial thermal insulator. In homes it can come in various hues and is commonly found in blanket form, called batts. It also comes in bags as loose fill that can be blown into attic.

• 6″ Gives R19-22
• Works well to insulate home, but eventually the problems with open-cell spray foam will outweigh its effectiveness.
• Product sprayed directly next to roof in attic space and traps heat against the roof causing shingles to deteriorate faster. Some shingle manufacturers and property insurance companies will not cover roof damage claims with spray foam under roof.
• Not all homes sprayed with spray foam will be energy efficient and comfortable due to inconsistencies in the installation process.

1. Sometimes spray not thick enough.
2. Installer missed air leakage sites.
3. Spray foam installers didn’t understand the building envelop and sprayed too little or too much.
4. Spray foam can contract, and in time, pull away from framing.
5. In humid climates, it retains moisture like a sponge against the roof, causing the roof to rot and creating mold.
6.  Installers are required to wear hazmat suit to prevent exposure (to the spray foam).
7. Application temperatures are critical for proper curing. UL listing is not available.

• 3” Gives R19-22 6” Gives R-38
• Homes sprayed with closed-cell spray foam will be more energy efficient than those sprayed with open-cell spray foam. It provides higher R-value per inch than open-cell spray foam.
• Product can work well to insulate home. In time, however, the problems with spray foam outweigh the positives. Due to its density and gluxe-like tenacity, closed-cell spray foam can add structural strength to walls. However, it can be a detriment in the attic space, because it is sprayed directly against the roof and causes shingles to heat, and therefore deteriorate faster.
• Note: Some shingle manufacturers and property insurance companies will not cover roof damage claims with spray foam.
• Because of the installer process, not all homes sprayed with spray foam will be energy efficient and comfortable.

1. Sometimes spray is not thick
2. Installer missed some of the air
3. Spray foam installers didn’t understand the building envelope and applied too little or too much.
4. Spray foam can contract, and in time, pull away from framing.
5. Installers are required to wear hazmat suit to prevent exposure (to the spray foam).

12″ Batt Gives R-38

• Fiberglass insulation is inexpensive. Sometimes supplied as material in sealed batts, covered in plastic film (perforated polyethylene or polypropylene) specifically to avoid issues with breathing in the fibers. When people talk about indoor air quality, they are often referring to factors like mold, mildew, fumes, dust, household products, pesticides, asbestos, and outdoor air pollution that gets into the home. Something far more dangerous, however, would be breathing in airborne fiberglass in the form of small particles, and most of us do it at least once a day. Sometimes what we think is dust on our furniture is in fact airborne fiberglass blown through our A/C. This can turn your home into what is called a sick home or SBS Building Syndrome.
• Side Effect Symptoms
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heavy feeling in lungs
  • Lungs aching
  • Coughing
  • Numbness of the skin
  • Raw sore feeling in nose throat, sinuses and airways
  • Nose running or Stuffy Nose
  • Nose Bleeds
  • Sneezing
  • Pressure in gums making top teeth feel loose
  • Pressure in eyes
  • Burning and watering of the eyes
  • Itching
  • Nausea & Stomach Upset
  • Gas Reflux
  • Irritable bowels
  • Abdominal pain
  • Leg Cramps and Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Ache in Ears
  • Lymph Nodes Swelling
  • Cramps
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Kidney Problems
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty Concentrating

The Health Coach