Understanding R-Values
R-Value represents the value of resistance. R-Value is the resistance to the heat saturation on the opposite side of a chamber if a heat source gets placed on one side and one inch of insulation gets placed on the other. R-Value represents the method by which experts and consumers can have a sort of “apples to apples” to evaluate when discussing which type of foam is best for them.
Spray Foam Comes in Two Forms: Open-Cell and Closed-Cell
Closed-cell spray foam is dense, has a superior air barrier, and is moisture-resistant. Because it expands quickly, has a low density, and costs about half as much as closed-cell spray foam, open-cell spray foam gets frequently utilized in ceilings, walls, and roofs. Professional insulation contractors apply it to basements, crawlspaces, and metal buildings.
R-Values by Region
Depending on how it gets utilized, what material gets used, and the climate zone you live in, your home may require a different R-Value. Insulating with spray foam moves you to a separate application of technology. Encapsulated attics are unvented attic structures. It gets positioned on the deck of your roof, with codes that require it to have an R-20. Code recognizes that the effectiveness of spray foam in an attic that gets not ventilated is superior to fiberglass.
The R-Value of 1 inch of open-cell spray foam is approximately R-3.4 per inch. Spray foam with closed cells has an R-7.1 value per inch. Be aware that closed-cell spray foam is thicker!
The technology used and the way the spray foam gets sprayed are the causes of this, Meaning? Spray foam insulation applied to a roof deck with an R-20 rating performs better than R-38 in many climate zones, even those where R-49 is necessary. By using spray foam solely at an R-20 and removing features like ridge vents, passive vents, and power vents, you can convert your home’s vented attic to a stuffy attic.
The Importance of a Ventilated Attic
If you can encapsulate your attic, it stops the stack effect. The stack effect creates negative pressure on your home. A stack effect occurs when your attic is heated as intended, and air comes out of the attic vents; it needs to get replaced. The atmosphere typically comes in from the soffits. However, they rarely get designed correctly. They get blocked by dust and paint with time. The area that is free of the soffit vent gets smaller. Even in newer homes, soffits are usually not well-balanced and need to offer more airflow.
The temperature in Ottawa is fast on a typical morning when your attic is heated and begins to exert negative pressure over the house. Since air is moving through and out, make-up air is drawn in from every penetration, window, and door on the home’s main level and basement. Due to this stack effect, a sizable amount of the air in a home gets trapped crawl area. The air from the crawl space is being forced into the house if your home gets located there. If you can properly seal your home, you’re reducing the loss of fresh air and improving the air quality inside it!
A reliable team like 613 Spray Foam is worth the investment because we know what’s required and can perform it. For additional information, call us at (613) 319-8422 or email us at info@613sprayfoam.ca.
