Spray foam insulation for flat roofs in Toronto

Flat roof sprayed polyurethane foam insulation

Ever since flat roofs were invented, they’ve proven to be intimidating to both homeowner and contractor alike. They have multiple difficulties including maintenance, waterproofing and insulating. We will be discussing the insulating problems for now.

You must be very careful with which method and materials you use, to successfully insulate a flat roof. Here is a breakdown of how things should be organized:

Ceiling Insulation

Going this route isn’t recommended as it would cause the height of the ceiling to drop 4-5 inches so that it would meet local codes. This would additionally make any future hardware or lighting upgrades very difficult to instal.

Getting Between the Ceiling Rafters Insulated

Only two insulation types should be used for this way of doing it. Dense pack cellulose insulation, or some open or closed cell spray foam insulation. Because air doesn’t really move in a straight line, it makes it very hard to properly ventilate a flat roof which is why these are the only two recommended materials to use. This would promote moisture to come into that area and if trapped, would wreak havoc and be very difficult to remove. It would save a great deal of headaches to have an area that wasn’t ventilated and to just spray the area with 4-5 inches of spray foam, or fill the whole cavity with dense pack cellulose.

It’s important for you to consider stud height, if there are existing 2×6 studs, you’ll be limited to using closed cell spray foam insulation (which isn’t really a limit) due to  the restrictions in R-value. Cellulose is R-3.8 per inch, open cell foam is R-3.5 per inch and closed cell foam is R-6 per inch. If there are 2×8 studs, then you can also use open cell spray foam or dense pack cellulose.

One thing to note, is that fiberglass insulation should in no circumstance be used for such and application. Dense pack cellulose insulation will run you $1.50 per square foot, open cell spray foam will run you about $3.25 a square foot, and closed spray foam will take it to $6.00 per square foot. To learn more about the costs involved with foam insulation both on the flat roof and at your home or commercial property contact Spray Foam Kings today.

Installing Insulation On The Outside Of the Roof Surface

This method is the most commonly used method in commercial flat roofs, but can also be used for residential as well. It’s done by using a powerful adhesive and applying it to the foam board, spreading it on the roof area, and fastening it with washer head nails. The waterproof rubber membrane will then adhere to the foam board. To achieve the required R-value, it normally takes two or more layers of foam board. This method requires no ventilation, the spaces between the ceiling joists can stay empty as they are. Keep in mind that when going with this approach, rim joists must be insulated to keep the whole system integral from roof to walls as to steer clear of moisture issues down the road.

Contact Spray Foam Kings for a free consultation on the best type of foam for your flat roof project.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-for-flat-roofs-in-toronto/

Batting vs Spray Foam Insulation in Toronto

Batting or spray foam insulation – what to use?

Winters in the GTA mean that many homeowners are concerned with cold drafts in their homes due to poor insulation, and our of control heating bills which again are due to poor insulation. Insulation is a topic that Canadians are all to familiar with as we do have extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year (our roads are a testament to this exact phenomena). Over the years, we’ve been seeing the rise of spray foam insulation, where most people growing up know the fibreglass batting as the most common insulating material. The question is, which one is better? And which one do you choose?

Both spray foam and batting insulation come with their pros and their cons. Here is a brief run-through of what to look for.

COST – the major difference between batting and spray foam insulation, is the price and complexity of installation. Spray foam insulation to be installed properly will require a professional, whereas batting can be a DIY project. Because of this added labour/expertise, spray foam insulation can be up to two or three time more expensive than batting.

STRUCTURAL AND AIR QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS – a major benefit to spray foam is that it’s ability to create such a good air tight seal comes with more benefits to your home other than just insulation. Once cured, the foam acts as another level of structural reinforcement. to add to this, it significantly improves air quality inside as it blocks any pollutants from entering as it blocks heat from escaping, in the same manner allergens are also blocked from entering your home.

ENVIRONMENTAL- Low in volatile organic compounds or VOC’s, spray foam is a green product that has massive growth for our ever renewable/greener future. Batting can have some environmentally friendly variations, it isn’t as versatile and there isn’t as much room for growth in the area spray foam does.

LENGTH OF LIFE- batting as we all know does begin to break down and become less and less effective as an insulating material over time. Spray foam however is literally everlasting and will probably outlive the home! Unlike batting, spray foam will maintain it’s insulation properties throughout it’s life. Batting starts to sag and air pockets form, if it gets wet, it is rendered useless as an insulator. Spray foam insulation has water repelling properties and would maintain its integrity even if wet.

QUALITY OF INSULATION- spray foam has multiple benefits, but it’s ability to insulate is unsurpassed. It creates a thermal envelope in your home which is very hard for any conditioned air to be displaced through it. The quality of the material coupled with the installation from a professional will ensure that your insulation is the best possible insulation out there, and can not be replicated with any other material.

It’s seen a surge in the construction world and with good reason. Spray foam insulation has multiple applications and it is going to continue to grow in the field of construction for years to come. The quality of insulation and water/fire resistant character means that it is a multifunctional material that does not only it’s job, but other requirements without the need to use other materials. Spray foam insulation is the insulation of the future.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/batting-vs-spray-foam-insulation-in-toronto/