How Does Spray Foam Insulation Effect the Building Envelope?
Posted in Spray Foam Insulation, on July 28, 2022
When exploring insulation options for commercial buildings, various material options will show up online in relation to attic insulation in Burlington. While attic insulation is vital to the energy efficiency of a home, many commercial buildings don’t need attic insulation. Instead, they require a solution that provides benefits beyond the attic. Spray foam insulation in Burlington is not just beneficial for attics but the entire building envelope too.
The building envelope consists of exterior walls, the roof, windows, doors, and foundation - essentially everything that encloses the structure. Effective insulation in these areas can save property owners money, protect the structural integrity of the building, and improve energy efficiency. At Four Seasons Insulation, we offer high-quality spray foam insulation and attic insulation in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area.
Read on if you’re wondering how spray foam insulation affects your building environment.
Reduce Air Leaks
At Four Seasons, the Spray foam insulation in Burlington that we use is made of polyurethane plastic that expands when installed, covering and sealing cracks in the foundation and strengthening the barrier between the outside and inside. As a result, whether used in the walls, crawlspace, or as attic insulation in Burlington, the advanced insulation prevents air leaks.
When air leaks occur due to damage to the building materials or deteriorating insulation, the air being warmed up can easily escape, instead of circulating, making it difficult to regulate indoor temperature and air quality.
Pipe Protection
In Ontario’s cold winter months, pipes are prone to damage from freezing temperatures which can cause an array of problems, especially in cities closest to the lake. Typically water pipes and drains run throughout a building, but it is the ones that are closest to the external walls that are most vulnerable to bursting. Spray foam insulation in Burlington and the surrounding cities helps retain heat in the winter, binding to the floors and the walls to prevent cold temperatures from reaching pipes. As a result, the likelihood of frozen or burst pipes reduces, sparing the wood and other building materials from water damage.
Mold Resistance
When there are cracks or gaps in the building envelope, be it the walls, crawlspaces, or roof cavities, water can get into the building, contaminating building materials and some insulation materials. While excess moisture is a problem on its own, it also can lead to mold infestations, especially in attics, where mold will contaminate the indoor air quality but remain challenging to detect. Effective building and attic insulation in Burlington will seal vulnerable areas of the building envelope, creating a solid moisture barrier that also prevents mold infestations.
Fire Resistance
In multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, fire protection is of the utmost importance. In most residential cases, fires start in the attic. Either attic insulation accelerates the fire or slows it, depending on the material and the condition of the attic itself. At Four Seasons, the spray foam insulation we use is treated with fire-retardant chemicals and is compliant with the Ontario building code to reduce the spread of fire. As attic insulation in Burlington or installed throughout the building envelope, a fire-resistant insulation material helps to reduce and slow the spread of fire, so occupants can evacuate safely with time on their side.
To learn more about the health and integrity of your building envelope concerning insulation, the experts at Four Seasons are here to help.