Insulation Vallejo California

What is block foam insulation?

Wool blends with concrete, as a new insulation technology. In its first form as a prototype insulation product, the patent-pending Block Sponge Technology™ is cast from concrete wool and provides excellent thermal performance--similar to traditional forms of non-combustible insulation materials such as mineral wool.

No toxic smoke or fumes

However, unlike many types of fiber products used in building construction, this new development does not produce a toxic smoke or noxious fumes if it starts to burn or smolder. The patented design uses the "foaminess" of good quality foamcrete combined with the thermal performance characteristics of fibrous blocks. Non-combustible and heat resistant Block Sponge™ acts as an ideal filler that absorbs sound and radiation equipment chillers for more insulation between floors in commercial buildings.

Highly effective

It is also highly effective as a formwork to pour floor slabs, ceilings and walls. Block Sponge can replace many types of fiber insulation materials used today-including mineral wool, rock wool, glass fiber insulation board, polystyrene boards and rigid foam insulation panels-while meeting building codes that require non- combustible building insulation materials.

Building designers can use this product to beautify construction with decorative patterns, molded shapes and colors. Block Sponge™ is a concrete formwork with outstanding thermal performance properties that can replace many types of fiber insulation used in the construction industry today .

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is polyurethane foam that expands up to 100 times its original size and fills the space between walls, corners, and studs.

History

Spray foam insulation has been in use in the US since the late 1940s. A typical installation lasts 10% longer than cellulose-based fiberglass, saves about 5% in fuel costs per year when it's installed on an existing home, monthly cost savings are almost 50%, there's no added glue or chemical odor for homeowners breathing in toxic fumes when installing it themselves (and it doesn't produce any harmful gases during installation), you don't have to worry about moisture problems because of its closed cells membrane that keeps water away from your walls summer AND winter, AND you can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30% a year.

Sustainable

It's also sustainable (100% free of CFCs, HCFCs and other halogenated flame retardants), non-corrosive (won't corrode steel or aluminum), is fire resistant, has an R-value of up to 40+ per inch of thickness and forms a continuous barrier that insulates better than conventional insulation.

Water resistant

Spray foam is also water resistant, eliminating the need to drain older homes during installation (and reducing mold damage), it can improve indoor air quality by providing a healthier environment inside your home, and it provides superior thermal insulation, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs , and the ability to keep your home more comfortable.

Drawbacks

Spray foam insulation has become so pervasive in North America, that it's often assumed to be the best way of insulating a new or existing home. And because its R-value rises with density, you can achieve substantial energy savings while still using less material than fiberglass insulation, So, what's the drawback?

Well, there are several problems. The first is that it's expensive. One of its main ingredients (isocyanate) is not readily available or easily transported for large scale production, making it difficult to obtain in some places; therefore prices tend to be higher where you live than in areas where it's more readily available.

After installation, it also has a higher chance of leaking air than cellulose insulation, especially if it's not properly installed; but this can typically be solved with an airtight caulk. Also, because the spray foam is so dense, you need to make sure your walls are properly sealed or else you might see a build-up of condensation on the inside of your walls.

Ideal for homes in North America

In short, spray foam is a better solution for insulating homes in North America because it's quick and easy to install, requires less material, forms a more effective barrier against moisture, provides better insulation to reduce heating and cooling bills , reduces noise from outside letting you sleep more soundly, and it doesn't leak like cellulose insulation.

However, if you're in a developing country where isocyanate isn't readily available, or you want to reduce costs without having to install the most advanced insulation system, then spray foam might not be your best option. In that case, we'd suggest using cellulose insulation.