Building a durable home or business is about
more than just what’s on the outside, the hidden elements of a structure play
as important a role in keeping you and your belongings safe. Weather is a major
consideration for any build since a home/business needs to be able to stand up
to serious wind, rain, snow, sleet, heat, humidity, and everything in between.
In terms of controlling moisture and humidity, it is a structure’s insulation
that does a large amount of work to prevent mold and rot from eating a building
from within.
Moisture can create serious structural issues as well as aesthetic damage, lowering the safety and value of a property significantly. While traditional pink fiberglass insulation provides some protection from moisture, it can’t stand up against extreme conditions, and won’t be able to perform as well after exposure to moisture. Spray foam insulation can get into every nook and cranny of your walls and flooring to prevent any moisture from penetrating inside your home or business, all while providing superior temperature control and comfort.
Sources of Moisture
Rain isn’t the only source of moisture that
can destroy the integrity of a building by seeping into cracks, floorboards,
and ceilings – moisture can be found everywhere from the clouds to deep
underground. In addition to rain, sleet, and snow, moisture can creep into your
home/business via condensation on humid days, from burst or leaky pipes, from
ground-water sources, flooding, and even accidents like overflowing toilets,
bathtubs, sinks, etc.
Moisture from outside the structure can penetrate deep into walls through cracks and crevices, through non-waterproofed materials, or through faulty areas of construction. Moisture from below can penetrate up through floorboards and unfinished, poorly insulated basements. Moisture lingering in the air can condense on windows, dripping into cracks in the sill and seeping deeper into wood and plaster. While each of these issues shows a basic flaw in construction, if the building is equipped with spray foam insulation, a little moisture won’t be able to pass beyond the foam and inside where you and your items live.
Consequences of Poor Moisture
Control
Most of us think a whole lot about temperature
when it comes to our homes and business spaces, but how often do you consider
moisture control? Poor moisture control, which allows moisture to penetrate
through the outer protective layer of a building and into the insulation and
inner walls of a home, can result in structural damage, mold and rot, water
stains, and sagging. Structural issues can be hazardous for the physical safety
of you and everyone inside a building, and even mold and rot can present
possible respiratory or similar health problems.
A building with poor moisture control can also force you to spend huge amounts of money, since damage needs to be prepared, and these types of structures require more energy usage to adequately heat and cool. Typical pink fiberglass insulation can absorb moisture, which can then seep into floorboards, walls, ceilings, baseboards, etc. Spray foam insulation creates a moisture barrier, both by being non-absorbent and by sealing cracks and gaps in your walls, floors, and ceilings.
How Spray Foam Insulation Works
As mentioned above, spray foam insulation
works by creating a physical seal against moisture and air. Non-absorbent and
able to repel even large leaks, spray foam insulation won’t ever become damp,
making it super-long-lasting and cost-effective. Additionally, because spray
foam insulation expands to fit the exact shape of your walls and flooring it
creates a seal that protects cracks and gaps from accumulating moisture.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is far and away the best
option on the market for both commercial and residential construction projects,
providing superior protection in a number of areas. Due to its unique structure
and ability to expand and fill even small cracks and gaps, spray foam
insulation is the ultimate solution for drafty, leaky, chilly buildings that
cost a fortune to keep warm.
Moisture & Humidity Barrier
We’ve emphasized how well spray foam seals the
cracks and crevices of a building against moisture, and how well it repels
moisture to prevent absorbing even large leaks, but now we have to talk about
spray foam breathability. Strong against leaks and humidity, spray foam
insulation also provides enough airflow for natural evaporation and drying to
occur, which prevents water from turning into rot, mold, or deep dampness.
Temperature Control
The tight seal created by spray foam
insulation is excellent for keeping moisture at bay, plus, it serves to stop
air leaks, making temperatures more comfortable and steady in your home or
office. By keeping drafts out and heated/conditioned air in, spray foam makes
feel comfortable in any weather super easy.
Energy Savings
Because spray foam insulation protects from
air leaks, a structure outfitted with spray foam insulation is often more
energy efficient. With air unable to escape and a more stable overall building
temperature, your heating/cooling system won’t have to work nearly as hard to
keep you comfortable. Stable temperatures mean less energy use, and less energy
use means smaller energy bills!
Learn more about the potential benefits of spray foam
insulation when you visit Superior Insealators or contact us today for a free
estimate!
