A typical house gets about 500 square feet of living space per ton of AC equipment. When you use foam insulation, you can get between 900 and 1,400 square feet per ton of AC equipment. That means that a 2,500 square foot house that would typically get 5 tons of AC will now get only 2.5-3 tons of AC.
With spray foam insulation, you'll block hot air from entering your home, keeping you and your space cool and comfortable.
There are two types of spray foam insulation—open cell and closed cell—that have slightly different ideal temperature ranges. However, it's best to store both substances at warmer temperatures of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When spraying, you want the room's temperature to be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Subtract the square feet of doors and windows in that wall. Subtract 6% for the studs (which you won't be spraying) Take that total and multiply by 3.5″ for a 2″x 4″ wall, or 5.5″ if it is a 2″x 6″ wall. The result is the number of board feet you need to install to complete your project.
½# Open Cell Spray Foam 55 gallon kits: 16,000-21,000 board feet coverage We also have Open Cell Spray foam insulation for your project.
Seal Spray Closed Cell Insulating Foam Cans and Kits Two component foam performance in one easy-to-use can. Each can covers approximately 25 Board Feet. Spray-foam insulation is a quick and easy way to seal the gaps in your home and save on energy costs.
DON'T use expanding foam around outlets and recessed can lights. In the quest for a draft-free home, it's natural to want to add some insulation around electrical outlets, but expanding foam might not be the best type of insulation there.
Recommended Spray Foam Thickness
Closed-cell foam should generally be sprayed four to five inches thick for ceilings and roofing and two to three inches thick for wall insulation. Open-cell foam should be a few inches thicker, with six to ten inches for the ceiling or roof and at least three inches for walls.
When you insulate the top of your attic with spray foam, you're bringing your attic into your home's envelope. As a result, you can reduce the temperature in your attic by a lot – anywhere from 120 degrees to around 95 during peak summer.
A 2000 square foot home needs an air conditioner between 2.5 tons and 5.0 tons, which is equivalent to 32,000 to 60,000 BTUs. If you choose to use window air conditioners to cool a 2000 square foot home, expect to need from 24,000 to 72,000 BTUs total based on how many rooms you want to cool.
COOLING LOADS: 9 to 12 BTUH / Square Foot.
1,201 to 1,500 square feet homes should use 2.5 tons. If your home size is higher than the number above but is less not more than 1,800 square feet, you can go for a three-ton A/C. Choose a unit that is 3.5 tons if your home measures more than 1,800 but not more than 2,100 square feet.
It Can Lead to Mold
Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. Especially with closed-cell spray foam, which is rigid. Mold and mildew can begin growing behind the insulation which can go unnoticed until it's already become a huge problem.
Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation used for residences because it is by far the best, particularly for hot climates. Here's why: Fire-retardant – Fiberglass insulation is fire-retardant, making it an ideal choice for homes in dry climates and areas prone to fire.
We know that foam insulation creates the best air barrier that keeps cool air inside and hot summer temperatures outside. It's important for homeowners to keep their homes cool, but without running their AC unit at all times, running up their monthly energy bills.
A vapour barrier is not necessary with closed-cell foam but with open-cell spray foam such as Icynene®, it is sometimes required. Any air that migrates though a building envelope will carry water vapour. As Icynene® spray foam creates a seamless air-seal, it controls air leakage and the moisture in the air.
The answer is that it depends on the style you use. For closed cell spray foam, you'll want to make sure that your foam is 2-3 inches thick on the walls and 4-5 inches thick on the roof deck.
Closed cell foam has a higher R-value than open cell foam, usually about 6.0 per inch. But some closed cell foams, like Tiger Foam's E84 Closed Cell formula, have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. This higher rating makes closed cell foam better at keeping heat in or out of a structure.
The Downsides of an Airtight Home
Without a proper ventilation system, moisture can cause excess damage to your home that will negate any savings you've incurred from using spray foam. It can also cause the quality of your indoor air to plummet if you don't have other systems in place to improve it.
Yes, you can sleep in your house after installing spray foam. However, the curing time for spray foam should be at least 24 hours after installation.
It can be badly installed
The spray foam roof insulation industry is unregulated and if isn't installed correctly or sprayed in a roof space that is unsuitable, such as one with a condensation problem, it can lead to rot. And it shouldn't be sprayed over cables, which could lead to overheating.
At times hiring a foam insulation contractor can cost more than just doing the work yourself, but you need to own up to the times when calling a professional contractor will save you time and money on your insulation project.
The chemicals in spray foam insulation are dangerous to skin and human contact, so it is vital for the personal installing it to wear the proper protective equipment. This involves goggles, gloves, a breathing apparatus, and full coverings. The kit should come with detailed instructions for the user's safety.
Larger gaps should not be caulked. Most builders seal the gaps between a window frame and the rough opening with canned, one-component spray foam. Low-expansion foam is usually best, because other types of foam can exert enough pressure to bow window jambs inward and cause a window to bind.