Page 7 - Icynene v. Rigid Foam Ebook
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First, spray foam can more completely and fully insulate Quick Facts: ProSeal
and seal a building without joints, gaps, or other and ProSeal Eco
interruptions in the continuous insulation. The fact that it
adheres to surfaces helps ensure thermal performance. Icynene’s latest white paper “The Performance Benefits
of using Medium Density Spray Foam in Continuous
Second, there is normally no waste associated with spray Insulation Applications” explains how medium density,
foam compared to board insulation since only the closed cell spray foam:
amount of material needed is used. Rigid XPS boards ■■ Meets or exceeds thermal performance of
often need to be cut to fit producing scraps and waste.
comparable rigid foam insulation products due to
Third, since spray foam is delivered in liquid form, a its high R-value, which can also lead to reductions
tractor trailer load of it can hold a significantly greater in overall wall thicknesses
amount of board feet of insulation than a truck load of
rigid foam insulation boards. ■■ Creates a continuous insulation, water resistive
barrier and air barrier layer in one step
Fourth, the process for producing spray foam insulation
compared to board insulation is different not only in the ■■ Delivers consistent system performance for cost
base material used but also in the type of blowing agents and construction schedule savings
used. Those blowing agents have been independently
rated and range widely in terms of Global Warming ■■ Can cover the widest range of exposed surfaces to
Potential (GWP). Icynene ProSeal Eco with 100 percent prevent thermal bridging
water blown technology offers the lowest rated GWP of 1.
By contrast, XPS chemical blowing agents carry a ■■ Features an approach to air and water resistive
dramatically higher GWP of over 1,000. It is easy to see barrier creation that is not dependent on extensive
which one is more environmentally appropriate based on use of joint sealants in exposed situations
those numbers.
■■ Has a much better ability to bond to the entire
length of wall penetrations, such as brick ties and
fasteners, thereby better ensuring thermal and
airtightness effectiveness
■■ Is less likely to have air barrier discontinuity at
transitions and control joints
■■ Has very low water absorption and is capable of
shedding water
■■ Can be applied in cold temperatures as low as 5°F
(for Icynene ProSeal Eco)
■■ Can be installed in wall assemblies that are fire-
rated or part of non-combustible construction
Icynene ProSeal and Icynene ProSeal Eco create a continuous Icynene’s story got even better when the company
insulation, water resistive barrier and air barrier layer in one step. introduced ProSeal Eco, an environmentally responsible
100% water blown closed-cell spray foam.
“The environmental advantage of Icynene ProSeal Eco
pulls heartstrings of specifiers because you don’t have to
worry about environmental issues like global warming or
about spraying at lower temperatures like 5°F,” says Duffy.
“Plus the product offers more flexibility in diverse weather.
The R value of ProSeal Eco is comparable to extruded
polystyrene foam, but not as high as ProSeal. When you
consider there is no compromise to going to a spray
foam product, the question becomes: Why would anyone
use XPS? It’s a good question; they should go ask the
growing number of people using spray foam.”
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THE EVOLUTION OF INSULATION ™
