Residential & Commercial Insulation Contractor Blog

Homeowners Beware: Isynene Spray Foam and Your Safety

Green, Insulation, Safety

How safe is it to re-enter my home after installing Icynene® spray foam?

Homeowners and building managers often ask us about a product called Icynene, a liquid spray foam insulation. Icynene Inc. claims people can re-enter the building one hour after installation. We decided to investigate that claim for ourselves.

The Green Cocoon follows OSHA’s and the manufacturers’ guidelines when using spray foam insulation. Those guidelines state that re-entry should only happen 24 hours after installation has been completed.

Let’s Do Some Math

According to icynene.com, “Low VOC Icynene Classic Max and Icynene ProSeal spray foam products allow for re-entry after 1 hour and re-occupancy after 2 hours of active ventilation (at 40 ACH) following installation, allowing for minimal impact on construction schedules.”

Let’s have a look at 40 ACH (40 air changes per hour). Take a small, 2-story house that has a 24’ x 36’ footprint, which is 864 square feet. If we figure it has two stories at 8 feet tall, the basement is 8 feet tall, and the band joists are 1 foot tall, that’s an overall height of 25 feet.

Now let’s take the square footage (864 feet) times the overall height (25 feet) and you’ve got 21,600 cubic feet. When multiplied by 40 ACH, you will have to move 864,000 cubic feet of air in an hour!

If we take the cubic feet of air moved in an hour and divide it by 60 minutes, we calculate that we’ll need to move 14,400 cubic feet of air per minute. That takes some pretty big fans, but the average insulation company uses fans that move 2,500 cfm of air (like the one in the photo). That means that you have to have six of these fans running while you are spraying and you’ll need to leave them running for an hour once you finish spraying. And this is on a small house! The larger the house, the more fans you will need!

TGC regularly works on homes that would require 12 or more fans to hit the number. That is a lot of fans to purchase, set up, take down, and move around from job to job.

Safety First

Ask your contractor how many and what size fans they are planning to use if they install Icynene. We suggest you stop by the home and take a peek to make sure the contractor uses the right number of fans needed (see math above). Your safety should come first.

TGC chooses not to offer Icynene spray foam as Icynene reps are only allowed to spray Icynene. TGC is an independent spray foam insulation company, so we spray the product that we think is the greenest and safest for our customers. We don’t like to be pigeon-holed into using one product that might not be the best fit.

Before you purchase any spray foam insulation, get a second opinion from The Green Cocoon.

Hurricane Season Means It’s Time to Check the Roof!

Insulation, Weather

Every year as storm season rolls around, millions fear for the safety of their family as well as the safety of their home. Now, with Demilec USA’s Heatlok XT spray foam insulation, you can rest assured that your home is protected by the strength of a hurricane adhesive. It has been tested to have bonding strengths up to two times that of Florida’s code minimum! Heatlok XT can provide the following benefits to your home:

Reduce Storm Damage
Increases Wind Uplift Resistance
Create a More Solid Structure

Demilec USA’s Heatlok XT Spray Foam and hurricane adhesive product bonds the roof deck and trusses together. As a result, it meets and exceeds the requirements of the state of Florida, a state known for its destructive hurricanes (www.demilec.com).

The hurricane season in New England is defined as June 1 to November 30. However, 75 percent of the 40 tropical systems that have impacted our region in the past century have struck during the months of August and September. The last severe hurricane to hit Massachusetts was Hurricane Bob in August 1991. Bob, a Category 2 Hurricane, with winds between 91 and 110 mph, caused almost $1 billion in damage. Other hurricanes like Eduardo (1996), Bonnie (1998) and Bill (2009), threatened the Bay State, but veered out into the Atlantic as they traveled up the coast (www.mass.gov).

You worked hard to put the roof over your family’s head. Don’t let a storm carry it away! Give us a call and ask how you can get Heatlok XT in your home today!

Spray Foam and Metal Buildings

Insulation

To foam or not to foam. Why you might choose to use spray foam inside a metal building even though the interior is not heated or cooled.

One of our frequently asked questions is whether there is a benefit to spraying two or three inches of foam on the inside of a metal building, even though it is not going to be heated or cooled. The answer may surprise you.

Savings or Comfort?

Are you looking for savings or comfort? If a metal building is going to be air-conditioned (cooled) or heated, then we expect the building to be insulated. It is our job to help you save money by offering the best insulation possible. However, sometimes savings is not the key reason that you decide to buy spray foam insulation. Sometimes, it all comes down to comfort.

Baby It’s Hot in Here!

If the temperature outside is 100°F, then the outside skin of your metal building is going to be around 150°F. It won’t take long before the radiant heat from the metal skin radiates to the inside of the building.

Insulate with Spray Foam!

If you have high traffic in your building, or you plan to leave the doors open to allow large equipment to be moved, you may opt to not condition the structure. You may think it is a waste of time. But when you insulate the building on the inside, especially with spray foam, you create a radiant barrier— a barrier between the heat source and your living space.

In the south, for example, the inside temperature will remain around 100°F during the hottest part of the day, even after the sun goes down. The temperature will be pretty close to the outside roof deck. If you didn’t have that radiant break on the inside walls and underside of the roof deck, the radiant heat would come off of the metal and heat the space. Thus, you would get a hotter environment inside than the temperature outside because of the radiant load coming off of the roof deck.

You see this happen a lot inside attics, metal buildings, workshops, etc., where you don’t get consistent conditioning. If you have a radiant load that is building up and a surface that gets really hot, then it radiates some of that energy to the air inside the space.

If you have insulation questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us. We would be happy to help you!

Summer Safety Tip: Be “Fireworks Smart”

Safety

With the fourth of July weekend just around the corner, fireworks safety is very important. The Green Cocoon wants everyone to be safe this holiday season. Here is a summer safety tip, be “fireworks smart.” Follow these guidelines from the National Council on Fireworks Safety to ensure you use fireworks safely.

Stats to Consider for Fireworks Safety

In 2017, 8 people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

The National Safety Council advises the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these safety tips.

General Fireworks Safety Tips

Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
Never ignite devices in a container.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
Keep a bucket of water and hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

“Fireworks Smart” Before, During, and After

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges consumers to be “fireworks smart” – before, during, and after their fireworks display.

Before: Choose an open area away from spectators, homes, buildings, and dry vegetation. Use a garden hose to wet down the area before firing.
During: As each device burns out, soak it using a hose or bucket of water.
After: Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes and buildings.

Special Safety Tips for Sparklers

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
Always remain standing while using sparklers.
Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water.
Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
Never throw sparklers.
Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

Watch this informative video on Fireworks Safety.

Got Cobwebs? Air Is Coming In!

Energy Efficiency, Insulation

Did you know that spiders make cobwebs in the draftiest areas of your home? That is because it gives them the best chance of catching a flying insect. Got cobwebs? That means air is coming in the house. Moreover, you can use the cobwebs to find where the drafts are!

Tons of Cobwebs

During a recent visit to a potential customer, The Green Cocoon team was shocked to see how many cobwebs there were (see photos below). We have never seen that many cobwebs in a basement, and the basement isn’t even that old!

Time to Insulate!

“Combined with improvements to insulation and the heating/cooling system, air sealing improves your comfort, increases indoor air quality, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing your energy use. It’s called “home performance.” (The Climate Center)

In conclusion, if you have cobwebs in your basement or anywhere in your home, contact us and we will help you eliminate the incoming air problem.

The Green Cocoon - Insulation against cobwebs

Does Spray Foam Damage Roof Shingles?

Energy Efficiency, Home Maintenance, Insulation

Has anyone ever told you that spray foam insulation will damage your roof shingles and void your warranty? Guess what? They are wrong!

Founded in 2007, The Green Cocoon has more than 14 years of experience; insulating attics. As a result, we have heard many stories about shingles. But, the biggest fear is that your roof shingles will be damaged by spray foam insulation. Consequently, we are helping alleviate homeowners’ fears by showing them the benefits of having spray foam insulation.

Is Spray Foam Bad for Shingles?

One of the biggest fears people have is that spray foam will make shingles curl because they overheat. This misconception came about when people believed insulation was a heat source and were concerned about having a “hot roof.” In actuality spray foam is a barrier between two areas of different temperatures, for example, your attic space compared to your snowy roof.

Photo courtesy of RetroFoam of Michigan

If you don’t know the term “hot roof,” I’m sure you’ve heard of an unvented attic. If your roof deck has been insulated, that means your attic space is now part of your home’s conditioned space. This method of insulating the attic can actually be good for your roof because it can help prevent ice dams.

The Florida Solar Energy Center did a study a few years ago during the peak summer months in Florida—a state that gets much hotter than New England—measuring the temperatures of roof shingles above an attic with a radiant barrier. Depending on the color of the shingles, the study found the shingles peak temperatures were between 2- and 5-degrees Fahrenheit higher than the temperature of shingles in the same conditions without a radiant barrier.

What this study means is that you can insulate the roof deck of your home with foam insulation without any adverse effects to your shingles. Foam insulation creates thermal resistance, which is keeping the hot air out during the summer and the cool air inside.

Insulating Your Attic with Spray Foam

Now that we’ve shown you the research that your shingles won’t curl or get ruined with spray foam insulation, you might be curious about the benefits of foam insulation in your attic.

If you have general questions, check out the FAQ section of our website. For more in-depth questions, contact us and we would be happy to answer any them.

Second Annual Food Drive and Ruck Walk a Success!

Giving Back

On Saturday, April 24, The Green Cocoon (TGC) partnered with Integrated Fitness of Dover (IF) for its second annual Food Drive and Ruck Walk to support the Dover Food Pantry. With the help of the Integrated Fitness coaches and the community, over 140 lb. of non-perishable food items was collected!

A Perfect Distance for All to Walk

The donated food was carried in backpacks by The Green Cocoon staff, IF coaches, athletes, and friends to the Pantry. The two-mile trek from the IF Studio to the Dover Food Pantry was the perfect distance to challenge most—3.4 miles.

Food-Drive-Ruck-Walk-2021-Green-Cocoon-Insulation

“We were thrilled to be a sponsor of this year’s event,” said Jim Materkowski, President and Owner of TGC. “Getting donations from the community here in Salisbury to help people in the Dover, NH area, shows how much people care about others.

Thank You to the Community

Thank you to the employees who walked in the Ruck Walk and who donated food. A special thank you goes to Jarrod Curtis of Verizon Wireless for the huge donation of food.

Candace Lord, co-owner of IF said, “Although the numbers were a little lower this year due to the pandemic, we still donated a lot of food to a great cause. We are looking forward to having this event again next year!”

A tentative date has been set for Saturday, April 23, 2022. Watch for confirmation on our Facebook page.

HEATLOK HFO Pro Completes NFPA 285 Fire Testing

News

Huntsman Building Solutions, a global leader in high performance, sustainable building envelope solutions, recently announced that its HEATLOK® HFO Pro Closed Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam insulation has successfully completed NFPA 285 fire testing for metal and aluminum wall assemblies. HEATLOK HFO Pro is a professionally spray-applied continuous insulation solution which now passes the NFPA Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components.

The Green Cocoon shows HEATLOK HFO Pro fire test. Photo courtesy of huntsmanbuildingsolutions.com — Photo courtesy of huntsmanbuildingsolutions.com

“HEATLOK HFO Pro spray foam acts as a combined air barrier, vapor retarder, water barrier and thermal insulator in one,” says Doug Brady, vice president of global innovation and product management for Huntsman Building Solutions. “Already a standout insulation system that optimizes the building envelope, it now boasts this key fire safety certification which will undoubtedly advance its marketability even further among builders, architects, contractors and building owners.” Read more.

New Report on Environmental Impacts of Spray Polyurethane Foam

Environment, Insulation

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) recently published a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Use Phase Analysis report. The report evaluates the environmental impacts and performance of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation. It compares the environmental impacts of spray foam insulation as compared to fiberglass insulation, specifically measuring cumulative energy demand and global warming potential for homes insulated in different US climate zones.

Three Homes Tested

Three homes were equally insulated according to 2018 IECC requirements in their respective climate zones using fiberglass as a baseline and various types of spray polyurethane foam insulation. What was the conclusion?

SPF Insulation Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

After reading the report, our biggest surprise was how SPF insulation can reduce carbon emissions! “The report shows the reduction in carbon emissions by using SPF insulation instead of fiberglass in a single home is the equivalent of removing 14 to 23 automobiles from the road for an entire year.”

Read the entire article at sprayfoam.com.

Questions? Contact us and we’d be happy to answer them!

ⁱSprayfoam.com (March 23, 2021) – SPFA Releases Report on Environmental Impacts of SPF

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Home Maintenance

Now is the perfect time to get your home ready for spring using these 10 home maintenance tips. After a long, dreary winter, seeing the snow melt and feeling the warmer temps is a breath of fresh air. Getting your home ready for spring is more than cleaning.

Examine Roof Shingles

Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during the winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled, or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.

Seal Air Leaks

Pay particular attention to windows and doors. If you spot cracks or gaps, caulking or weatherstripping should fix the problem; both are simple, DIY projects. Weatherstripping windows, for example, requires only measuring tape, a utility knife, and self-adhesive tape.

Insulate the Attic

If your attic has no (or little) insulation, the room could become a sweatbox on a warm spring day. Adding insulation before warmer weather arrives will prevent that from happening. Another benefit of insulating your attic now: It will help reduce heat loss during the cold winter days ahead.

Check the Gutters

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.

Check Outside Faucets

Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

Service the AC Unit

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Check the Foundation

Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickel into a crack in your concrete floor, slab, or foundation, call a foundation repair professional near you immediately.

Siding

Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.

Replace Filters

Replace all filters including water, range hood, and air vent filters. You should replace these filters every 3-6 months depending on the type of filter you have.

Clean Out the Dryer Vent

Sure, you diligently clean out the lint trap every time you empty the dryer, but when was the last time you cleaned out the entire dryer vent? This easy task will not only improve the efficiency of your dryer, but it can also help prevent fires. (According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause around 2,900 home fires each year.)

In short, these 10 home maintenance tips for spring are just a few we recommend. There are many more available at energy.gov.