This type of new foam is really fascinating, I wonder if anyone who has tried it out can comment on what they think of it. I have read some complaints that the foam created a toxic odor for some people. However, I wonder if this is because it’s a new type of foam and maybe the contractor or manufacturer botched something in those cases. I only say this because most of the feedback I see for icynene foam is positive. What’s really amazing about this kind of foam is that it can actually be sprayed on to a wet surface. That’s really amazing-normal polyurethane foam wont stick at all on a wet surface–it really needs dry conditions. I’m guessing the castor oil or water base of icynene foam is allowing it to adhere completely in spite of wet conditions. I’m guessing once the foam cured new moisture stopped forming since the contractor reported good conditions when asked to update. I think if the foam had not completely insulated the refrigerators there would be wetness & mold. I heard icynene foam is supposed to be new or superior in some ways–but it honestly sounded inferior when I heard it was open cell (and had lower R-values). I think I understand better now that it’s both environmentally friendly and versatile for some applications–like this really unique condensation issue in the case study. Reply
I think it is strange to hear they have developed a foam that can actually stick to a wet surface. I wonder if anyone has had a personal experience with icynene foam insulation. While most people are very happy with it, I have heard some people complain about headaches. I just wonder if there’s any truth to this. Reply
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up! And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! 🙂 Reply
Icynene has a closed cell two pound foam, as well as open cell half pound foam. Both are great products. I have been in the same room as someone spaying Ld-c-50 open cell. I had no mask, and experienced no headach. Reply
I agree, this is a best article.A successful blog needs unique, useful content that interests the readers Reply
I have been installing foam insulation for 16 years. Both Icynene and Poly foams work very well at thermal insulation. I have successfully sprayed both, and they each have their good points. The only thing I would have to disagree with in this article, is that the open cell foams are still an air barrier, and will suffer no infiltration of outside air under normal circumstances. The porosity is extremely low, despite the “open cell” name. The closed cell foams have a much stronger odor problem, primarily because they use hydromethanes and propates, to inflate it. They are also extremely rigid and difficult to work with, but they insulate very well, and are more suitable for wet areas, or extremes in temperature, such as a walk in freezer, or such. Since they are really industrial foams, Closed / Poly foams are also more trick to work with because they cure very hot, and the operator must be cautious, or it can start a spontaneous combustion. Definitely not a do it yourself project. Cheers. Reply
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I’d appreciate an advice on using Icynene open-cell foam in the house – small area crawl space, and a small part of an attic bedroom (between the roof and wall). I’ve read a lot and it seems that the safety of this foam still hasn’t been fully cleared… My worries are of a mother, I don’t want my family to deal with any off gassing over a long-time period. Does anyone have a credible information on the likelihood of it? The EPA questions the safety of Icynene in a long-run, while some other websites claim the absolute safety after a 24-hour post-installation time… Any thoughts, please? Reply
I don’t know if this is a factor of the article being older and technology advanced, or what, but some of this isn’t correct. For example, you write about Polyurethane foam… “there are ‘green’ versions, made partly from soy byproducts (instead of pure petroleum), which contain less HCFC and CFC gases.” That’s partly true. For example the product we currently use in our spray foam insulation applications do contain up to 15% recycled/renewable content, but they also contain absolutely NO urea formaldahyde, NO CFC’s and NO HCFC’s. However I’m not sure if this is just because it’s a fairly new and advanced foam, and so might not have been available at the time of writing. Just thought I would point that out! Reply
Hello, I am shopping now to insulate my new home…well a new home built in 1995…my electric bill is telling me that I’m needing to insulate my attic. Can you tell me please the name of the green product you referenced here, because I have two children and I am very worried about the use of any toxic product, to the extent that I can do as much to prevent its use. Mostly the urea formaldahyde is of great concern to me. I would appreciate any direction or information you can give me. Thanks! Reply
I need to insulate the area defined by the top of my basement wall and the floor joist cavity around the exterior perimeter. We get mice. They bring in acorns! I’ve got cavities I can’t see to plug and hope the foam will do that. In one are there is a moisture problem. Other than that icynene sounds better and is 25% less. I’d love to save the money but suspect I should go with closed cell Reply
There is definitely a great deal to know about this issue. I love all the points you have made. Reply
I want to insulate my loft with foam. Mainly to stop the heat getting in! I have a metal roof and I know temps reach 200F plus in the summer up there. Literally an oven! My garage also gets very hot and I am thinking of doing the inside of my garage door also as it faces westerly. Icynene sounds the way to go. Can any one comment or advise please. Reply
All previous comments very informative. I have only heard of icynene this month September 2017. It seems to have pros and cons so its horses for courses. It has a lower insulation value than PUR roughly 50% less. It can be applied to wet surfaces and PUR cant so that gives it advantages when insulating older properties. This product is now sold in Northern Ireland United Kingdom. One thing no one has mentioned is how flammable is it compared to PUR or PIR or styrene. Would it be safe to use if it burns readily. Rockwool mineral fibre insulation does not burn so how does it compare to that. Of course rockwool cannot be fitted into nooks and cranies. Reply
Is this foam fire retardant? One installer says he blocks the foam off of recessed lights or electrical connection boxes by a couple of inches. Didn’t know is this was for neatness or because of a danger from heat. LED lights generate little heat, and this was the application I had to consider. Thanks for any information you can provide. Reply
Electrical and heating appliances often require a minimum air gap separation from surrounding materials (e.g. 1″). Be sure to check the product design guides. Spray foam performs well in fire rating classifications, but is not considered a non-combustible material (e.g. concrete). Also, because of acceptable flame spread performance, spray foam insulation typically does not require an ignition barrier in crawl spaces and attics. Reply