Builders Information

Why use spray foam insulation?

Spray foam is one of the most advanced insulation and building envelope systems on the market today. Spray foam insulations combine high R-value and air infiltration control, the two major factors in achieving energy efficiency in homes. Most other insulations do very little to control air infiltration which can account for as much as 40% of a home's energy losses. And air leaks don't only allow conditioned air to escape homes, they also can significantly reduce the R-value of traditional insulations due to an effect called wind washing. Research by ORNL shows that an R-19 batt "commonly" installed only performs at an R-13.7 level. Spray foams resist the heat scavenging effects of air movement much better than more traditional fibrous insulations helping to ensure that the insulation will perform much closer to its listed R-values. This provides much more value to your customers for the same listed R-value because it:

1. Reduces energy costs
2. Reduces drafts and improves the comfort of their home

A more consistent air and thermal barrier can also potentially reduce your liability by reducing the likelihood of condensation which can lead to premature deterioration of the home exterior and mold growth.
There are two types of spray polyurethane foam insulations commonly used in residential insulation applications. The first is closed cell foam which is a nominal 2 pounds per cubic foot density. It offers greater than 90% closed cells that are normally filled with inert gases that insulate better than air. The second are referred to as open cell foams and are a nominal 0.5 pound per cubic foot density. In order to drop the density, the cells have to be opened, or less closed cells than a higher density spray polyurethane foam. Both products offer insulation and air barrier characteristics. The physical properties of each should be compared to select the best one for your particular application. Because of their physical differences, some applications may be better than others for each particular product.

Builders Information

Advantages of Building Homes with Queen City Foam
• Differentiate from your competition
• Improve sales
• Reduced warranty claims
• Happier customers
• More referrals
• Qualify more buyers with Energy Efficient Mortgage
• Can be sold as an upgrade to any home
• Enhanced reputation
• Marketing power of energy efficient building
• Reduced liability
• Qualify for tax credits

Energy Efficient Homes Sell
Studies by Honeywell listed energy efficiency in the top ten desired features for home buyers.

We can help you construct a persuasive marketing program that will enhance your sales and upgrade options.
Builders all over the country are finding that energy efficiency is a great selling tool. It doesn't make any difference whether you are building starter homes or waterfront masterpieces. Affordable homes need to be built as efficiently as possible to keep homeownership in the reach of families just starting out. Large custom homes, built for the most discriminating buyer, need to be very energy efficient because these buyers understand that it makes no sense to waste money on utility costs.

ENERGY STAR
Programs such as Energy Star Homes, a program of the U. S. Department of Energy and EPA has tremendous recognition among the public. Linking up with Energy Star will make selling your homes a simple matter. The American Lung Association has their Health Home program that appeals to those with allergies and respiratory problems. Both these programs encourage energy saving features.

MOLD & MILDEW
Mold has become a huge concern for builders all over the country. With homeowner's insurance policies excluding mold coverage, they are going after the builders to pay for remediation of mold problems. A relatively small mold problem can cost nearly $10,000. A serious problem can easily reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. Energy efficient homes help reduce the potential for mold growth.

Architects

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a perfect insulation choice for architects because it provides maximum thermal performance, serves an air barrier, and enables complete design flexibility. SPF will allow you to incorporate sustainable practices to satisfy your clients increasing demand for healthier, quieter, and more energy efficient structures.

SPF serves as both a thermal insulator and continuous air barrier which seals the building envelope for increased energy efficiency and total thermal comfort. Its air sealing capabilities ensure that outdoor polluted air stays out and mechanically-ventilated fresh air stays in, improving indoor air quality so that occupants can breath easier.

Since it is applied as a liquid and expands to fill every cavity, crevice and gap, spray foam insulation enables complete design flexibility. Unusual shapes doe not impede the performance of its insulation and air barrier characteristics. Therefore, the architect is free to focus on satisfying the needs of his clients without worrying about the limitations of the insulation.