Spray Foam Insulation Safety: Can You Be Home During Installation?

Introduction

Considerations for staying or leaving during spray foam insulation installation can vary greatly depending on the type of foam being used and the contractor's practices. This article explores the potential health impacts, especially concerning formaldehyde and other chemicals, and offers advice on ensuring safety and comfort.

Health Implications of Spray Foam Insulation

Most spray foam insulation is made from a mixture of chemicals that expand when applied, such as isocyanate and polyol. Some expanding foams, particularly those with formaldehyde, can release harmful fumes. Formaldehyde is a known irritant and can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and even more severe health problems in some individuals. Soy-based foams, on the other hand, are less likely to emit these odors and are generally safe for most people, though pets, especially birds, should be removed during the foaming process.

Installation Types and Recommendations

There are two main types of spray foam insulation installations: new construction and retrofit. New construction projects, where the foam is applied during the building process, typically pose a higher risk of exposure compared to retrofit installations, where the foam is injected into existing walls. During a retrofit, the vapors are released gradually and can escape, minimizing the risk of direct exposure in the home.

Installers recommend that homeowners vacate the area during the foaming process. For instance, if the loft or attic space is being treated, it is often safer for the homeowner to remain outside or in another part of the home. However, in some cases, especially when the installation is limited to specific areas, it may be safe to stay in the home. In my case, I remained downstairs while the upstairs space was treated, using a sheet plastic barrier and a large attic fan for ventilation.

Personal Experience with Spray Foam Insulation

I had my spray foam insulation installed upstairs while I was able to stay downstairs. To ensure safety, I set up a temporary barrier between the two spaces and used a large attic fan to provide continuous ventilation. The fan ran at low speed and had a capacity of 8400 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Cross-flow makeup air was provided by windows in the upstairs area. The insulation used was a combination of open cell and closed cell types, depending on the location within the walls.

After the installation, I continued to run the attic fan for several weeks to enhance airflow and remove any lingering vapors. A year later, there were no signs of any ill effects, and my wife, who has a highly sensitive nose, could not detect any odor associated with the insulation. The insulation has performed exceptionally well, resulting in significant savings on energy bills. A two-year update has confirmed that the insulation continues to perform brilliantly, and the home's utility costs have been reduced by almost 25%.

Conclusion

The decision to remain in your home during spray foam insulation installation depends on the type of foam used, the specific installation process, and your personal health concerns. It is always advisable to discuss the potential risks with your contractor and consider precautions such as temporary barriers and ventilation systems. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of improved insulation while minimizing the risks to your health and comfort.