What happens when foam gets wet? | Homeowner's Questions About Using Foam | Spray Foam Technical Questions and Answers | SprayFoam Magazine Q&A Forums

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margo Posted: Nov 15, 2012 09:39 AM	What happens when foam gets wet? I am posting for a friend as a lot in NJ are now determining how to restore/rebuild from the damage or Hurricane Sandy and are looking into foam options... "What happens when the foam gets wet?"
Anthony Scarpelli Posted: Nov 15, 2012 10:20 PM	There are two types of foam. Closed Cell and open cell. Closed cell is the one that pertains to hurricane resistance. Closed cell foam is an adhesive and can strengthen the wood structure of a home by 250-300% when sprayed on the under deck of the roof and exterior walls. It has the highest R value of any home insulation per inch, it is a water plain so water will run off of it and not be soaked up by it like other insulation. FEMA requires it when rebuilding in hurricane prone zones. It is an air barrier preventing cold wind/moisture blowing in through cracks or openings in the structure for plumbing/electrical systems. Since it is water resistant it can be used below grade in basements, areas expected to get wet, hard to reach or seal areas. If it is used outside it requires a UV barrier. It can be effective in as little as 1" or 1 1/2" thickness.

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Comments

margo

Posted: Nov 15, 2012 09:39 AM

What happens when foam gets wet?

I am posting for a friend as a lot in NJ are now determining how to restore/rebuild from the damage or Hurricane Sandy
and are looking into foam options... "What happens when the foam gets wet?"

Anthony Scarpelli

Posted: Nov 15, 2012 10:20 PM

There are two types of foam. Closed Cell and open cell. Closed cell is the one that pertains to hurricane resistance.

Closed cell foam is an adhesive and can strengthen the wood structure of a home by 250-300% when sprayed on the under deck of the roof and exterior walls. It has the highest R value of any home insulation per inch, it is a water plain so water will run off of it and not be soaked up by it like other insulation. FEMA requires it when rebuilding in hurricane prone zones.

It is an air barrier preventing cold wind/moisture blowing in through cracks or openings in the structure for plumbing/electrical systems.

Since it is water resistant it can be used below grade in basements, areas expected to get wet, hard to reach or seal areas. If it is used outside it requires a UV barrier. It can be effective in as little as 1" or 1 1/2" thickness.

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