FAQ

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Want an affordable and effective insulation solution? Contact Exotherm

SPF is a two component application made from isocyanate and polyol resin, that are pumped through an advanced proportioner and heated. Air systems pump these components from two separate drums, through a heated hose to a mixing spray gun, where they are then spray applied to a substrate (i.e. stud wall cavity). When combined, these components generate heat and undergo an exothermic reaction, causing it to expand up to 30-60 times its liquid volume seconds after it is spayed.

Once in place, this provides a high thermal insulating value with virtually no air filtration.

As of 2021, Federal regulations began implementing efforts to phase out HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) blowing agents utilized in SPF insulation and bring in HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agents. A vital part of spray foam chemistry, blowing agents help propel foam onto the substrate when sprayed, assist with foam expansion, and increase the R-Value of the insulation, aiding in the creation of the closed cells. HFOs have zero ODP (Ozone Depleting Properties) and contain non-toxic, unsaturated organic compounds, thus posing less harm to the environment, handlers of the chemicals and installers.

Is spray foam harmful?

Most health and safety issues that arise around SPF are linked directly to the quality of installation rather than to the actual product. As spray foam is a chemical compound, it requires special handling from preparation to the installation stage by trained technicians, anything less may pose potential health risks, even after installation is complete.

Manufacturers and professionals have established rigorous standards, guidelines and criteria for handling spray foam compounds, and failing to meet these can pose dangers for both service providers and homeowners alike. Once installed properly by a certified technician, SPF becomes inert (non-reactive) and non-corrosive, posing no threat to one’s family or workers.

Why SPF?

2lb Spray Polyurethane Foam has the highest R-value (the measurement used to determine the transfer of heat) of any readily available insulation used in homes or buildings, with an average R-value of R6 respectively, whereas in comparison, blown-in loosefill fiberglass typically has an R-value of only R2-R3. This means that when properly installed, SPF amounts to savings upwards of 40-50% on heating and cooling costs, while also saving the environment by decreasing fossil fuel and other harmful forms of energy usage.

In typical residential homes, almost 60% of heat loss is related to moisture in the air and SPF, which has the most complete and efficient results of any application available on the market, forms an effective air and vapor barrier, which will not absorb water and prevents condensation. By eliminating moisture, it prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn, reduces the likelihood of rotting wood and allergic reactions to mold spores, all while keeping pollutants, dust and allergens outside, as well as pesky vermin and bugs.

SPF insulation blocks all three forms of heat transfer; conductive, radiant and convective heat and completely seals a given area, enveloping all openings, holes and cracks, including hard to reach areas that conventional products such as fiberglass cannot accommodate. This long lasting, quality solution that won’t sag or settle over time, also adds structural strength to any building in which it is applied due to its rigid texture once dry. Studies have shown that wall assemblies using spray foam have racking strength 2-3 times higher than traditional wall assemblies, thus making it the practical, go to solution for residential, commercial or industrial applications.

Why Exotherm?

At Exotherm, all of our applicators are highly skilled, licensed and trained professionals, who strive to provide 100% customer satisfaction.

In Canada, building codes and standards are key factors in ensuring that products, such as SPF insulation are manufactured and installed properly, individual provinces modeling themselves after the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) as they see fit for their respective regions. Since the finished product is manufactured onsite, CAN/ULC-S705.1, the product standard and CAN/ULC-S705.2, the installation standard for medium density closed cell SPF insulation that all must recognize and adhere to, ensure that this is done safely. Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) exist for all CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) approved SPF systems in Canada and require that all applicators be certified, recertified every 5 years and meet each manufacturers quality commitments. Exotherm is backed by the 2 largest QAPs in the industry, Caliber and UFC (Urethane Foam Consultants), and also provide further comfort with our own 2 year manufacturer and 5 year installation warranties.

We have aligned ourselves with some of the construction industry’s largest and most respected associations, who’s core values embody honesty, integrity, hard work and quality, many of the same values that have become synonymous with Exotherm. These include BILD (Building Industry and Land Development), RenoMark, OHBA (Ontario Home Builder Association), CHBA (Canadian Home Builders Association), Baumler Approved, NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association) and IFTI (International Fireproofing Technologies Inc.). We have been awarded the Homestars Best of award and Best of The Best awards multiple times and are a Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited business, all of which showcase our passion, dedication to professionalism and unrivaled workmanship.

Our job isn’t done until the client is completely satisfied and in the rare case where problems may arise, or a job isn’t finished to the high standards for which our company stands, we will send someone back to make it right, at no extra cost. We treat every home or project like it were our own and go to great lengths to ensure that all doors, windows and any other areas susceptible to overspray or damage are properly protected, leaving the work area intact and as clean as we found it once finished.

The question isn't why Exotherm, it's why not?