What is R-value and how is it measured?
R-Value insulation ratings are used to measure insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The problem with R-value ratings is that the performance testing is done in static conditions with no air movement and thus only measures conductive heat loss. This results in some products having effective (real) R-value performance that is much less than the advertised or "rated" value. Air infiltration is the major boogy man in heat loss and you have to think in terms of eliminating air infiltration.
Where can Tripolymer® foam insulation be installed?
Tripolymer® injection form can be used in almost any existing older or new wall cavity including interior and exterior, wood and steel stud wall systems. It is the perfect insulation for the walls of older homes and can be injected through a hole as small as 3/4". It performs very well injected into block walls above and below grade, and can be used to seal up and insulate a variety of difficult areas in older buildings. It is a very effective retro-fit product.
What about Tripolymer® foam and fire?
In multiple controlled tests Tripolymer® showed an increased fire rating of between 50% and 150% when installed in a standard stud wall. Unlike other foam products Tripolymer® does not support combustion, melt, develop smoke, or vaporize when subjected to fire.
Tripolymer® has been approved as the only foam-in-place product used to increase fire ratings on existing non-compliant buildings.
How do the installers know the walls are full?
We check each wall cavity for blockage as we bore the access holes and drill additional holes if necessary. The installer uses a combination of back pressure and fill time to determine the cavity is full. The foam begins to "set" almost immediately so there is no settling or sagging to worry about. The foam is fully expanded as it leaves the gun and resembles shaving cream flowing quite easily into all cracks and crevices with a minimum of back pressure. There is no risk of additional expansion doing damage once the wall cavity is full.
How long does insulation take and how messy is the process?
Most average sized homes (less than 2,000sq. ft.) will be completed in two days. Very seldom does a job take more than two days. We are very careful with your property and excess foam is cleaned up wither with water or swept up after it sets up a little. The foam is non-adhesive, doesn't stain, and will not damage vegetation. We are very careful to cover and protect the areas we are working in.
How expensive is the installation of Tripolymer® injection foam?
Tripolymer® injection foam is the most cost effective insulation product for older homes available on the market today. It is easy to install and absolutely out-performs all other options on a dollar per R-value gained and BTU's saved basis. Every job is unique, but doing the walls of a 1,200 SF., single story home would typically cost less than $2,300 before the federal tax credit - which currently would be approximately $450. See our Saving Page for Return on Investment Analysis.
What about odor or toxic gasses?
Tripolymer® has been tested under the federal Hazardous Substances Act and the EPA's Right to know act for combustion toxicity and the presence of toxic materials. The combustion by-products are significantly less than those produces by burning white pine and no toxic materials were identified in the EPA tests.
Is Tripolymer® effective for reducing sound transmission?
Tripolymer is a very effective sound insulator with a STC-53 rating. Your house will be noticeably quieter from outside noise after insulation in exterior walls. It is very effective for reducing sound transmission in interior walls and can be installed with minor drywall repair on one side of the wall. Great for quiet bedrooms!
Does Tripolymer foam user Formaldehyde in manufacture?
No, Tripolymer® foam is not a Urea-Formaldehyde product. It is a patented and unique phenolic-based product produced by C.P. Chemical Company Inc. The foam is fully expanded as it enters the wall, contains no CFC's and will not off-gas any noxious fumes.
What about remodeling when new drywall is being installed?
Tripolymer® foam can be installed before the drywall is taped by drilling holes along the tapered joint at mid-wall. When foaming is complete we simply secure a round foam plug which is then covered up when the taping is done. This is a great time to consider sound insulation on interior walls. A really quiet office or bedroom is an affordable luxury!
My house was built in the 50's and I think it has asbestos shingle siding. Is that a problem?
No, we can safely and effectively work with that situation. We carefully remove shingles and replace them when done. If any are broken or disturbed we dispose of them properly and replace them with non-asbestos shingles. In either case there will be minor paint touch up required. A great time to consider insulating your home is before you re-paint!