Spray foam insulation has become increasingly popular in the construction industry, thanks to its amazing thermal efficiency and air-sealing capabilities. Spray foam insulation remains an innovative and reliable way to insulate residential and commercial buildings, but you may have some concerns about the material’s fire resistance.
We can help you evaluate whether spray foam insulation is flammable and what you need to know as a contractor or anyone else involved in the fire-safety optimization of properties.
Insulation Basics
Before we dive into the details, let’s look at how spray foam insulation works. Spray foam insulation is, as the name suggests, sprayed out of a gun. Upon application, the insulation quickly expands and hardens into an airtight seal that can fill every crevice of the surface you put it on—even around pipes. This airtight seal creates an effective barrier to air infiltration, moisture, and heat loss. This helps keep properties more energy efficient.
Evaluating Flammability
Now, let’s address the big question: is spray foam insulation flammable? Examining what you need to know about this subject is critical to the safety of everyone who enters the building you’re insulating. While spray foam insulation is made of chemicals that can ignite, the final product is not easily flammable. However, if there’s an external source of ignition, such as an open flame or electrical short, the foam can catch fire and burn.
The level of protection you get once the insulation encounters a flame depends on the type of foam that you use. This is why it’s important to choose the right type of spray foam insulation for the intended use and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Fighting Fires
The right insulation for your building will be durable enough to prevent the spread of flames for a certain amount of time. This will give anyone inside the building some time to react and evacuate when a fire emergency strikes. Some spray foam mixtures are optimal for 15 minutes of protection, and others go up to a full hour.
But fire protection doesn’t stop at the spray foam mixture itself. At Flame Seal, our spray foam fire barrier is a coating that covers insulation to hinder the spread of flame and heat if a fire spreads. Remember that protective barriers won’t stop the spread of flames completely, but they will significantly reduce the speed at which they spread.
Don’t hesitate to consult a local fire safety expert or code official to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Rely on the guide above to ensure your spray foam insulation installation is both efficient and safe.
