subject: What To Look For In Spray Foam Installation Kits [print this page] If you're like many homeowners, you've probably figured out that there are many home improvements and repairs you can make on your own. Completing the work yourself often saves you money and is one way to guarantee the work gets done in your own time frame and according to your specifications.
You may have entrusted work to a contractor in the past only to be amazed with the lack of quality of the project or astounded at the incredible price you paid for work that wasn't even completed on time. Or perhaps you're simply the sort that likes to be hands-on in your home improvements. Regardless of the reason you've decided to install insulation in your home yourself, you will need to understand fully what you'll need to get the job done right.
The first thing you need to consider when looking for spray foam insulation kits are the specifications of your particular project. There are two basic types of do-it-yourself kits available. The first is designed for small jobs, like those you will perform when undertaking home repairs. The second is a kit that will allow you to perform larger-scale jobs like insulating an attic, floor or wall.
Repair kits are typically designed to fill a 12-square-foot space. They are perfect for completing small jobs, especially those where you are repairing a small section of wall or floor and will need to replace the foam insulation in the process. These kits can also be good for completing touch-up work after large projects are completed. Even the best craftsman will find tiny areas that need additional insulation after a big job, and a repair kit makes it possible to easily fill those areas for minimal expense.
The larger kit is usually capable of filling 200 or more square feet and the kit of choice when completing a large-scale insulation project on your own. You may need to purchase several kits or extra canisters to get the work done, depending on the size of your project. You can often get a bulk discount for purchasing a larger number of kits all at the same time or for spending over a certain dollar amount.
Once you've decided the amount of spray foam your project will require, you need to start looking for a foam distributor whose kits contain all of the essential items you'll need, including the best possible foam. You'll want foam that has a high closed cell percentage rating, as this type of foam is the most energy efficient for insulation in a residential or commercial building. Closed cell foam may cost more in the short term but will save you a lot of money on energy costs in the long term.
You also want to ensure the foam you select has a high fire rating that either meets or exceeds building code specifications in your area. Not only do you want to keep the rating right for purposes of your local building codes and homeowner's insurance costs, you want to make sure your house is as safe as possible for you and your family; choosing a high fire rating insulation is just one way to make that happen.
Any kit you purchase should come with all of the items that are necessary for you to complete your job. These include the canisters of foam, hoses, nozzles, instructional materials and safety equipment. Canisters should be pressurized to allow for quick and easy dispensing of foam without requiring any other equipment. Hoses should be a minimum of 10 feet long to let you easily maneuver while working. Nozzles available can either be fan or nose nozzles; you may even need both for your particular project requirements.
The instructional materials contained in the kit should explain the use of equipment but will also ideally help you in your project. Hints for completing work in the best way are included with a good kit. The materials will also help you understand any hazards associated with this type of work and include safety instructions.
The safety equipment necessary for insulation work should be included in any of the larger kits you purchase. Typically, you will receive a pair of coveralls, a pair of gloves, and safety goggles. You will want to buy a respirator if you don't already have one. The respirator should be top quality and contain a pre-filter capable of preventing particulates from entering the mask. The mask itself should have organic vapor filters.
