Icynene Insulation - Full Seal Against Air Infiltration

One of the important considerations in the the design and construction of your new home is considering the insulation system and its impact on other systems in the home. There are a few different forms of insulation, the more common ones:

• Fiberglass Batt
• Recycled Denim
• Blown Cellulose
• Blown Icynene

Green Aspects Of Sprayed Icynene Foam Insulation

Each has different benefits and features and we are going to concentrate here on Blown Icynene. Icynene is a chemical, sprayed in a water base, that adheres to most anything that it touches like glue and also quickly expands to a volume around 100 times the sprayed liquid. The chemicals are considered safe and non-toxic. Because the chemicals are non-toxic and the superior insulating qualities of the system, it clearly supports green building objectives.

It rises to fill the void completely, fill in around concealed pipes and wires, seal all air cracks and provide a solid air barrier and excellent insulator. The material itself is somewhat like styrofoam in its properties. The net result is a quiet, air leak free wall assembly that can make your home more comfortable, quiter and more energy efficient. The reduced air infiltration makes a very significant difference in the energy efficiency of the home.

This video explains the process and many of the benefits:

Other Benefits Of Icynene Sprayed Foam Insulation

Some of the other benefits that you will get with Icynene that you will not get with fiberglass are:

• reduced dust infiltration (better if you have allergies).
• Superior insulation and sound deadening of the underneath of floors.
• Elimination of cracks though which insects can enter.
• Higher energy savings.

The major downside is cost. The installed cost of Icynene is about 3 times that of fiberglass batt. In general though, the increased energy efficiency will pay this back in about 4-5 years. This is especially true if you you live in Energy Star zones 2 or 3 and have your HVAC unit in the attic and insulate the bottom of the roof deck. If you do this, your installed HVAC plant can be sized smaller and work more efficiently to heat and cool your house.

Reduced Loads On HVAC Systems

It is becoming quite common now to insulate the bottom of the roof deck. That means the space in which your HVAC system resides, that previously that would get to 140-150 degrees in the summer, is now 80-90 degrees. This means the HVAC unit works less often and will last longer.

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