Benefits of Under-Slab Spray Foam Insulation

Some interventions, such as the insulation of the under-slab, are only possible at the initial stage of construction. Many miss this opportunity to provide premium insulated buildings.   

Why do you need to insulate the under-slab?

We are sure that many of you are wondering why it is necessary to insulate the under-slab. In order to provide you with a detailed explanation, we will go back to the basics of building science.

The basic concept is that the building should have continuous insulation all around the structure. Imagine that you have a box and there is a line all around it without any breaks. The more space the continuous line covers, the more efficient the thermal insulation. Consequently, when there are missing patches of the line, it means that you have thermal leaking. The insulation experts refer to this as a continuous system.

Given that the under-slab is the bottom part of the “box”, you should take care of insulating it otherwise there will be a deficiency in your slab or basement. The warm air will escape your home through its foundation resulting in a vicious cycle of heat loss and high energy bills.

The benefits of under-slab spray foam insulation:

1. Warmer temperature

This is the most profound and easily noticed advantage. Spray foam has the unique ability of getting into small cracks and crevices. It sticks on irregular surfaces, creates a protective layer of insulation and covers any potential thermal leak. Directly after applying the foam into the cracks, it expands, cures and blocks the air circulation. It is widely known that air movement is the number one reason to cause heat loss.

Spray foam reduces this problem, keeps the warm air inside and maintains the expected temperature for a longer time. This is one of the most efficient solutions with an air sealing advantage.

2. Save money

A house is built on the long term, so should the insulation for our under-slab in order to bring long term benefits. Spray foam insulation will cut down the furnace working time as the insulation will maintain the expected temperature for a longer time period compared to other types of insulations.

Enjoy the comfort in your property and more money in your pocket. The relative increased cost of the under-slab spray foam insulation would be minor as opposed to long term advantages of using it. The best investments are long term.

3. Radon Retarder

Reducing the amount of radon is one of the benefits of spray foam insulation in your under-slab. Briefly, gas radon exists in some underground areas and through clefts penetrates the house through the air. Radon has harmful consequences for our health and one way to avoid it is to use an air barrier such as spray foam. The air intrusion cannot happen because the foam fills every crack and void.

Be careful of radon warnings and why you should be informed about its potential consequences. For a further explanation check out HERE.

4. Flexible ground application

Sometimes the substrate surface of the ground, where the insulation is going to be applied, is uneven due to pebbles or loose gravel. There is a high chance of air pockets existing within your home if not insulated properly. This will ruin the purpose of the insulation so air circulation and radon gases may enter through the under-slab.

On the other hand, the spray foam is easily adaptable to the various ground by fully fitting on the substrate. Thus no air pockets or air movements are allowed and this is closely related to airtightness.

5. Prevents Bugs, Insects, and Small Rodents from Getting Into Your Home

The tiny holes in your building structure are the gate to ants and bugs which are able to find tiny cracks in the concrete. They come from the soil, and by utilizing the easily penetrated insulation, they find out small cracks in the concrete to make your building a paradise to live and prosper.

Fortunately, the small cracks and crevices can be filled with spray foam. Closed cell spray foam is the best choice if you want to get rid of the tiny intruders.

6. Prevents the Growth of Mold and Mildew

Moisture exists in the ground around your building which demands something to keep it out of your concrete and interior. Also, moisture once in continuous contact with the concrete slab, would deteriorate and reduce the longevity of the structure.

Spray foam insulation reduces the moisture build-up and prevents the growth of mold of mildew throughout your home.

7. Increases the Sturdiness of the Slab

Closed cell insulation can actually strengthen the structure of your slab due to its density and hardness. Earthquakes, heavy snow, strong winds can be a big challenge so it can act as a considerable reinforcement for your sub-floor. One of the benefits of spray foam insulation is that it covers all areas and holds everything together as a strong glue.

Keep in mind that buildings with enhanced thermal properties are an additional value for your property and post-sale value.

8. Eco-friendly Heatlok Soya

Here are some good news if you are concerned with keeping your households “green”. The closed cell heatlok soya spray foam is made out of recycled plastic bottles vegetable oils like soy and corn. This product is a new advancement in the spray foam products by having high insulation properties and taking care of the environment at the same time.

How to choose a contractor to spray foam your under-slab?

This particular spray foam service requires expertise and new generation spray foam products. The cornerstone of the spray foam service is installing quality. If the guidelines and standards are not followed accordingly, during the application of the spray foam, then the insulation will be of lower grade and lower efficiency.

Look out for experienced contractors and read their reviews on HomeStars and GoogleMyBusiness. These indicators are valid and provide integrity.

EcoStar Insulation has been providing insulation services for more than 10 years and that long experience has given us the confidence to accomplish any residential or commercial projects regardless of how big or complicated they were.

We are certified by CUFCA, WSIB, approved by Baeumler and we use top quality spray foam products such as Demilec with GreenGuard Gold Certification.

Do you need a quote?

If you need to get an idea of how much your insulation could cost or any pertinent information, feel free to contact us anytime. Quick on-site visits and knowledgeable technicians will be at your disposal.

Call us at 647 799 3106 / 866 789 1536 or email us at info@ecostarinsulation.ca to book a free consultation.