Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws-users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links > > >
Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
By the way, this will work for any kind of spray can. - Original Message - From: "Brice Mijares" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 1:47 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and > spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, > then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready > to > use the next time. > - Original Message - > From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: > Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM > Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > > >> Hi, >> anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I >> can >> use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only >> use it once. >> I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I >> have >> 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. >> Michael >> >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> >> >> To listen to the show archives go to link >> http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 >> Or >> ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ >> >> The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. >> http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday >> >> Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various >> List Members At The Following address: >> http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ >> >> Visit the archives page at the following address >> http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ >> >> If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following >> address for more information: >> http://www.jaws-users.com/ >> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man >> list just send a blank message to: >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links >> >> >> > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws-users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links > > >
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
use a clothes hanger wire -Original Message- From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Michael Baldwin Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 1:40 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Hi, anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only use it once. I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I have 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. Michael [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
Hi Michael Take all your tips that are clogged and soak them in a container of either paint thinners, turps or petrol and leave them in there for a while this will dissolve the substance clogging the tips. This same thing happened to me recently and after soaking give them a blast from your compressor they are then ready to go again. The same thing happens to spray cans of paint you might only use a small portion if you soak that nozzle and clean it each time no problems. Ray From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brice Mijares Sent: Saturday, 12 April 2008 6:48 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> > To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29> &PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws-users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> ! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
Thanks, but I tried that,wasted about 1/4 of the can, and the foam was still coming out. Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brice Mijares Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 3:48 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> net> To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com> Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29> .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_ position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio. <ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/> org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday> .org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/> users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail- <http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/> archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/> users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > blindhandyman- <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
Would mineral spirits work, i have a gallon of that sitting around. Thanks, Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ray Boyce Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 5:10 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Hi Michael Take all your tips that are clogged and soak them in a container of either paint thinners, turps or petrol and leave them in there for a while this will dissolve the substance clogging the tips. This same thing happened to me recently and after soaking give them a blast from your compressor they are then ready to go again. The same thing happens to spray cans of paint you might only use a small portion if you soak that nozzle and clean it each time no problems. Ray From: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brice Mijares Sent: Saturday, 12 April 2008 6:48 AM To: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> net <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> > To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster> .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster <http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ > .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29> &PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio. <ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/> org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday> .org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/> users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail- <http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/> archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/> users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > blindhandyman- <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> ! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
Hi Michael Give it a go all that is required is to dissolve that which is blocking up those nozzles. Ray From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Baldwin Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2008 08:11 To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Would mineral spirits work, i have a gallon of that sitting around. Thanks, Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Ray Boyce Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 5:10 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Hi Michael Take all your tips that are clogged and soak them in a container of either paint thinners, turps or petrol and leave them in there for a while this will dissolve the substance clogging the tips. This same thing happened to me recently and after soaking give them a blast from your compressor they are then ready to go again. The same thing happens to spray cans of paint you might only use a small portion if you soak that nozzle and clean it each time no problems. Ray From: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brice Mijares Sent: Saturday, 12 April 2008 6:48 AM To: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> net <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> > To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster> > .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster <http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=v iew_ <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=v iew_> > .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29> &PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio. <ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ <ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/> > org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday <http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday> > .org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ <http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/> > users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail- <http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ <http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/> > archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:archive.com%2Fblindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> / > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/ <http://www.jaws-users.com/> > users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > blindhandyman- <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> ! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text
Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
It won't work even when the stuff is still wet. And what I found interesting was there are no instructions on the can about clean up. Just a lot of don't do this or that... - Original Message - From: Michael Baldwin To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 6:10 PM Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Would mineral spirits work, i have a gallon of that sitting around. Thanks, Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ray Boyce Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 5:10 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam Hi Michael Take all your tips that are clogged and soak them in a container of either paint thinners, turps or petrol and leave them in there for a while this will dissolve the substance clogging the tips. This same thing happened to me recently and after soaking give them a blast from your compressor they are then ready to go again. The same thing happens to spray cans of paint you might only use a small portion if you soak that nozzle and clean it each time no problems. Ray From: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brice Mijares Sent: Saturday, 12 April 2008 6:48 AM To: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam In the future when you are done spraying, turn the can upside down, and spray it for a couple seconds to clean the tip. This will clean it out, then just wipe the part where the spray comes out, and it should be ready to use the next time. - Original Message - From: "Michael Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> net <mailto:mbaldwin%40cableone.net> > To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:40 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam > Hi, > anyone know of a way to clean out the tips of the spray foam cans so I can > use the rest of it. kind of sucks if I spent $7.00 per can, and can only > use it once. > I normally just take a new spray nozzle from a different can, but now I > have > 2-3 cans with no way to spray them out. > Michael > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster> .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster <http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ > .org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_ page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29> &PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 > Or > ftp://ftp.acbradio. <ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/> org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio <http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday> .org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/> users.com/JAWS/handyman/ > > Visit the archives page at the following address > http://www.mail- <http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/> archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ > > If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following > address for more information: > http://www.jaws- <http://www.jaws-users.com/> users.com/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > blindhandyman- <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:blindhandyman-help%40yahoogroups.comYahoo> ! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
The best thing to write on the foam can, is do not use this product. RJ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam
LOL, true, but unfortunately I need to. Michael _ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of RJ Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 8:56 PM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] spray foam The best thing to write on the foam can, is do not use this product. RJ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] Spray Foam Saves Energy
For some strange reason here in the U.K. your R value is called the 'U' value David -Original Message- From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ray Boyce Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 12:49 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Spray Foam Saves Energy Every homeowner wants a cozy, comfortable home. And every homeowner wants the ability to maintain that comfort at a reasonable cost. That's why all building codes require minimum insulation R-values for specific climate zones. These days there are a handful of insulation applications that meet these R-values, but the frontrunner in energy efficiency is the use of spray polyurethane foam (SPF). In fact, there's a lot more to insulation than its R-value. The R-values refer to the "K-factor" of a material. The K factor is the thermal conductivity for a unit thickness of material. However, other factors also affect the thermal performance of roof and insulation systems. These other factors include thermal drift, thermal gaps created by mechanical fasteners, poorly installed decking, and the effects of air movement on energy usage and moisture retention in roofs. Because an insulation material's R-value represents dry materials that are not affected by airflow or moisture, it doesn't take into account the other aspects of energy performance. For example, fiberglass batt insulation may be rated with an adequate R-value, but as the material retains moisture it loses its insulating qualities. In a "real world" environment, you can expect as much as a 30-percent reduction of labeled R-value for thermal insulation materials that are permeable to moisture. The physical properties of SPF insulation protects against this problem. Furthermore, the liquid application of the spray foam requires no fasteners, which means no thermal breaks at the fastener locations. The bottom line is this: Spray foam insulation addresses R-values, airflow and moisture resistance better than other types of insulation. The result is a savings of up to 60 percent in heating and cooling costs. Shown is a peek inside the SPF installer's truck, and a look at the specialized equipment required to apply the insulation systems. A Better Thermal Envelope SPF roofing systems have been around for more than 40 years, but there is still a significant lack of knowledge among consumers, as well as many roofing professionals on how to install or maintain these systems. For example, in the Birmingham metro area, hometown of Extreme How-To, only two companies offer SPF installation. We recently met with one such company, Thermetix, A licensed dealer of Foametix insulation, to check out a whole-house installation and get the first-hand scoop on the benefits of SPF. "While there is a higher upfront cost for the installation of the foam, SPF can really cut down on energy bills in the long run," says Ron Brown, co-owner of Thermetix, the company that installs Foametix SPF systems throughout Alabama. Although the initial cost of installation could be 3 to 4 times the cost of installing standard fiberglass batts, in as few as five years the homeowner can recoup their investment and enjoy lowered utility bills throughout the life of the house. The rigid foam insulation, which is sprayed as a liquid and immediately hardens in place, does not settle or sag over time, losing its R-value like fiberglass or cellulose. SPF also has no food value to attract insects or rodents. The rigid SPF insulation is sprayed as a liquid that immediately hardens in place. SPF can expand to about 100 times its original volume to fill air gaps between the framing studs in the walls and attic. By conforming to cavity shapes and sealing around wall features, SPF reduces air infiltration much better than standard fiberglass batts or reflective barriers. That's a big benefit, considering that government energy reports estimate 40 to 50 percent of a home's heating and cooling loss results from air flowing through the building envelope. Spray foam insulation is also non-toxic and usually has a lifetime guarantee. And, as the house expands and contracts over time, so does the foam insulation. This eliminates cracks and spaces for warm air to escape. "Spray foam is also helpful for people who suffer from allergies," says Brown, explaining that the seamless and monolithic layer of insulation provides superb air quality and pathogen growth. Unlike traditional roofing systems that require vents in the attic, SPF systems utilize unvented attics. This results in conditioned attic space because the air-impermeable insulation acts as a barrier to prevent moisture condensation on the underside of roof decks. Vented attics minimize condensation by allowing the escape of moisture to the exterior by air flow. But with this airflow come outdoor allergens and pollutants-a non-issue with an unvented attic in an SPF system. The most commonly used SPF products are medium-density
