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Frequently Asked Questions |
What Is ZipFoam? Are There Building Code Approvals? Advantages of Flexible Foam? Advantages of ZipFoam? Advantages for Residential Use? What is ZipFoam made of? How Long Does ZipFoam Take to Cure? Does ZipFoam Absorb Water? Does ZipFoam Entrap Moisture? Does ZipFoam Change Physically Over Time? Is ZipFoam Environmentally Friendly? Flammability and Fire-Rating? What Does the Smoke Contain? Any Harmful Emissions? How is the ZipFoam Installed? How Long Has ZipFoam Been in Use? Any Electric Wiring or Overheating Problems? Is ZipFoam Corrosive to Metals? Does ZipFoam Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth? What About Mice and Termites? What Are the Acoustic Properties? Does ZipFoam contain Urea Formaldehyde? Does ZipFoam Break Down, Sag or Shrink? R-Value of the ZipFoam Solution? Are These Aged Values? R-Value of a ZipFoam Insulated Wall or Ceiling? At What Stage is ZipFoam Installed? How do I get a ZipFoam quote? What is ZipFoam? ZipFoam is a semi-rigid, non-toxic spray foam insulation solution offering added value because it acts as an air and moisture barrier solution that wind proofs and seals wall, floor and ceiling cavities to prevent air movement ( including spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, at baseboards and where walls meet windows and doors). This means that hot, humid outside air cannot seep through walls, and that humid interior air cannot enter the walls and condense. By virtue of its low permeability to air, its adhesion to other building materials and its flexibility, ZipFoam provides value beyond insulation. It provides superior air leakage control, moisture control and sound control, thus becoming a one step insulation, moisture/vapor barrier, wind barrier system. Unlike "loose fill" insulation methods that do not wind proof building cavities, the air sealing characteristics of ZipFoam provide virtually the same R-Value in the field as it does in the laboratory where the R-Value is measured. Hot and cold air cannot pass through ZipFoam like it can through traditional insulating materials. Are There Building Code Approvals? Yes. ZipFoam complies to the BOCA, SBCCI and the ICBO Uniform Building Codes. It has been evaluated by the Council of American Building Officials National Evaluation Service. Advantages of Flexible Foam? A foam that adheres to building materials like ZipFoam, must remain flexible in order to maintain its air seal. Buildings expand and contract with changes of season and temperature. If the foam is too rigid, it will inevitably develop cracks along the studs and ultimately the air seal will be destroyed. Other types of insulation such as batts and loose fill cellulose can slip, sag or settle leaving uninsulated gaps. Blower door tests have shown that a steel framed home insulated with semi-rigid foam, and with no polyethylene vapor barrier, measures 1.2 ACH at -50 Pa. depressurization. This is well under the 1.5 ACH50 rating for the most energy efficient home. Advantages of ZipFoam? Aside from offering all the same benefits of other soft foams products, ZipFoam is American made and therefore more affordable. As well as simplifying the construction process for the builder, ZipFoam eliminates the major causes of building envelope problems, air-borne moisture movement and entrapment. Heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by 30 to 50%, and smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment can be used. Advantages for Residential Use? A more energy efficient home means that energy costs can usually be reduced by as much as 50%. This means a more comfortable home, that easily and cost-effectively maintains desired temperature and humidity levels. ZipFoam offers some sound proofing qualities as well because ZipFoam creates a continuous sound barrier against airborne and reverberating noises. As a value add, ZipFoam can be used in interior walls around media rooms, plumbing and master suites. Most importantly, ZipFoam offers improved indoor air quality. In conjunction with your mechanical ventilation system, a well sealed building envelope is the key to superior indoor air quality in which your family can live a healthier life. What is ZipFoam Made Of? ZipFoam is a water-based formula that contains no formaldehyde, or ozone depleting gases like CFCs or HCFCs. Like other foam insulation products in its class, it has the texture and look of angel food cake and is made up of millions of tiny cells. These cells are filled with air and provide permanent control of air and airborne moisture movement. ZipFoam contains no materials that emit harmful gases. See Specification Tables for more physical data. Unlike other foams insulation products, ZipFoam is American made. How Long Does ZipFoam Take To Cure? Less than one minute. The foam is created in seconds after spraying. You can watch it expand within seconds to 100 times its original volume. It can be covered with drywall within a few minutes. Does ZipFoam Absorb Water? No. It is hydrophobic. If a small piece were to be placed in a bucket of water it would float and upon removal it would dry rapidly and loose none of its insulating properties. Does ZipFoam Entrap Moisture? No. ZipFoam is a breathing foam, and any moisture in the building's concrete or lumber can escape through the insulation as the building dries out, thus eliminating any risk of mildew or rot. Does the Foam Change Physically Over Time? No, ZipFoam is inert. Its physical and insulating properties are constant as is its air seal. Is ZipFoam Environmentally Friendly? Yes. The product is environmentally safe. Flammability and Fire-Rating? ZipFoam contributes no fuel in the event of fire and it will not sustain flame upon removal of the flame source. However, like fiberglass, it will be consumed by flame, and gypsum board or other acceptable thermal barriers are required by applicable building codes. What Does the Smoke Contain? Smoke from ZipFoam, like that of all organic materials including wood, is a complex of many gasses. The major components in the smoke from ZipFoam are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. By the time the material is burnt, the fire will have been raging for at least 15 minutes. Any Harmful Emissions? No. ZipFoam is safe for both you and the environment. It is water-based, and does not produce formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. It has been extensively tested and found to have no harmful emissions. How is ZipFoam Installed? There are two different ways to install ZipFoam. (1) spray it onto any open surface and studded wall (including metal) or (2) pour it into an existing wall cavity when renovating. A trained ZipFoam installer is required in either instance. With any open surface, ZipFoam can be sprayed on once electrical and plumbing services are in place. In seconds, Zipfoam expands to 100 times its initial liquid volume permanently adhering to the surfaces of the surrounding building materials and sealing all gaps. For retrofitting existing walls, a slower expanding formulation of ZipFoam is used. The material is simply injected into small holes drilled into plaster or gypsum walls, or from the outside of the wall. Since ZipFoam takes the path of least resistance, there's no danger of bulging walls. How long has ZipFoam been used? The experts at ZipFoam, Inc. (formerly Insealators of Naples) have been indoor air quality and energy efficiency experts in Florida and Tennessee for many years utilizing this semi rigid technology which is found in thousands of homes and businesses across the United States. It has also been featured in segments of "This Old House," "Your New House". and "Let's Build." Any Electric Wiring Overheating Problems? No, ZipFoam has been tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities. Is the Insulation Corrosive to Metals? No. ZipFoam is non-corrosive. It is neutral, neither acidic or alkaline, and therefore ideal for metal construction. Does ZipFoam Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth? No. ZipFoam does not retain water; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth. What About Insects and Vermin? ZipFoam offers no food value, but it would not present a sufficient barrier to their entry if they decided to chew through it. What Are the Acoustic Properties of ZipFoam? As an effective air seal, ZipFoam eliminates the air gaps through which sound travels and is superior in controlling mid-range frequencies, which include the most common sounds; the human voice, stereo music and plumbing noise. Does ZipFoam contain Urea Formaldehyde? No. Does ZipFoam Break Down, Sag or Shrink? No. ZipFoam is stable. It does not shrink, settle or sag. The reaction that creates ZipFoam is irreversible and it cannot break down into its constituent parts. R-Value of ZipFoam? R-value is derived from a controlled laboratory test of an insulation's resistance to conductive heat flow. ZipFoam's R-value is 3.8/inch, however its actual performance (in an uncontrolled, non-laboratory environment) is much better than that due to the air-sealing nature of the product vs. the non-air sealing qualities of traditionally installed materials such as fiberglass batts. Are These Aged Values? No. Unlike foams filled with CFC or HCFC, the R-Value of air filled foam does not decline as it ages. R-Value of a ZipFoam Wall or Ceiling? R-Values of insulating materials are measured in laboratories and are designated a nominal R-Value per inch. In the wall or ceiling of a building, most factory made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. By contrast, the insulation of a wall containing ZipFoam will perform closely to the laboratory tested R-Value of the material and seal the wall cavity from air infiltration as well. ZipFoam is particularly well suited to steel frame construction. ZipFoam expands 100:1 as it is installed, adhering to surrounding building components. It completely seals joints, crevices and voids, including difficult-to-insulate spaces such as steel stud "U" and "C" sections, double studs and non-standard stud locations. A continuous air/vapor barrier is formed around the building structure in a single application. At What Stage is ZipFoam Installed? ZipFoam is installed after the windows, doors and roof are in and the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. How do I Arrange for a ZipFoam Quote? Have your builder contact us, or contact us yourself and we'll be happy to provide you with a quote. |