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In order to understand how Enviro Foam works, and why it is so much more effective than Fiber Insulations like Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Rockwool, we must first understand how heat transfer works. Watch this short video to gain a better understanding of Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.

Heat loss occurs by Conduction, and Convection. Conduction is the transfer of heat through solid molecules, this method of heat transfer is the slowest. Convection is the transfer of heat by liquid or gas molecules moving from hot areas to cold areas. This results in a convection current transferring heat energy from warm areas to cold areas, this method of heat transfer is the fastest.

Stopping Convection stops heat loss. 80% of heat loss in a building is due to convection, with only 20% of heat loss due to conduction. Most insulation methods address convection, albeit in different ways, and with different results.

Fiber Insulations slow convection, Enviro Foam stops convection. Fiber Insulations like Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Rockwool are designed to slow down air molecules, and as such they can only slow down convection. However as the exterior temperature drops, convection currents speed up and Fiber Insulations become less and less effective at slowing these convection currents down. As a result heat loss increases. Enviro Foam is designed to stop convection by stopping air infiltration. Studies show that 1/4" of Enviro Foam is effective in stopping nearly 100% of heat loss through convection.

Stopping convection leads to substantial energy savings. Enviro Foam is able to stop convection due to its Closed Cell content. Enviro Foam is a two component liquid which is sprayed in place by a Trained and Certified Professional Applicator. The two liquids, which are heated under high pressure, mix at the spray gun reacting with each other causing the liquid to expand rapidly and cure as a rigid foam. As Enviro Foam cures the millions of tiny bubbles formed by the Zero Ozone Depletion Substance (Zero ODS) blowing agent remain closed or intact trapping the gases of the blowing agent inside. The trapped molecules are much larger than air molecules and as such cannot move around inside the bubbles, or from bubble to bubble, stopping convection. Also since the bubbles are closed, air molecules cannot move through Enviro Foam, stopping convection. The only way for heat to be transferred through Enviro Foam is through conduction; a much slower method of heat transfer. Studies show that 3 inches of Enviro Foam stops 95% of heat loss via conduction.

Stopping convection also leads to moisture control. Most of the damaging moisture within a building envelope is the result of convection currents both through and within the wall cavity.  Warm moist inside air circulates and exchanges with cold dry outside air in a cavity insulated with Fiberglass or Cellulose.  As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. This destroys the insulation, decreases it’s effectiveness, and if it is there long enough causes mold and rot.  Enviro Foam with it’s Closed Cell structure can stop the air movement through and within the wall.  No air movement means no convection, resulting in no condensation, and elimination of moisture problems like mold.

Enviro Foam is not only a highly effective Thermal Insulation, it is also an Air Barrier. Enviro Foam creates an air-tight seal of your building envelope.  When spray applied, the liquid rapidly expands as a foam 20 to 30 times it’s original size. As it expands, it conforms to and fills in every single nook, cranny, crevice, hole, crack, and gap. Enviro Foam exceeds the National Building Code requirements as an Air Barrier.

Enviro Foam is not only a Thermal Insulation and an Air Barrier, it is also a Vapour Barrier. Convection currents cause moisture problems. To stop moisture from condensing out of warm air when it hits cold air, you must either install a barrier, like polyethylene to stop the moisture from reaching the cold air, or you must stop convection. Enviro Foam does both, and as such exceeds the Building Code requirements as a Vapour Barrier.

If you would like to learn more about Enviro Foam and Spray Foam Insulation in general, please visit our Why Enviro Foam Is Better page, our Frequently Asked Questions page, and read our report "The 7 Criteria of Highly Efficient Insulation". If you have any more questions or would like more information please Contact Us directly. We look forward to helping you "save more than just your money."