FAQ'S
Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions
Underfloor Spraying
- How long does it take to apply?
- Why would I use Insulfoam instead of other underfloor insulation?
- What thickness of foam should I apply to my floor?
- Will Insulfoam hold up under the floor by itself or does it need support?
- What preparation needs to be done to the surface prior to spraying?
- Does insulfoam adhere to all surfaces?
- Does UV light break down the Insulfoam?
- Is Insulfoam fire resistant?
Residential in-wall foaming
- How is Insulfoam installed in walls?
- Will Insulfoam droop or sag after installation?
- Will Insulfoam break down over time?
- Is Insulfoam fire resistant?
- What preparation needs to be undertaken before installation?
- What R value will be achieved by using Insulfoam?
How long does it take to apply?
One of Insulfoam’s biggest benefits is that it can be applied very very quickly. You can apply Insulfoam at approximately 30 - 60 seconds per square metre.
Why would I use Insulfoam instead of other underfloor insulation?
The simplest answer to this question is ease of use and the time involved. Insulfoam is just sprayed into place and it self adheres. Other products require measuring and cutting to fit around all the pipes, electrical wires and timber, and then you have to secure it in place so that it stays there. We have found through personal experience that this is a very time consuming task. Insulfoam solves this problem quickly and simply.
What thickness of foam should I apply to my floor?
If you are looking to match an R value, remember PU foam is far superior insulation material and it would be like comparing apples and oranges. For a better understanding of this we recommend that you read “The R Value Fairy Tale.” available from our website www.apmigroup.com.au.
What we do is calculate the thickness required by looking at the size and type of the house as well as the type of heating and cooling systems you have. This in most cases works out to be cheaper method than just matching the R value of a competitor’s product.
Will Insulfoam hold up under the floor by itself or does it need support?
Insulfoam is a self adhering product; you will need no further fixings to hold Insulfoam onto the surface – you spray the foam in place.
What preparation needs to be done to the surface prior to spraying?
The surface you are spraying onto needs to be clean and dry. If you spray the foam onto a dirty or dusty surface the foam is going to stick to the dirt and dust instead of the timber or concrete. This will reduce the overall adhesion and could cause the foam to come away at a future date.
Does insulfoam adhere to all surfaces?
Insulfoam does adhere to most substrates. It does not stick well to glass and polyethylene but most other common substrates found under your floor such as timber, steel and concrete are not a problem.
Does UV light break down the Insulfoam?
Yes. UV light will break down the foam over time. If the foam is exposed to UV light it can be protected with a simple coat of paint.
Is Insulfoam fire resistant?
Yes. Insulfoam has fire retardant added to its formulation. This fire retardant allows the foam to be self extinguishing and is tested to British Standard BS4735.
How is Insulfoam installed in walls?
This would depend on the wall type.
- Double brick walls can have a foam formulation dropped down the cavity. (Depending on access to the cavity.)
- Brick veneer homes can have a foam formulation injected through the plasterboard or dropped down the cavity. (Again this would depend on access to the cavity.)
- Weatherboard homes are only accessible through injection or the removal some of the weatherboard. (please see the notes below)
Will Insulfoam droop or sag after installation?
Insulfoam adheres to the studs and plasterboard when installed therefore eliminating any possibility of movement after the installation.
Will Insulfoam break down over time?
No, Insulfoam will not breakdown after it has been installed.
Is Insulfoam fire resistant?
Yes. Insulfoam has fire retardant added to its formulation. This fire retardant allows the foam to be self extinguishing and is tested to British Standard BS4735.
What preparation needs to be undertaken before installation?
Complete mapping of the studs and noggin layout need to be ascertained to enable the efficient injection of your insulation. Further to this your power points and other penetrations need to be sealed so that they are separated from the wall cavity. EnerFoam is perfect for this and can be ordered with Insulfoam.
What R value will be achieved by using Insulfoam?
Insulfoam 14 will provide an R 1.0 for every 35mm of foam. I.e. a 90mm cavity when filled would offer R2.57. This is in addition to the plasterboard which on its own R value.
Please note that in wall foaming can be problematic due to the foam expansion causing the plasterboard to bow We do provide our slow rising application to reduce the risk of this happening however care is needed. This can happen when a volume of foam is trapped in a cavity that is too small for the expansion to take place. Sufficient breather holes in the plasterboard can assist in reducing this i.e. holes need to be drilled into the plasterboard – to inject the foam and separate holes to allow the foam to escape should too much product be injected.
APMI Group accepts no responsibility for any problems encountered.
