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The Unexpected Drawbacks Of Using DIY Spray Foam Installation Kits
By SANDY BAKER
Adding insulation to your home can be a great way to reduce energy loss and noise levels. Using DIY spray foam insulation kits can be simple but also cause for concern.
Made from polyurethane, spray foam can seal up cavities and grooves throughout areas in your home by going on in a liquid-like form and expanding to fill in open spaces.
However, when not installed by a licensed professional, spray foam kits don’t always meet safety and fire codes. Skill is required when applying to reduce fire and health risks.
The chemical used in the kits is dangerous and proper protective gear such as gloves and goggles should be used. Breathing in the fumes before the foam fully dries is also unsafe.
Spraying these products near an open flame, like the pilot light of your water heater, can lead to a fire or an explosion because the vapor coming out of the can is flammable.
The kits do not always equal commercially installed insulation, as they may not stick to the location placed, and sometimes, materials in the canister may not be mixed properly.
Without proper training and application, the benefit of applying the spray foam yourself is lost, costing you time and money and leaving you with a mess if things don’t go well.