Aerosol foam insulation produces a high thermal protection value due to the absence of air infiltration. It is less expensive and easy to buy, but if you put spray foam insulation on a building, you need a thermal barrier. This is what separates it from occupied spaces and prevents combustible aerosol foam from coming into contact with flames in the event of a fire. Both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC) include requirements for thermal barriers (and also for ignition barriers).
Aerosol foam provides excellent protection against moisture as it fills every corner of the space, preventing costly problems such as mold and rotting wood. It also helps regulate the heat in your home by trapping heat and blocking any unwanted air infiltration through cracks. This makes your home warmer compared to using insulation where heat could leak out. Additionally, aerosol foam is reliable when it comes to controlling humidity.
Polyurethane aerosol foam is created by mixing two fast-reacting liquids, isocyanate and polyol resin, which expand to create foam when mixed. Closed-cell foam doesn't allow moisture to migrate and trapped moisture could be a problem, especially if the air conditioner doesn't work due to moderate to cold temperatures. Open-cell spray foam is more noise-dampening but not as thermally resistant as closed-cell foam. Demilec APX is an aerosol foam in which it is not necessary to apply an ignition barrier in attics or small spaces.
Foam plate insulation must also meet the requirements of thermal and ignition barriers, and some products, such as Dow Thermax, have been approved to remain exposed. In conclusion, if you use aerosol foam insulation, you should know the code on thermal and ignition barriers and use them when necessary. This will ensure that your building has the best possible thermal protection.
