FOAMETIX® is a series of spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation systems designed for residential, commercial and industrial building applications. The liquid polyurethane is sprayed onto surfaces and immediately expands to form an airtight insulation barrier. FOAMETIX® offers numerous quality insulation, roofing, and sound absorption systems depending upon your personal needs and budget: FX 050, FX 100, FX 200, FX 245, FX 200-3, FX 245-3.
FOAMETIX® insulation systems are environmentally sound, technologically advanced spray polyurethane foams (SPFs) that create an air tight insulation barrier. FOAMETIX® superior insulation systems conserve energy, block moisture, reduce noise, and limit the influx of outdoor pollutants and allergens. All FOAMETIX® formulas are proprietary, and all products are developed at our own state of the art facility in Cartersville, GA. As an independent polyurethane manufacturer, FOAMETIX® implements strict quality controls and ensures that our products contain only the finest chemical ingredients. FOAMETIX® is energy smart insulation making your indoor living environment healthier, more comfortable, more energy efficient and more affordable.
Insulation resists the flow of heat, keeping your home or work place cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A properly insulated building allows for HVAC equipment “rightsizing” which means that less money is spent on initial equipment costs, and more money is saved in the long run as your HVAC equipment does not work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. As energy costs continue to rise, a FOAMETIX® superior insulation system is one of the best investments you can make for your home or business.
Ceilings, walls, attics, floors, and around doors, windows, electrical outlets and lighting fixtures are all areas that should be insulated as they allow for the infiltration and exfiltration of air.
R-value is the measurement of thermal resistance or the resistance to heat flow. Higher R-value means more insulation efficiency, but “air tightness” is just as important when choosing an insulation product.
While R-value is an important insulation factor, there are other principles to consider when determining insulation efficiency. The more insulation you install, how and where you install the insulation, and the form of insulation you choose all impact the effectiveness of the thermal envelope. While traditional insulation products may offer products with high R-values, only a spray applied polyurethane foam offers the air tightness necessary for superior insulation.
FOAMETIX® products do not sustain fungal or bacterial growth. FOAMETIX® repels water and creates an air tight barrier that drastically reduces moisture related problems in your home or work place.
FOAMETIX® offers both open and closed cell spray-applied insulation systems. Open cell foams are softer, more flexible, and more diffusible than closed cell foams. Open cell foams are excellent air barriers and are highly recommended for sound attenuation. Open cell foams are less expensive than closed cell foams due to their light densities. Closed cell foams are superior insulators and vapor barriers. Due to the light weight to strength ratio of closed cell foams, structural integrity of the building is increased. Closed cell foams exhibit higher insulation properties and greater compression strength than open cell foams.
Unvented (conditioned) attics use air-impermeable insulation as a barrier to prevent moisture condensation on the underside of roof decks. Vented attics minimize condensation by allowing the escape of moisture to the exterior by air flow.
No, the application of SPF insulation to the underside of the roof deck minimizes the potential for condensation. The SPF insulation develops a thermal and moisture gradient that avoids the development of dew point conditions in the attic. Because of this, moisture won't condense or accumulate and, therefore, does not need to be vented to the exterior.
It depends of the use of the building, the climate and the materials of construction. In normal occupancies and moderate climates, SPF insulation typically does require a vapor retarder. Extremes of climate and building use may require vapor retarders/barriers. Check with your design professional for specific recommendations and refer to SPFA technical document, AY 118, Moisture Vapor Transmission for further information.
Both low and medium (2lb/cubic/ft) density SPF effectively reduce noise from outside sources by sealing cracks and gaps that allow sound to travel through the walls, floors and ceilings into the building. They are less effective against noise caused by vibration.
The oldest performing SPF roofs are over 30 years old. Because the physical properties of the SPF change little with age, how long the SPF roof system lasts depends primarily on the original application and long term maintenance.
SPF roof systems should be inspected semi-annually and after events that could cause physical damage. Small (less than 3" diameter) dents, cracks, punctures from dropped tools, wind driven debris can be repaired with an elastomeric sealant compatible with the SPF and coating system. More extensive damage can be repaired by reapplying SPF. Typically SPF roof systems are re-coated every 10 - 15 years, depending on the type and thickness of coating used and factors specific to the roof (such as wind erosion effects, hail, foot traffic, abuse, etc.) Recoating extends the service life of the SPF roof system.
SPF has excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates including, BUR, clay and concrete tile, shingles, metal, wood and concrete. Since they add little weight and can be applied in varying thickness to add slope and fill in low areas. SPF roofing systems are often used as recover system over existing roof coverings. SPF roofing systems excel where:
Additional insulation is desired.
The roof substrate has many penetrations;
The roof deck is an unusual shape or configuration;
The roof is in a severe weather environment, (hurricanes, hail, etc)
As with other roofing systems, SPF can be applied in a wide variety of climatic conditions. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for ambient conditions. The SPF and protective coating should not be installed when there is ice, frost, surface moisture or visible dampness present on the surface to be covered. Barriers may be necessary if wind conditions can affect the foam quality or create over-spray problems.
SPF roofing systems are cost competitive with other systems. Life Cycle Cost Analysis performed by Michelsen Technologies demonstrated that over a 30 year life span, SPF roof systems cost between 10% and 50% less on average than comparably insulated membrane roof systems. (Averages were based on SPF roof system recoats of every 6, 10 and 15 years. A copy of the Life Cycle report is available from SPFA.)
SPF is water resistant without other coverings, however, the surface of SPF can deteriorate under the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Typically, elastomeric coatings or aggregate coverings are used to protect the SPF against UV radiation.(note include other coating benefits.)
Spray polyurethane foam was first used commercially in the US in the 1960s for cold storage and industrial insulation projects. SPF roofing systems evolved from exterior applications to tanks and pipes in the late 60s to early 70s.