1. Safety Benefits
Problems Addressed Before They Happen
Fire Safety
Rest assured that Elastochem meets code requirements relating to fire safety. Elastochem spray foam is a Class 1 material with a flame spread of less than or equal to 25.
Electrical Wiring
Independent third-party testing confirms that electrical wiring is not affected by Elastochem. Dangers of overheating were not found to be a concern during testing.
2. Problems Avoided
As people become educated about the science of insulation, more and more are discovering both building performance and peace of mind on a whole new level — with Elastochem. Problems that used to be commonplace, or even seem inevitable, can now be permanently avoided.
Help Prevent Energy Loss
Elastochem doesn’t just insulate; it creates a superior air barrier compared to traditional insulation like fiberglass. When it’s sprayed into the wall cavity, it expands to fill the space, regardless of the size or shape. That includes cracks and crevices that other insulations couldn’t easily fill. It adheres to every surface it touches, creating a sealed environment. Thanks to the science of Elastochem, problems like drafts can be a thing of the past, and energy bills can be reduced by up to 50%.
Help Prevent Mold
Because of the airtightness it delivers, Elastochem spray foam insulation helps block airborne moisture from infiltrating the wall cavity. In cases of roof or plumbing leaks, after the leak has been fixed, Elastochem’s light-density insulation will dry, reducing the potential for mold growth. Once dried, it continues to operate at peak performance levels. This is a significant and unique benefit offered by Elastochem; problems related to moisture management are common among other types of insulation.
Prevent the Cost of Replacement
Elastochem insulation comes with an industry-leading warranty. That’s because with Elastochem, problems that are common with other forms of insulation just don’t occur, since there is no change in the insulation’s properties or performance over the life of the building.
A Note of Caution: Beware of Off-Brand Spray Foam Insulation Issues
Many people use the term “Elastochem” as a synonym for “spray foam insulation,” but nowadays there are other brands of spray foam insulation on the market besides Elastochem. Problems like lack of adhesion have occasionally occurred when customers have used an imitation product that was falsely represented as an Elastochem product.
Protect yourself from off-brand spray foam insulation issues by being certain that what you get is indeed an authentic Elastochem product, installed by a trained and licensed Elastochem contractor. To find an Elastochem licensed dealer/contractor near you, use our convenient contractor locator.
3. Problems Solved
Energy efficiency is only one of the many benefits offered by Elastochem insulation. Lack of privacy? You may be surprised how much Elastochem could help.
Noise Reduction
Just as Elastochem seals against the transfer of air and accompanying moisture, it also helps reduce the transfer of noise. Thanks to the sound-dampening qualities of Elastochem insulation, problems and annoyances related to “thin walls” can be easily turned into greater privacy.
Another Perk of Elastochem Spray Foam: Problems with Other Building Systems Are Easily Addressed
When you have Elastochem insulation, problems of some kinds may be simpler to solve than if other insulation were used. For example, in the case of a plumbing or electrical issue, Elastochem products can be easily cut or removed to access the source of the problem. If a plumbing leak were to get the product wet, leaving the wall cavity open temporarily would allow it to dry and eliminate the need for total replacement.
4. Installation Problems – How to Avoid Them Elastochem
Make Sure it’s Really Elastochem Being Installed
Elastochem® spray foam insulation is manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standards and extensively tested. Avoid imitators – other products may not be manufactured to the same high quality and may not perform in the same way as real Elastochem materials.
Elastochem spray foam insulation can only be installed by licensed Elastochem contractors. These contractors are chosen for their dedication to quality, and they should be able to answer any questions you have about the installation. Ask your contractor for proof that they are an Elastochem licensed contractor – they should be able to produce a certificate for you. If in doubt, use our Find a Contractor tool on the left hand side of every page to see if the contractor is listed – if they’re not, they’re not an Elastochem licensed contractor and you may have non-Elastochem installation problems.
Selecting the Right Insulation Type
Your Elastochem licensed contractor will advise on the best type of spray foam insulation to use for your property – open cell or closed cell. Different insulation types may be suitable in different applications.
Installation Preparation
Before starting installation, your Elastochem licensed contractor will plan the installation
- Which other trades need to be finished before spray foam can be installed
- Protection of surfaces and advice on what needs to be protected
- Barriers around the area to be sprayed
- Access platforms if required
- Temporary ventilation
- Signage
- Bringing equipment to the building
- Routes for hoses
- Waste disposal
This planning will ensure that the area can be sprayed efficiently and effectively and avoid problems during installation.
Application of Elastochem Spray Foam Insulation
Before applying Elastochem spray foam insulation, your Elastochem licensed contractor will follow these steps:
- Wear the required personal protective equipment
- Mix the materials following Elastochem guidelines
- Ensure the temporary ventilation is working
- Take into account the temperature (especially if extremely hot or cold) and other conditions
- Ensure the substrate is ready to be sprayed on, and “flash” some substrates with a thin layer of foam in very cold weather
- Spray in the agreed areas and remove waste product
- Check that the insulation has been properly installed
- Leave the sprayed area sealed for 24 hours with the ventilation working
- Open up the area, remove the ventilation, and allow access
This allows for safe spraying of Elastochem spray foam – when you use Elastochem, installation problems are avoided because the Elastochem licensed contractors pay attention to the details.
Comprehensive Warranty
When your installation is complete, your Elastochem licensed contractor will give you all the information you need to claim your warranty. In the rare event that there is an installation problem, your Elastochem contractor will make it right in accordance with the terms of the warranty.
5. Mold Problems – How to avoid them
Check That You’re Installing Real Elastochem – Mold Problems Avoided
Elastochem ® open cell spray foam insulation has less than 5% water absorption, and Elastochem closed cell spray foam insulation rejects bulk water even when immersed. Some other manufacturers and some contractors may pass off over spray foams as “Elastochem” or “like Elastochem” – but if it’s not the real thing it may perform differently and cause mold problems.
What If I Have A Water Leak?
With any type of Elastochem spray foam, when there is a water leak, the water runs straight through the insulation, making it easier to find the source of the leak. If the water becomes completely trapped and is standing in the same place for a long time, be assured that Elastochem materials are not a source of food for mold – but remember that the adjacent materials may become wet and moldy from the water. For that reason, whenever you have a water leak, you should repair the source of the leak, and remove any materials that are stopping the water running through or drying out. Do this immediately to avoid mold, and let the Elastochem spray foam dry out. With Elastochem, mold formation shouldn’t be an issue if you follow these common-sense suggestions.
Reduce the Risk of Mold from Humid Air and Condensation
Elastochem spray foams act as air barriers. If you live in a humid climate, or have rooms with high humidity, the moisture in the air may spread through the building and condensate. This water can then lead to mold. When you protect against the movement of moist air using the air barrier formed by Elastochem, mold and condensation risks are reduced.