Alternative energy the future? Right now we need to look at our energy use and how to reduce it not just for the environment but for money saving also. Open cell wall insulation could be the solution.

In many studies in the U.S. the foamed homes use about 50% less energy than homes with conventional insulation, even when insulated to the same U-value. So it is not the U-value but the air tightness that counts.

Open cell foam has its place in the world of interior insulation. Just like its tougher (higher density) cousin, it provides excellent insulation due to its very high degree of air tightness. It is especially suited for wall insulation.

Open cell foam is sprayed in place. Good quality foam looks like a solid mass without cavities or holes. Only under a microscope can the burst or open cells be seen. Open cells are created by a high quantity of blowing agent which causes the cells to pop like balloons. This is by design: it improves the yield, lowers the cost of the finished products, and makes the foam breathable. The breathing rate is very slow, so the building is practically still airtight, but the insulation allows moisture in the other building components to escape. Today a lot of home owners are using spray foam as floor insulation which can make a big difference to the general temperature of your room.

Open cell foam provides a long list of benefits to the people living or working in a home or building:

1) Energy savings. In many studies in the U.S. the foamed homes use about 50% less energy than homes with conventional insulation, even when insulated to the same U-value. So it is not the U-value but the air tightness that counts. Typical structures lose 70% of all interior air every hour. This is called the (involuntary) air changes per hour/ACH. When you use E:zero E500, ACH is 0.1 instead of 0.7. The fact is that your heated or conditioned air is lost about 7 times more often if the house is not foamed. Many loft insulation suppliers do not tell you this but we know it's a fact.

2) IAQ - Indoor Air Quality: A major concern around the world. Foamed homes allow the inhabitants to manage the unwanted intrusion of moisture, allergens, dust, and everything else penetrating the building envelope. IAQ is greatly improved in a foamed home.

3) Quiet - very quiet, because sound is an air wave which travels through the imperfections of the building envelope. Besides, open cell foam is soft and simply absorbs sound.

4) Healthful, because foam is inert; it does not react. Beyond that, it's water-based! Many people don't know that car seats, pillows, and mattresses are made from a close relative of insulation foam. No concerns there.

5) The environment loves foam, too! Homes insulated with foam may reduce CO2 emissions by 50%. Here is a unique opportunity to save the planet and money in one step.

6) Technical details: a cubic meter of E500 weighs only 8 kg. E500 passed the European burn test SBI EN 13823. Open cell foam is not waterproof, and it is not a vapour barrier. It is made for CPI in Germany.

Open Cell foam provides the perfect roof insulation for your home and based on the points highlighted above this foam technology seems to be the way to go. When dealing with cavity and attic insulation open cell foam is always the most environmentally sound choice

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Tags: energy, heating, Insulation


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