Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation made from renewable vegetable oils and recycled plastics - is of a unique ecological nature in North America. Demilec, a Canadian-based company, patented this unique process which recycles plastic bottles into a Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation, offering a performing and durable insulation system which reduces energy costs and consumption.

In addition, Polar Foam SOYA has zero impact on the ozone layer, a challenge raised by the Montreal Protocol Agreement as the insulation industry has an obligation to eliminate all Ozone Depletion Substances (ZERO ODS) from their products by 2010.

Polar Foam SOYA meets all the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and exceeds the quality standards for the Standard for Thermal Insulation Spray Applied Rigid Polyurethane Foam, Medium Density, Material specifications. This new ecological spray foam insulation gives in a one step application a high long-term thermal resistance, an air-barrier material exceeding 500 times the NBC requirements as well as an adequate vapour-barrier.

At Thermo Seal Insulation Systems, we use an “Environmentally Friendly” 2lb sprayed polyurethane foam. Polar Foam 7300-0 SOYA, made by PFSI,  an environmentally friendly high performance, closed cell rigid polyurethane foam used for insulation, is spray-applied exclusively by certified applicators in accordance with the standards CAN/ULC S705.2. It is made of recycled plastics, vegetable oil, and soya. This new product has “zero” Ozone Depletion Substance (zero ODS). Feel free to see attached brochure of product.

Air Barrier:

Research shows that 40% of heat loss in a building can be attributed to air leakage conducted through the building envelope.  Results for air leakage conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by CCMC shows that Polar Foam PF 7300-0 SOYA exceeds 500 times the requirements of the NBC (National Building Code) as an air barrier.

“Polar Foam PF 7300-0 SOYA is one of the highest performance air barrier materials on the market and this feature is the key element in an air barrier system that meets the objectives of the NBC.” - PFSI.

By creating a sealed air barrier and eliminating air exfiltration, Polar Foam PF 7300-0 SOYA does not allow for wall condensation, which in this case would often lead to mold, mildew, and wall damage to occur within the structure.

Vapour Barrier:

Water vapour permeance is the speed to which water goes through a homogenous material. National Building Code stipulates that a vapour barrier must have a water vapour permeance (PERM) of less than 1.05 PERM.

Here are some test results of Polar Foam PF-7300-0 SOYA:

Polar Foam PF-7300-0 SOYA @ 75mm (3”) sprayed on an exterior gypsum board = 0.77 PERM

Polar Foam PF-7300-0 SOYA @ 75mm (3”) sprayed on concrete blocks = 0.38 PERM

If the building envelope only consists of plastic foam as an insulating material and the permeance rate of the structure is less than the National Building Code of 1.05 PERM, the current structure does not require an additional vapour barrier.

What is the Average Heat Loss from a Residential Home?

Here are things to consider about where money you spend on energy is going when you don’t have polyurethane foam insulation or properly installed "BIBS".  Here are the percentages of where air escapes your home:

Attic: 10 - 15%
Walls: 10 - 20%
Air leakage (electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, vents, light fixtures, poor insulation, etc.): 30 - 40%
Windows and doors: 15 - 20%
Basement and crawlspace: 20 - 25%

When you invest into polyurethane foam insulation, you will reap long term returns in saved energy dollars, more control of indoor air quality, more comfort, health and safety for the life of your home. Your heating and cooling equipment will work more efficiently, use less energy (gas, elec., oil, etc.) and will maintain more uniform and consistent temperatures.

There are two types of spray foam: open-cell (isocyanurate) ½ pound foam, and closed cell (polyurethane) 2lb foam. The closed cell foams have a higher R-value than open-cell foam. Sprayed foam insulation is applied as a liquid that contains a polymer (such as polyurethane or modified urethane) and a foaming agent. The liquid is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling, and floor cavities where it expands to fill every nook and cranny. Because it expands into tight areas, sprayed foam is ideal for insulating steel framing and around outlets. By acting as a wind and air barrier, it often eliminates the need for separate air-tightness detailing which can increase energy efficiency and allow downsizing of the heating and cooling system equipment.

Sprayed polyurethane foam insulation does not shrink, sag, settle, or biodegrade. By acting as an air barrier, spray foam insulation provides insulation and air sealing in one step. In addition, polyurethane foam insulation products have a higher R-value per inch than batt insulation. This increases energy efficiency by allowing downsizing of heating and cooling system equipment.