Choosing insulation material for a house is an important task. It should not only guarantee heat retention, but also be safe for your family’s health. So what is the best way to insulate an energy-efficient house? Today we will compare Icynene foam with mineral wool and cellulose on the key points.

What is Icynene spray foam insulation?

Icynene is the most modern development in the field of polyurethane foam thermal insulation. It not only retains heat very well, but also provides high sound insulation, does not absorb moisture, does not harm human health, and is very durable. The foam was created 30 years ago in Canada and tested for effectiveness under extremely cold temperatures.

Spray foam insulation works like a kind of windbreaker jacket for your home: it does not allow cold air to penetrate inside the house. At the same time, the action of other insulation materials is aimed more at preventing heat from escaping outside.

During application, the insulating foam does not produce any dust or harmful substances in the air, so it is maximally safe.

Icynene spray foam insulation is suitable for different types of spaces. It is used in residential houses, frame houses, and modular homes, as well as in commercial premises.

How does Icynene foam differ from cellulose and mineral wool?

Cellulose and mineral wool are very popular insulation materials. Of course, they have a number of their own advantages and are still widely used in renovation and construction. However, there are several key differences between these insulation materials and modern Icynene thermal insulation foam that make the choice in favor of the latter obvious. Let us look at the main ones right now.

1. The ability to insulate 100% of the house area
The special feature of Icynene foam is that it expands 100 times after application. The insulation fills all hard-to-reach places, gaps, and cracks. That is exactly why it very effectively prevents air leaks through them.

Mineral wool and cellulose cannot guarantee such an effect. This is because there is a high probability that space will form between joints in the insulation layers and boards. That means a slight air leak is still possible.

2. Icynene foam does not accumulate moisture
Unlike cellulose and mineral wool. Moisture that accumulates in these two materials can significantly reduce the effectiveness of thermal insulation and can also damage the building. It is precisely because of excess moisture that mold and fungus most often develop on walls.

3. Maximum durability
Icynene spray foam insulation does not sag over time. Regardless of how it is applied: horizontally or vertically. The foam follows the shape and structure of the house, so it can only settle together with it.

Cellulose and mineral wool do sag over time, and manufacturers do not hide this. It is precisely because of this sagging that the performance of these insulation materials worsens over the years.

4. Health safety
The formula of Icynene spray foam insulation was developed with concern for our health. For example, Icynene H2Foam Lite home insulation is produced without formaldehyde, HCFCs, or HFAs. During spraying and afterward, the foam does not emit harmful gases.

In turn, some fiberglass insulation materials, unlike foam, often contain a small percentage of formaldehyde. This cannot be called critical, since manufacturers add it in safe doses. However, the complete absence of such a substance is still a much better choice.

5. Icynene foam does not attract insects or rodents
Pests do not eat this type of insulation and do not build nests in it. By contrast, cellulose and mineral wool often become food and living space for mice, rats, and cockroaches. This is an especially common problem for houses located in rural areas.

Would you like to learn more about insulating a house with Icynene foam? Leave your number in the contact form or call us. Our specialists at “Modul-Prefab” will be happy to advise you.