Spray foam insulation can be a great way to insulate your home or attic, but it can also cause some serious damage if not applied correctly. One of the main drawbacks of spray foam insulation is its potential to damage the roof. In areas that experience cold climates, open-cell foam insulation can become susceptible to water vapor damage, leading to roof rot and other issues. In addition, the expanding agent used in spray foam insulation has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Poor application of spray foam insulation can also lead to bad odors and lack of adhesion. When this happens, a permanent odor can be created due to the chemicals in the spray foam getting too hot and not having time to cool down before more material is applied. To avoid this, it is important to hire a professional who is experienced with the material and has received training from the manufacturer. Another disadvantage of spray foam insulation is that it can go unnoticed through parts of walls, ceiling, or floor due to holes that it doesn't reach as it expands.
Additionally, safety measures must be taken to mitigate the potential harmful effects of foam compounds, including shortness of breath and eye irritation. Finally, compared to other forms of insulation, spray foam insulation is more expensive. HempWool insulation is an alternative that is easy to install and safe to work with, so there is no need to hire specialized equipment or purchase expensive installation tools.
