Healthy Indoors Magazine
Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/310128
all too often overlooked. As a professional investigating SPF insulation, there are a few things you must always find the answer to: • What is the condition of the new semi-condi- tioned attic space? • What have the occupants been sealed in with? • How is the ASHRAE minimum ventilation rate being met? • How is the semi-conditioned attic space actually being semi-conditioned? In addition to these permanent and critical physical changes to our example home, the SPF salesman also omitted several temporary but also very critical steps necessary to protect the occupants, their personal belongings, and the home's HVAC system. These very critical and necessary steps included: 1. Sealing the homes HVAC system 2. Properly ventilating the attic during and after application 3. Properly vacating the home during and after application 4. Establishing the necessary re-occupancy times for the occupants Both the permanent and temporary steps associated with SPF insulation must be ad- dressed. Exposure to the old filthy attic can be very unhealthy to occupants. Exposure to SPF during application or too soon after application can cause irreversible sensitivity to SPF and the related SPF chemicals. The Bottom Line When it comes to Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation, the product, when correctly installed, is great and can be a wonderful energy saving feature to your home, new or old. However, all potential SPF consumers must do their due dili- gence and ask the right questions to ensure the proper temporary installation steps are followed during application. In addition, you'll need to know the questions to ask to identify any pos- sible permanent alterations to your home to ensure that the SPF performs properly and does not have a negative impact on you and your family. 48 May 2014 Spray Poly Foam Continued from previous page