10 Frequently asked questions

1. How much does spray Foam Insulation cost?

Spray foam insulation pays for itself from the day it is installed.* In the summer in Texas, many homes have air conditioners running around the clock. If this is true in your case, something is wrong. A foam insulated house is cool and energy efficient, resulting in dramatically lower monthly utility bills*. They more than offset the cost of our foam insulation, while allowing you to remain cool and comfortable*. Price of open cell foam is determined by the markup of the installer and the type of foam used. SucraSeal foam is fire-resistant. Overall Sucra-Seal foam reduces your costs because you eliminate the need for an ignition barrier. Many factors affect the cost of the installation, but it is nearly always advantageous to use spray foam insulation.

2. What makes Foam Insulation so effective?

Foam insulation is applied as a liquid and expands 100 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each tiny gap and minute opening to create a sealed thermal envelope. This creates a barrier wall against wind and a safeguard against leakage (leakage is the number one source of energy loss in a structure).

3. What is the R-value of spray Foam Insulation per square inch?

Our open cell foams have an R-value of 3.7/inch to 3.83/inch, including our fire retardant spray foam which does not require an ignition barrier. However, R-value is not a feasible rating system as it does not take actual conditions into consideration. Spray foam will greatly out-perform any fiberglass insulation due to leakage and the fact fiberglass insulation reaches steady state fast. Spray foam insulation seals and prevents leakage and never reaches steady state..

4. Does Foam Insulation give off harmful particles into the air or pose other risks for the occupants?

No. Unlike traditional insulation (fibrous cellulose & fiber glass), Foam Insulation is not fiber based. It contains no harmful particulates that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Improved air quality and health benefits from controlled ventilation are major reasons many customers choose spray foam insulation.

5. How long does it take to Spray Foam to dry?

Open Cell: The cure time is 15 seconds or so and has a 24 hour re entry time, as 99% of ALL off gassing occurs in the first 24 hours when applied properly. Open Cell has an expansion rate of 1 to 100 and a cream time to tac free of 4 to 8 seconds depending on the blend. Proper application is paramount when considering a contractor for the application of Open Cell spray polyurethane foam insulation for your project, when applied correctly there is no better performing thermal insulation product available to deliver performance and efficiency to your structure. BioTex Foam believes in investing in our applicators through training and continuing education programs offered through our material manufacturing suppliers so that we’re always able to provide our customers not only with the highest quality installs but also a finished product BioTex Foam can be proud to have been a part of for the structure’s entire lifespan.

Closed Cell: The cure time is 90 seconds or so and has a 24 hour re entry time, as 99% of ALL off gassing occurs in the first 24 hours when applied properly. Closed Cell has an expansion rate of 1 to 30 and a cream time to tac free of 6 to 10 seconds depending on the blend. Closed Cell provides a Class A rated vapor barrier and is also a moisture retarder when applied at a depth of 1.5” nominally or greater. Closed Cell can also add up to 30% rigidity to your structure due the density and monolithic application, this benefit can be reviewed/ approved/ & stamped by your structural engineer if and when needed. Proper application is paramount when considering a contractor for the application of Closed Cell spray polyurethane foam insulation for your project, when applied correctly there is no better performing thermal insulation product available to deliver performance and efficiency to your structure. BioTex Foam believes in investing in our applicators through training and continuing education programs offered through our material manufacturing suppliers so that we’re always able to provide our customers not only with the highest quality installs but also a finished product BioTex Foam can be proud to have been a part of for the structure’s entire lifespan.

6. Does Foam Insulation support bacteria or fungal growth or attract bugs, insects or rodents?

No. None of our foam insulation products are a food source for mold or bacteria growth nor do they give sustenance or shelter to insects, bugs, or rodent. Spray foam insulation is the product of choice for a clean, healthy building. No spray foam insulation attracts insects, bugs, rodents, or mold and bacteria growth.

7. Does BioTex Foam guarantee their work?

Yes. BioTex Foam guarantees their work, and Open Cell Insulation guarantees the product to last as long as you have your house.

8. Can I install foam installation myself?

Not unless you have the equipment and training. This requires specific skills such as those of the certified technicians at BioTex Foam. BioTex Foam technicians have been trained and certified by Open Cell Insulation. This training along with the latest and most advanced foam insulation equipment qualifies them to professionally install foam into houses and commercial buildings. Open Cell foam is not available except to certified installers

9. What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once Open Cell Insulation is installed?

Open Cell 501 remains soft, allowing a certified electrical contractor to pull a new wire through.

10. In a nutshell, what are the pros and cons of Open Cell spray foam insulation?

*Savings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.