Building Insulation Materials - Spray Foam - Disadvantages

Disadvantages

• The cost can be high compared to traditional insulation.
• Most foams, with the exception of cementitious foams, release toxic fumes when they burn.
• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is insufficient data to accurately assess the potential for exposures to the toxic and environmentally harmful isocyanates which constitute 50% of the foam material.
• Depending on usage and building codes and environment, most foams require protection with a thermal barrier such as drywall on the interior of a house. For example a 15-minute fire rating may be required.
• Can shrink slightly while curing if not applied on a substrate heated to manufacturer's recommended temperature.
• Although CFCs are no longer used, many use HCFCs or HFCs as blowing agents. Both are potent greenhouse gases, and HCFCs have some ozone depletion potential.
• Most, such as Polyurethane and Isocyanate insulation, contain hazardous chemicals such as benzene and toluene. These are a potential hazard and environmental concern during raw material production, transport, manufacture, and installation.
• Many foam insulations are made from petrochemicals and may be a concern for those seeking to reduce the use of fossil fuels and oil. However, some foams are becoming available that are made from renewable or recycled sources.
• R-value will diminish slightly with age, though the degradation of R-value stops once an equilibrium with the environment is reached. Even after this process, the stabilized R-value is very high.
• Most foams require protection from sunlight and solvents.
• It is difficult to retrofit some foams to an existing building structure because of the chemicals and processes involved.
• If one does not wear a protective mask or goggles, it is possible to temporarily impair one's vision. (2–5 days)