Once you have decided that spray foam insulation is the way to go, you will have to start preparing for the installation process. This will involve making sure someone will be home to give your contractor access to your home’s attic. Since this represents a minor inconvenience, you might want to know how long this process will take.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, you can gain a generalized understanding of the time involved in this type of project. By looking at the factors that affect the process, you can determine how those factors apply to your situation.
Environmental Factors Are a Consideration
The weather and other environmental conditions will play a role in how long this process will take. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, the humidity can cause moisture to accumulate on the interior of your attic space. A damp surface will prevent the foam spray insulation from bonding, so your insulation contractor may recommend waiting for the attic to dry out.
Another consideration is the weather on the day that your insulation installation is scheduled. If your roof is in good condition and there aren’t any leaks, you may still have the insulation installed on a rainy day. However, any rainwater that seeps into your attic may adversely affect the quality of the insulation.
If you discover minor leaks, you may have to have them repaired ahead of time. Oftentimes, homeowners find that they need to calculate the cost of roof repairs as they budget for foam insulation spray projects.
What Takes Longer: Open-Cell or Closed-Cell Foam Spray Insulation?
Open-cell foam insulation is softer and more flexible than its closed-cell counterpart, making it ideal for insulating areas that include wiring, plumbing, and other equipment. It also dries faster than closed-cell insulation, which has a more complex chemical composition. While drying time shouldn’t be your deciding factor in choosing spray foam insulation, it is still something to consider.
You should consider that one of the benefits of foam spray insulation is that it also acts as a sound barrier. If this is an important consideration for you, it’s important to realize that open-cell insulation is far more effective in noise reduction than closed-cell insulation is.
Can It Be Done in a Day?
The insulation can be applied in two to three hours. Larger attics will take a little longer. After the installation is complete, the curing process will begin. This is the amount of drying time required for the space to be properly insulated.
The curing time will depend on the thickness of your insulation, the size of your attic, and the ventilation. In general, a curing time of 5 to 60 minutes is required for the foam to become tack free and dry to the touch. The full curing process can take up to 24 hours.
When you schedule an evaluation, your insulation contractor will look at these factors as they apply to your home. Their experience in servicing other homes in your area will help them generate an accurate estimate for the cost and time involved in insulating your home.