Due to our weather and proximity to the ocean, Outer Banks contractors are held to some of the strictest building codes in the nation. Coastal winds, moisture content, humidity and our hot summer months are consistent elements that must be considered when developing standards and practices that result in premium construction.
When you build on (or near) the Outer Banks, achieving energy efficiency in cooling and heating your home is a crucial factor to take into consideration. Dream Builders Construction and Development recommends using Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) to insulate homes because it is the single most effective insulation barrier to minimize air leakage.
There are two types of SPF:
1. Closed Cell – This 2 pound foam is suitable for interior and exterior applications and features an R-value of 6+, and
2. Open Cell – This half pound foam is designed for interior application only and has an R-value of approximately 3.5.
Both closed and open cell are sound dampening and cannot sustain mold. R-value essentially means the resistance a product has to air flow, so a higher R-value means a greater insulation rating. With that said, both types of SPFs significantly reduce the amount of energy required to heat or a cool a structure resulting in long standing cost saving to homeowners.
How SPF Works: The foam consists of two chemical components that are combined onsite and then transferred to a mixing gun through a heated hose system. The reaction of these components creates foam which expands on contact and then quickly hardens to effectively fill wall and ceiling cavities.
Closed cell insulation resists water while open cell in not recommended for areas that come into direct contact with water. Our company predominantly uses the more environmentally friendly open cell to insulate the Outer Banks homes we build. Although we always use closed cell to insulate portions of any structure located below the base flood zone. This is an important step because closed cell insulation is impervious to moisture therefore rejecting bulk water that may occur through flooding.
Federal regulations determine insulation standards for R-values, thickness and the coverage area. We always use a licensed professional who provides an insulation certificate documenting this information on a Record of Installation. When your Outer Banks new construction home is completed, this is one of the many documents and warranties that are included in the personalized Homeowner’s Manual that we produce for our homeowners.