Spray Foam Kings provides professional foam insulation services in the greater Toronto area. We have been rated as the #1 Spray Foam Insulation Company in Toronto. We service all regions including Durham, York, Peel, Halton and Downtown Toronto. Our services can cover any size job both residential and commercial.

Commercial Building Spray Foam Insulation

What is considered a commercial building?

While building codes vary from municipality to municipality, generally speaking anything over three family dwellings can be considered a commercial building. Even though residential and commercial construction have different insulation requirements, the idea is exactly the same: safe and comfortable to occupy through proper insulation and air sealing, all while being economical. The higher the R-value, the less outside air can penetrate the insulation. This is a fact and doesn’t change no matter the construction method.

Sadly, the code doesn’t really talk about the air sealing. At www.sprayfoamkings.com we know all too well what this will entail, and rightfully so we take extra care to air seal all of the projects we work on. The truth is spray foam insulation thankfully behaves as an air sealant as well as an insulation all in one.

There are various types of commercial buildings. From schools to churches and much more, they come in all sizes and have different styles of construction. Generally, we will have a look at masonry, wood and metal construction, as well as sound dampening as another characteristic of the spray foam insulation.

commercial spray foam contractors


METAL CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

It is a very popular construction material in commercial buildings, structural stele or light gauge from, metal has some challenges when it comes to insulation due to its conductivity. If there isn’t an exterior insulation that is seamless layer, the metal conducts cold air into the structure in massive amounts. This of course will affect the R-value of the wall negatively, as the true r-value is now compromised no matter what the value of the insulation in the cavity is. And it doesn’t stop there, the cold metal can create a freezing and condensing effect of moisture that is in the air, either on drywall or the inside of the wall. Metal building construction should never have a penetrable insulation used like fibreglass, as this condensation can happen and wreak havoc. Vinyl covered insulation will allow for moist air to come in contact with the metal and it will freeze as it condenses in frigid temperatures. This is where the ideal characteristics of closed cell spray foam insulation will bring both vapour barrier and insulating effects to the table making it an ideal choice for this type of application.


WOOD CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

It’s the size by which commercial wooden framed buildings can separate themselves from a residential building. There is little difference when considering insulation and air sealing in the buildings, but the potential hazard is much greater if there is a system failure, for example if a pipe happens to burst due to drafts in a floor it would be significantly worse if it took place on an upper level of a nursing home.


MASONRY CONSTRUCTED COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

To provide any sort of comfort, all concrete, block and brick walls must be insulated. When in new construction, by far the best at this task is spray foam insulation, and it would have to be installed either behind the drywall, or on the outside of the structural wall. In any case, there should be an unobstructed layer of foam , so it is vital to leave space between the masonry and the framing for the spray foam. It is also possible to fill cavities for a retrofit scenario.

What Is Closed Cell Foam Insulation?

They type of foam insulation you should use.

Good on you for choosing to take your homes efficiency to the next lever and deciding to go with spray foam insulation. As you embark on researching this hot topic, you’ll find out that there are generally two types of spray foam that you can go with: closed cell and open cell. Which you decide to go with will depend on what your situation is and more specifically what area you want sprayed and what your budget is like. Read further to get a better understanding on the difference between them.

Learn about closed and open cell spray foam.


OPEN CELL

The cheapest of the two spray foam insulations on the market, open celled spray foam gets its “open” from the cells that created the matrix of the foam. After the foam is sprayed and it expands, these open cells then trap air after it hardens and it then behaves as an insulator.

Open cell spray foam is more flexible than closed cell and this is because it is much softer than the closed cell. It’s a superior product for areas that require less insulations, and for surfaces that experience frequent temperature fluctuations. This type of foam insulation averages at around R 3.5 per inch as an insulating value.

It’s good to note that due to the open nature of the foam cells, this foam is penetrable by water, though it does create and air seal. Because of this characteristic, it is good to make a note that this foam solution shouldn’t be used as a vapour barrier.


CLOSED CELL

Open cell and closed cell insulation share the similarity that they are both consisted of cells that are densely packed together. The difference is that closed cell foam is exactly that “closed” and has gas trapped in these cells. It is this trapped gabs that behaves like an insulator. This has a higher R value than air, and it raises the this foams R-value to an R-7 per inch.

Also, closed cell spray foam is more rigid and it doesn’t allow for the passage of moisture which allows for it to double as a vapour barrier. It can also be used as a structural reinforcer. It is ideal for areas that need extra insulation value, as well as protections for moisture. Roofs, exterior walls and attics are all perfect places to use this particular foam.

Both of these insulations have revolutionized the insulation world. You can purchase DIY kits, however it is recommended to go with a professional reputable company, as it does require a finesse to apply it properly.

Contact Spray Foam Kings for a free no obligation estimate and cost for spray foam insulation, as well as the advantages of spray foaming any property in the greater Toronto Area.

Avoid Ice Dams Forming On Your Roof With Spray Foam Insulation


How the ice dams formulate

When you live in a climate that has sub-zero temperatures during the winter months, then your homes insulation is something that isn’t taken lightly. Truthfully though, a home that is properly insulated isn’t only an indicator of a warmer home, but has benefits that reach further into other areas of a safety and also economic.

As kids, you may have been in awe of homes that had large and long icicles that were hanging off of the eaves drops. Sadly, these spectacles of nature are more often than not a result of a dangerous problem looming inside the roof of the home. There are solutions to having these ice dams from forming. What is the solution to this problem? Well lets have a look at the complete picture to get an idea.


Learn how to avoid ice dams building up on your roof in Toronto.

If an attic isn’t sufficiently insulated, or improperly, warm conditioned air seeps through gaps that are between the insulation of the homes ceiling and the attics floor. In effect, the heated air can melt the snow that has rested on the roof of the home. Naturally, this will create a runoff from the roof. When this runoff ultimately reaches the colder eavesdrop, it can freeze up again and hence lead to an ice dam development. This process repeats itself until a noticeable buildup occurs and and ice dam then backs up further up the roof, this can sometimes devastate shingles and peel them off the roof. At this point the roof is now susceptible as it’s shingle membrane has been compromised, so all of the melting of the snow and its water runoff have nowhere to go but into your home.


The ice dam consequences

There are a few problems that can come to pass as a consequence of the formulation of ice dams on your roof, of which many can be serious:

  • ice buildup can cause damage to eavestrough
  • water can penetrate your roof and damage walls and ceilings
  • if you have traditional insulation, it can get wet and lose it’s R-value
  • mildew and mold can develop dangerously on moist insulation
  • shingles can dislodge
  • icicles can injure someone if they fall
  • ice buildup can lead to shingle damage


The telltale sign that your roof may be in jeopardy are the formation of icicles on your eaves. Check out our flat roof insulation service for homes in the GTA here:


Temporary fixes for ice dams

If old man winter has already rolled in and you just begin to notice that you are at risk of your roof developing ice dams, there are several solutions you can opt for to help with the management of future problems arising. Though none of these are permanent solutions, they can help you get through the winter at hand whilst minimizing damage.

Avoid climbing up a ladder to try and chip at the ice with an ice pic or shovel, this is extremely dangerous as the conditions can be slippery, it can also potentially damage the shingles and the eaves on your roof.

A good temporary solution would be to use calcium chloride to help melt away the ice that is in the passageway, this way the water has a place to drain away into and not keep building on existing ice. An efficient way of distributing this is to take an old article of clothing and fill a sleeve with the calcium chloride, place it on the roof vertically. What this does is it creates a trough where any melting ice can safely pass through.

Furthermore, another temporary fix if there is a leak, is to bring in a high-powered cooling fan into the attic and freeze the area where this water I leaking into. What this does is it keeps the water in ice state limiting water damage until spring comes around and a more permanent solution is available.


Permanent solutions for ice dams

Truthfully the above mentioned temporary solutions are only short term and they will only ease the damage done for that season. Some people may have all the answers , but there’s only one way that you can minimize the formation of ice dams permanently, and that’s by creating the same temperature on your roof as the outdoor air.

The proper way to achieve this is to insulate your attic properly, and of course to get the best seal to avoid any leaks that would melt the snow and create this potential hazard. How is the best way to achieve this air seal? With spray foam insulation.

A major difference from spray foam insulation and traditional insulation, is that air leaks are difficult to avoid with traditional as it is difficult to get a solid seal in hard to reach nooks. Spray foam insulation on the other hand has an expanding nature that happens when it is applied and it fills all the nooks and crannies that would otherwise be impossible to seal. This creates the most airtight seal in the business.

The heat generated by your homes heating system will stay where it is meant to when you use spray foam insulation, and you will drastically minimize the risk of an ice dam forming as an attic sealed and insulated with spray foam has little to no air loss. This will ultimately leaving you to enjoy your homes comfort while not having to worry about any damage occurring on your roof which can lead to other hazards.

Cost Per Square Foot Of Spray Foam In Toronto

Comfort and efficiency in your home, foam insulation can keep you snug all year round while reducing your energy costs in the greater Toronto area. We have a team of technical experts to support your business needs with marketing, sales support, training, and project estimating. At Spray Foam Kings we distribute quality products, deliver on time and promise to be a reliable partner in the industry. Just tell us the product you want and we’ll tell you the spray foam insulation cost per square foot.

These insulation products form a better seal in your attic, walls, and basement, increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems by preventing any leakage. Air leaks and poor insulation can cause your home to lose an amazing amount of hot or cold air. Energy loss can occur through walls, roofs, doors, windows and floors. Poor insulation can increase energy costs, adds to your home’s carbon footprint and reduces the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This type of insulation is the most effective insulation type to reduce heat transfer. There are a variety of different services offered in this industry and it is hard to just estimate a price without knowing the actual job size.

It also saves energy and lowers electric cost as well as increases comfort. If it saves you energy, it is not only helping to keep the environment clean but also helping to keep money in your pocket. This new foam technology is 50% more efficient than other brands! The more efficient, the more energy is saved. It keeps out the drafts and makes living in your home more enjoyable for you and your family. It also keeps out allergens (such as dust) and pollutants out of your home. It also acts as a sound reducer from outside noise.


Lower cost per square foot in Toronto

One other benefit is that it also adds strength to your home. It is permanent and maintains its structural integrity. Spray Injection Foam is a premier way to insulate an existing wall. With our injection system, we are able to increase the insulation value of an existing wall even when there is insulation already present. Whether the wall is concrete, wood/drywall, we can insulate them all. Spray foam is great for cracks and crevices that can’t be sealed with traditional insulation. The foam can seal all spaces inside your structure, eliminating drafts. It doesn’t absorb water, either – so you don’t have to worry about mold.

Most insulation experts would agree that it is by far the best-performing, and most energy-efficient insulation available. While its upfront cost is more than other insulation options, the foam quickly pays for itself by drastically reducing energy bill costs. Call us and we will give you the and estimate on the spray foam insulation cost per square foot in Toronto Ontario and the GTA for the specific requirements you are looking for. Also check our video below to see us at work and what we can offer.

There are a couple factors that may affect the actual price per square foot. For example which type do you need to use? Open cell or closed cell? Open cell foams are typically cheaper than closed cell and they perform just as well in terms of air sealing and comfort. Open cell will run you from $0.50-$0.75 per board foot.

A board foot is 12×12 inches and 1 in thick. Say the wall you are trying to insulate is 50 feet long and

10 feet high. Your area is 500 sq ft, so if you need 5 inches of foam to reach the insulation levels you’re trying to achieve, the board footage of the wall is 2500 board feet. So at $0.50 per board foot, this job would cost you approximately $1250.00. Of course you can calculate closed cell using this same method.

Another example of the cost of spray foam insulation, would be if you are looking to have your walls sprayed and they are the older 2×4 or 2×6(newer). Seeing that most walls or joist areas goal is an R-value of 20, it would make it easier to give a more accurate quote. When working with a 2×4 wall, 3.5 inches is what is the norm, which means 2lb of closed cell foam is what most companies would recommend at 3 inches which would achieve an R-value of R18.


Call Spray foam Kings today for a free over the phone estimate on our cost per square foot 647-846-7592.

Spray Foam Insulation

The Less Known Benefits Of Pipe Insulation

You may have heard that insulating pipes in your home can help you why preventing them from freezing. This is true: By insulating the pipes in your home, it will keep the water that is coursing through the system from freezing and then expanding until it eventually bursts and causes significant and expensive damage to your home. There are other less dramatic benefits that insulating pipes can offer for your home as well. Not only do these help homeowners pockets by slashing some of those utility bills, but they also aid in the general comfort of day to day living.


REDUCING HEAT LOSS AND GAIN

Of the less known benefits that insulating plumbing piping in your home offers, it’s performance in minimizing the loss and gain of heat is of the most noteworthy. When water passes through the plumbing lines through a home and it isn’t insulated, the hot water will generally lose heat and cold water will gain it. By insulating the pipes, you effectively reduce this inefficiency that will inevitably happen. With the hot-water pipe, though it may seem as though its a minor saving to spend all that money to insulate, but the truth is that the long term savings are truly significant: your monthly heating bills will be reduced, and you will not have to wait as long for heated water to get to the faucets in your homes washrooms and kitchen.


CONDENSATION CONTROL

Whenever you have a cooler surface than the air that surrounds it, such as the plumbing pipes, by insulating the pipes you essentially control the condensation that would inevitably corrode the fittings and pipes if left unchecked, and ultimately this would lead to severe failure. Even though it may not sound like a serious concern, it isn’t uncommon at all, especially when the pipes have cold water going through them and they come into contact with humid hot air. Another not so considered benefit to insulating the pipes in a home is that it not only helps the pipes, but it also protects people from coming into contact with hot or cold pipping.


CHOOSING YOUR INSULATION

There are a few choices you can go with for pipe insulation, with varying degrees of insulating capabilities and each made with different materials. Some have integrated vapour barrier control, while others are better suited for hot-water applications. These include:


– SPRAY FOAM INSULATION:

this is installed by experts generally and is by far the best choice for pipe insulation, as it doubles as a vapour barrier, and can get into all the hard to reach spaces where other forms of insulation can’t reach.


-CONVENTIONAL FOAM INSULATION:

this is easy to fit over existing pipes. When in place, it is a good idea to seal it off with tape to further enhance the insulating properties.


–SELF-SEALING FOAM INSULATION:

this material has an adhesive this runs along its slit.

Foam insulation for pipes in Toronto


ASBESTOS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

Older homes still have asbestos in the insulation that surrounds the pipes, not all, but a lot. Especially if it is agitated and the fine particles become airborne, this asbestos ridden insulation can present some dangerous health hazard. Asbestos pipe insulation can be difficult to recognize, and it’s recommended to bring in a specialist to inspect for it.


INSULATING PIPES WITH SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IS THE BEST IDEA

We tend to recommend going with spray foam insulation for your pipes as there are many benefits compared to other insulating materials for this job. Open cell spray foam is a good option for insulating pipes indoors, it is less expensive than closed cell spray foam because it doesn’t offer the same R-value or any moisture controlling properties.


Closed cell spray foam is stronger and denser than open cell, and can be used for outdoor applications as well as it offers the moisture control and high R-value. Spray foam can get to hard to reach places and has no problem with awkward shaped spaces. This coupled with it’s amazing sealing and insulating properties makes it the superior choice to insulate pipes with.


Check out the areas below covered by Spray Foam Kings offering pipe insulation services in the GTA.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Service


Why use closed cell spray foam insulation?

Instead of resorting to traditional insulation, such as bead, fibreglass and wool, spray foam can be a great way to cut down on energy costs. It offers a higher level of insulation compared to traditional insulation because once sprayed it expands and hardens. This makes your home warmer, costing you a lot less than traditional insulation would.

Closed cell spray foam is also less likely to allow water to be absorbed into your household. The closed cell works by trapping the air inside the foam, which increases density of the foam. It cuts down on humidity in your home, as well as decreasing the likelihood of damp appearing on your walls. While it is slightly more expensive than open cell spray foam, it means you won’t have to purchase a dehumidifier or air conditioner as the spray foam automatically makes your house less stuffy.


Why is spray foam insulation becoming so popular?

Closed cell spray foam is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, due to its cost-efficient way of cutting down on utility bill costs. The trapping of heat and moisture means your home can be cool all year round, even when its boiling outside. Closed cell spray foam holds more moisture when its hot, due to damp in the air increasing with heat. By contrast, during cold Winters spray foam will maintain warmth indoors, as it won’t allow cool air to enter the walls. So a win-win situation whatever the weather.

Closed cell spray foam can also be used for all types of buildings, due to its versatility. It is strong but compact, and able to be applied to domestic properties, as well as office spaces or warehouses. This makes it an excellent option to be used for insulation in the workplace, so that your place of work is as comfortable to be in as your place of residence.

If you are living in an area prone to flooding, closed cell spray foam prevents water from seeping into the building. This saves money if your home is prone to damage from excessive water immersion. Additionally, because of its expansion, spray foam can fit large surface areas, as well as small ones. It can be used for smaller cracks and gaps in your home, as well as massive walls.

Upgrades For A More Energy Efficient Home


Spray Foam Continues to be the most Energy Efficient Insulation

“Green” is the new popular word these days, regardless of the industry you’re in. It can have two meanings, it can refer to the ingredients of a product and how natural they are or how “green” they are, or it can be revering the the energy efficiency of a home or building.

Embarking on a large-scale renovation to implement green technologies and increase the efficiency in your home, isn’t always possible. This doesn’t mean you have to give it up all together, there are ways through smaller installations to increase your homes efficiency. Doing smaller simpler upgrades can be just as effective and will aid in keeping you inside your budget. Here we take a look at some of these upgrades you can do to increase the energy efficiency in your home.


HOME AUTOMATION

There are many energy efficient upgrades you can do under this title. With the internet being connected to various appliances and controls. If you haven’t heard of home automation and home security Toronto, basically it is connecting appliances to wifi, which fundamentally allows for communication through the internet and can be controlled through an app on your phone. You have full control from your phone (so long as you have internet on it) and can control lighting, thermostat, locks on doors and windows, ovens etc and you can adjust them when you are away. This will ultimately make your home more efficient and leave more money in your pocket at the end of the month. Here’s a look at some of the options.


THERMOSTAT

Your thermostat is a great place to start if you are considering upgrading to a smart “green” home. When a smart thermostat is installed, it learns your schedule and habits, and will adjust the cooling and heating needs accordingly. This will mean that your HVAC system will be running at the most efficient levels while catering to your needs, and ultimately making your home that more efficient. Past the performance aspect, there is usually an energy efficiency option within the thermostats programs, that would make a smart thermostat a very smart decision investing in.


LIGHTING OPTIONS

There are various optional upgrades you can go with in your home to increase energy efficiency. First and foremost, you should get rid of the incandescent bulbs and replace them with newer greener bulbs. Within the greener bulb options, there are two main players, LED and CFL’s (compact fluorescent bulbs) . LEDs tend to be more expensive initially than the CFLs, but they usually do last longer, and don’t have poison mercury in them either which can be concerning if a bulb breaks.

Additionally to going with green bulbs, switching to dimmers over conventional light switches will also increase the lightings efficiency. It gives you more control over the amount of electricity being drawn from the lights bulbs, but it also has a pleasant side effect of adding ambiance to any room.

Finishing, by installing smart light switches/dimmers, that can be connected and controlled remotely form a phone, it can really make an impact on increasing the energy efficiency of your lights consumption. Something like pre-programming a front porch light to turn on at a specific time so as to not have to stay on all day, this would significantly reduce your lights consumption.


APPLIANCES

By switching old conventional appliances to Energy Star rated specifications, you are taking very good steps towards making a more energy efficient home. Of course you can now have many of these modern greener appliances hooked up to be controlled from you phone or smart home device, this way you can control your smart appliances to run during the most energy efficient time of the day. An interesting concept that helps you understand the potential savings, are cameras built into fridges, you can now see the contents of your fridge and save the energy it would waste by standing with the fridge door open.


SPRAY FOAM INSULATION FOR HOME EFFICIENCY

All these things mentioned above are great, however a major player in how efficiently your home runs is the insulation you have installed. Traditional materials used for insulation such as cellulose or fibreglass, can result in a home that has major heat loss without you even noticing. The cumulative cracks and crevices of an average home where heat can escape can often be too large which will ultimately leave your home losing too much heat.

Traditional insulation has the negative characteristics of losing its insulating value over time as well, also they tend to shift and create new spaces where air can pass through and ultimately make your home less efficient because of the compensation your HVAC systems has to do. Also , traditional insulation has limits to the spaces it can fill, so even from the initial installment there are weak parts to your insulated home.

Spray foam insulation or closed cell foam insulation on the other hand expands immediately on application and fills all the surrounding space. This creates a superior seal and can fit into all the hard to fill awkward spaces resulting in a more energy efficient home and less work for your HVAC system. Spray foam insulation also doesn’t deteriorate over time and will keep its integrity throughout the life of your home.

About

Based in The Greater Toronto Area of Ontari0 , we are an owner-operated local business contractors specializing in spray foam insulation. We are committed to providing affordable solutions that are environmentally friendly, permanent and Canadian made. We are experts in this field, and have extensive training and experience in designing solutions for residential projects as well as commercial and municipal projects.


Since 2001, Spray Foam Kings has served the insulation needs of both residential and commercial buildings, with quality products and expert services.


Our Team is Ready to talk to you for FREE Call us Today 647-846-7592