Commercial Insulation
Cardinal Group offers two types of insulation for use in commercial construction environments. These products can be used alone or in tandem to achieve specific goals of the architect and building owner alike. The products we offer are of the highest quality currently available in the insulation market.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
Spray Polyurethane Foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a spray applied insulation that forms a continuous insulating air barrier. It works on any substrate to which it is applied. Since SPF is applied as a liquid and then expands, it is capable of providing the best possible protection against air infiltration. Additionally, SPF offers the highest R-value per inch of any installed insulation. More importantly, SPF provides a continuous air barrier to seal air infiltration to and from the structure. Air infiltration, according to the U. S. Department of Energy, accounts for up to 40% of the structures energy loss. SPF has also been shown to increase the rack strength of walls and other structural systems to which it is applied. Ultimately, it makes your structure stronger, safer and more durable.
Closed Cell vs. Open Cell SPF
|
Closed-Cell |
Open-Cell |
| Highest insulating “R-Value” per inch (> 6.0) – Decreased Operating Costs | Good insulation value (R = 3.5) |
| Low vapor permeability (low perm) | Higher vapor permeability, but controlled |
| Air barrier | Air barrier at full wall thickness |
| Increases wall strength | |
| Water Resistant | |
| Medium density (1.75 – 2.25 lbs./ft3) | Low density (0.4 – 1.2 lbs./ft3) |
| Absorbs sound, especially lower range frequencies | Best sound absorption in everyday frequency ranges. |
| Lower Yield – Increased Initial Cost | Economical yield |
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose Insulation is made up of roughly 75%-85% recycled paper fiber. Normally, it is predominantly newsprint. However, it may contain other post consumer forms. The balance of the insulation is made up of fire retardants to make the product safe for installation. The R-value of cellulose insulation compares well with other types of low cost insulation at approximately R-3.8 per inch. Cellulose insulation cames in two basic forms: loose fill and stabilized.
Loose fill cellulose is suitable for horizontal applications such as attics, building canopies and the like. As indicated by the name, loose fill is blown in loosely until the cavity is filled to the required depth to obtain the specified R-value.
On the other hand, stabilized cellulose insulation is suitable for both horizontal and vertical applications, including overhead. Stabilized cellulose is spray applied with water and/or adhesives being introduced into the product. These additives are introduced at the gun, directly at the time of application. Thus, the insulation can be applied vertically into cavities without any other support. When the cellulose dries out, the cavity is completely filled with insulation devoid of any gaps. Generally, it outperforms traditional batt insulation.
Thermal & Vapor Barriers
Cardinal also carries a line of cellulose spray-on insulation that can be used as a thermal barrier over SPF insulation. SPF insulation requires a thermal barrier when installed. Typically, sheetrock is used to accomplish this task. However, in large warehouses and areas where the cost for the aesthetic properties are unwarranted, we can install URE-K cellulose thermal barrier over the foam. The URE-K provides thermal barrier characteristics as well as additional sound attenuation which is especially important in large industrial settings.
Additionally, stabilized cellulose insulation can be utilized in our hybrid system. This usually encompasses a minimal pass of 1 inch of closed cell SPF for its air and vapor barrier properties along with high R-value. This is then coupled with the cost savings of filling the balance of the cavity with cellulose insulation. In a typical 2×6 inch wall stud cavity, the resulting R-value is approximately R-24 complete with air barrier, improved rack strength and completely sealed.