ENERTITE Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation – FAQ

by Peter Woodcock | Nov 8, 2022

What is ENERTITE?

ENERTITE is a type of Polyurethane Insulating Foam that is processed on site to suit the size, shape and technical requirements of your roof, wall or floor structure. It is applied by spraying and insulates by reducing the amount of heat lost by conduction while also creating a barrier to air movement – preventing either warm air from escaping or cold air entering a building.

What is ENERTITE spray foam made of?

ENERTITE Spray foam is created by combining two liquid materials, (polyols and isocyanates) that react to form a cured foam insulation. One material is a hardener and the other is a resin.

How is ENERTITE spray foam insulation applied?

ENERTITE insulation is a two-component product that includes a hardener (A-Side Component) and a resin (B-Side Component). A chain reaction occurs as both components combine during the application process and an adhesive bond is created between the material and the surface to which it is being applied. It dries, cures and hardens within 3-5 seconds to form an open cell in-situ vapour permeable polyurethane insulation. This product should always be installed by a trained BASF FOAM MASTER contractor.

What type of equipment is used to apply ENERTITE spray foam insulation?

ENERTITE open cell spray applied polyurethane requires specific application equipment, including feed pumps, reactor machines and spray guns. These are housed in a mobile spray rig. A heated hose of up to 300ft in length runs from the rig to the spray area during application.

What is the insulation U-value of ENERTITE spray foam?

ECON Polyurethanes can calculate the U-value of any structure that uses ENERTITE insulation foam. We’ll need the proposed thickness of application along with the thickness and details of each layer through the structure to carry out your calculation.

Does ENERTITE spray insulation control air leakage?

ENERTITE insulation is an open cell polyurethane that combines superior insulation values when the airtightness offered by the product is considered as part of the system. ENERTITE has been tested to demonstrate near zero levels of air permeability.

Can Mould or Mildew form if I use ENERTITE spray foam insulation?

A food source, moisture and relatively warm temperatures are the three variables that must all be present at the same time for mould/mildew to grow. ENERTITE spray foam insulation has been shown by independent testing not to provide a food source.

Is ENERTITE good for the planet?

ENERTITE spray foam insulation reduces energy use and waste, does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and is formaldehyde free. ENERTITE spray foam uses a zero-ozone depleting blowing agent.

I want to use BASF ENERTITE in my roof and have old bitumen type roofing felt. Is this possible?

It’s not possible to spray ENERTITE open cell breathable insulation directly to the non-breathable bitumen type felt as this could cause an accumulation of condensation where the foam insulation meets the felt membrane. This is also not building regulation compliant as a ventilated air layer is required between the insulation and felt underside – the purpose of this is to remove or exhaust any moisture in accordance with building regulations and BS5250:2021- Management of Moisture in Buildings.

In such circumstances, the BASF FOAM MASTER contractor will firstly fit a preformed INSUPANEL rafter slide between the rafters before applying ENERTITE to it’s underside. The INSUPANEL product is a vapour permeable separation layer that allows vapour to diffuse firstly through ENERTITE, then through the insupanel and into the ventilated airspace. From here it exhausts to the atmosphere aided by eaves and ridge ventilation which allows for a throughflow of air along the length of the rafter.

I have a new roof with slates, slate and counter battens, breathable roofing membrane and 150mm rafters. If I use ENERTITE spray foam, do I need ventilation?

In this scenario ENERTITE can be applied directly to the roof membrane. Ventilation of the batten cavity above the felt may be required depending on the permeability of the outer roof covering. If needed, this is provided by means of eaves and ridge ventilation.

Does ENERTITE have third party accreditation/ comply with Building Regulations in Ireland and the UK?

ENERTITE spray foam insulation has passed the rigorous testing required by both KIWA and the NSAI and as such holds Agrément certifications covering applications in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. You can download ENERTITE certification here.

Who installs ENERTITE?

ENERTITE is applied by trained Foam Master contractors. Foam Master contractors undergo ongoing audit by our technical personnel. We provide comprehensive assistance to each contractor on a daily basis with respect to detailing and u-value / condensation risk analysis. Once a trained Foam Master, our technical team will help our contractors to ensure compliance with installation methodology and to offer advice on correct application and intricate interfacing with other construction elements. Contractors are supported by ECON technical staff on a daily basis to ensure full compliance with National Standards, Code of Practice and Building Regulations.