BIOBASED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Click on Questions to obtain Answer) - What is BioBased 501?
- What makes BioBased Insulation so effective?
- How does BioBased Insulation save consumers money?
- How does BioBased Insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?
- How does BioBased Insulation control moisture movement and condensation?
- What is the U-Value of a BioBased insulated wall or ceiling?
- What is the flame spread and smoke development of BioBased Insulation?
- What is the difference between open and closed cell foams?
- Does BioBased Insulation adhere to metal or wood studs?
- How is the insulation installed?
- Does BioBased Insulation cause electrical wires to overheat?
- Is BioBased Insulation corrosive to metals?
- Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
- Does the insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?
- How long does BioBased Insulation last?
- How long does it take BioBased Insulation to cure?
- Does BioBased Insulation contain any formaldehyde?
- Since BioBased Insulation is made from soybeans, does it create a problem with rodents and insects eating the insulation?
- At what stage is the BioBased Insulation installed?
- Can homeowners install BioBased Insulation themselves?
- What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once BioBased Insulation is installed?
- Who named BioBased 501 “Outstanding Green Product of the Year?”
- How long has BioBased Insulation Been around?
Answers 1. What is BioBased 501?
BioBased 501 spray-in-place insulation is an innovative, ultra-light weight, two-part soy based polyurethane. It is an open-cell, semi-rigid foam that in one step provides a sealed, thermal envelope that simplifies constructions practices. This foam insulation has been formulated with the environment in mind. It emits no VOCs or CFCs. It behaves much like a petroleum-based plastic foam, without any of the harmful environmental side effects. BioBased 501 contains no formaldehyde. This product is the most environmentally friendly insulation in the industry. (Back to Top of Page) 2. What makes BioBased Insulation so effective?
BioBased Insulation is much more effective than traditional insulation products, because the foam insulation is applied as a liquid. When it is sprayed onto the intended surface, it expands 100 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse, and void to create a thermal envelope. BioBased Insulation is a highly-efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not shrink, settle, or disintegrate.
Since Fiberglass or cellulose are settling materials, they cannot seal from stud to stud or around outlets. In addition, fiberglass and cellulose can lose their insulation value if water or moisture invade the wall cavity. BioBased Insulation can actually help eliminate moisture problems in a wall cavity by creating an air tight seal. BioBased Insulation is an inert substance and will not support mould growth. (Back to Top of Page) 3. How does BioBased Insulation save consumers money?
BioBased Insulation is cost-effective, reducing energy bills by 50% or more. The initial cost of installing the BioBased Insulation may be higher than traditional fiberglass insulation; however, the savings in utility bills every month, year after year, greatly outweigh the extra cost. The larger the home, the faster the return. (Back to Top of Page) 4. How does BioBased Insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?
BioBased Insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope. When applied, the insulation conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse and void. BioBased Insulation contributes to the overall comfort and health of the occupants of a home because there are no fibers or "clumps" of loose matter. By reducing air infiltration, the insulation also reduces dust and harmful, household mold and mildew. BioBased Insulation provides a healthier, draft-free, indoor environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions. (Back to Top of Page) 5. How does BioBased Insulation control moisture movement and condensation?
Most damaging moisture within a building envelope cavity is the result of warm moist inside air being exchanged with the cold dry air inside an insulation cavity. As the moisture in the air condenses, it forms dew within the insulation. Because BioBased 501 is an air seal, this moisture movement and condensation does not occur. BioBased 501 is ideal for use in climates where buildings are both heated and air conditioned because the situation is reversed in summer with moisture forming on the back of the interior vapour retarder. (Back to Top of Page) 6. What is the U-Value of a BioBased insulated wall or ceiling?
In the wall or ceiling of a building, most factory made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal U-Value of the insulation they contain.
But, the insulation of a wall containing BioBased will perform closely to the laboratory tested U-Value of the material and seal the wall cavity from air infiltration as well. (Back to Top of Page) 7. What is the flame spread and smoke development of BioBased Insulation?
BioBased Insulation has a flame spread of <20, and its smoke development is <400. For those reasons, BioBased is a Class 1-rated material against fires. This is the highest rating an insulation product can receive for residential and commercial applications. (Back to Top of Page) 8. What is the difference between open and closed cell foams?
Open cell foam performs two functions; it stops the movement of air and slows down the transfer of heat. Open cell foam products are generally not considered vapour retarders. In climate zones 6-8 a vapour retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Closed cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapour permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapour retarder but not a vapour barrier. Closed cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications. Open cell foam should never be used for exterior applications. Open cell foam are usually more cost effective because of their higher yields. (Back to Top of Page) 9. Does BioBased Insulation adhere to metal or wood studs?
BioBased Insulation adheres well to almost any material, especially wood and steel studs which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction. (Back to Top of Page) 10. How is BioBased Insulation installed?
BioBased Insulation is sprayed into place onto a studded wall by a Certified BioBased Dealer. As with any open surface, BioBased Insulation can be sprayed on once electrical and plumbing services are in place. It then expands to 100 times its initial volume in seconds, permanently adhering to the surfaces of the surrounding building materials and sealing all gaps. (Back to Top of Page) 11. Does BioBased Insulation cause any electrical wiring overheat problems?
No, BioBased Insulation has been tested and is not a concern to electrical authorities. (Back to Top of Page) 12. Is BioBased Insulation corrosive to metals?
No, BioBased Insulation is non-corrosive. (Back to Top of Page) 13. Are there any compatibility concerns with other building materials?
BioBased 501 is stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives, and sealers. It is resistant to fuel, mineral oil, weak acid, and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials. (Back to Top of Page) 14. Does BioBased Insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?
BioBased Insulation offers no food value, it is an inert substance; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth. (Back to Top of Page) 15. How long does BioBased Insulation last?
Indefinitely. As an inert, long lasting polymer, any residential or commercial structure is a great place for BioBased Insulation. (Back to Top of Page) 16. How long does it take for BioBased Insulation to cure?
The spray goes from liquid to foam in seconds after spraying. You can watch it quickly expand to 100 times its original volume. It completely cures within a few minutes. (Back to Top of Page) 17. Does BioBased Insulation contain formaldehyde?
No. (Back to Top of Page) 18. Since BioBased 501 is made from soybeans, does it create a problem with rodents and insects eating the insulation?
No. BioBased Insulation, is an inert substance, is pest resistant. There is absolutely no food value to the insulation. (Back to Top of Page) 19. At what stage is BioBased Insulation installed?
BioBased Insulation is installed after the windows, doors and roof systems are in, the electrical, framing and plumbing inspections are complete, and after any other electrical or mechanical system located behind the drywall is installed. It is the last installation to take place before drywall installation. (Back to Top of Page) 20. Can homeowners install BioBased Insulation themselves?
No, it takes a certified, trained professional to install BioBased Insulation because of the sophisticated equipment needed to install it properly. BioBased Insulation trains and certifies all its installers. (Back to Top of Page) 21. What happens if the owners want to add an electrical outlet once BioBased Insulation is installed?
An outlet can be easily added since BioBased Insulation drills more easily than wood. (Back to Top of Page) 22. Who named BioBased 501 "Outstanding Green Product of the Year?"
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) named BioBased 501 the "Outstanding Green Product of the Year" in 2003 at its Green Builders Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. (Back to Top of Page) 23. How long has BioBased Insulation been around?
Polyurethane Spray foam has been around for more than 30 years. BioBased Insulation began in February 2003 to help create a healthier, more comfortable, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible insulation. (Back to Top of Page) | 
