Spray Foam FAQs

It's a chemical blend of two liquid components, 'isocyanate' and 'polyol resin'. When these two liquids combine at the tip of a specialized spray gun, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the mixture to rapidly expand into foam and solidify into a durable barrier.

First, our team preps and masks the area to protect your property. Then we use a heated hose system to pump and spray the liquid directly into wall cavities, attics, or rim joists where foam will then expand and harden.
Because installation involves chemicals, high temperatures, and specialized safety gear, it must be installed by certified professionals. All homeowners, staff, pets, etc. must vacate the property for 24 hours after application to ensure safety while the material fully off-gasses.

Traditional insulation only slows down heat transfer, but spray foam seals air leaks and blocks heat transfer simultaneously. This dual action can slash your monthly heating and cooling bills by up to 30–50%, significantly reduces outside noise, and prevents dust and pests from invading your living space.

While technically possible to spray over old insulation, it is a bad practice that we strongly discourage. Spraying foam over old fiberglass or cellulose can trap hidden moisture, promote mold growth, and prevent the foam from adhering properly to the wood framing. For a proper, airtight seal, the old insulation should always be completely removed first.

● Too close to high-heat sources, like standard recessed lighting (unless specifically IC-rated for insulation contact) or touching chimney flues.● Inside electrical boxes where it would jam components and create a fire hazard.● Closed spaces without viewing access; spraying blindly into a finished wall can cause the foam to over-expand and pop drywall off the studs.● Areas with active, unrepaired water leaks, to prevent wood rot.

'Closed-cell' spray foam is a dense, rigid insulation material where the cells are completely sealed and packed tightly together, making it both waterproof, more structurally sound, and has a higher R-value (measure of thermal resistance).
'Open-cell' spray foam is a lightweight, flexible insulation where the cells are left intentionally open, making the foam incredibly pliable and expand up to 100 times its liquid volume, perfectly filling deep, hard-to-reach cavities. Plus, its a great option for soundproofing.
Contact Distinctive Spray Foam to get guidance on which spray foam solution is right for you.