Does Spray Foam Stop Water Leaks?

Water leaks are one of the most frustrating problems in a home. You can invest a lot of money in solutions for a leaky basement or roof leaks. You can also spend much of your time cleaning up the damage from these leaks. Is spray foam insulation an option to stop irritating water leaks?

South Central Services has insulated hundreds of homes in and around Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It's our job to know the limits of the products we install and to install them correctly. Spray foam insulation is not a solution for water leakage, and this article will explain why.

Don't have time to read right now? Check out everything you need to know at a glance.

Spray Foam Insulation Is Not Waterproof.

Spray foam insulation boasts several unique features, but being waterproof is not one of them. Of the two types of spray foam, one type has some vapor management properties. However, neither could actually resolve a water leak.

1. Open Cell Spray Foam Has No Properties For Moisture.

Open cell spray foam is a product with an open cell structure. When open cell is installed, it expands rapidly and fully. If you were to take a cross-section of open cell spray foam, you would see an open cell structure, similar to the crumb structures of some types of homemade bread.

This cellular structure prevents open cell spray foam from offering anything related to moisture or vapor management.

2. Closed Cell Spray Foam Has Some Properties For Vapor Management.

Closed cell spray foam has a closed cell structure. The cross-section of closed cell would be tight and uniform. The cellular structure allows closed cell spray foam to become vapor impermeable at two inches of depth.

Vapor impermeability is very different from waterproofing. Closed cell spray foam can prevent water content in the air, called vapor, from passing through the insulation.

Liquid water can still penetrate closed cell spray foam.

Water Leaks Require Waterproofing Solutions.

If you're dealing with a water leak in your home, you need a true waterproofing solution.

1. Leaky Roofs Need A Roofer For Repairs.

If you've got a leaky roof and several buckets set up in your home to catch the drips, you need a roofer. A qualified roofing contractor can identify and resolve leaks.

Once your attic is leak-free, consider upgrading your attic insulation.

2. Leaky Basements Need Waterproofing From A Specialist.

If you have groundwater infiltration in your basement, you'll need to contact a qualified waterproofer. Trying to insulate your basement walls or ceiling before dealing with these leaks could increase the vapor content in your basement.

Always Resolve Water Intrusions Before Investing In New Insulation.

New insulation will lower your energy costs, improve your air quality, and make your home more comfortable. However, before you consider any insulation upgrade, you must address any water intrusions in your home.

There is an order for home improvements. In the same way we recommend upgrading insulation before your HVAC system, you must fix water leakage before investing in new insulation.

The Bottom Line About How To Stop Water Leaks

If your home has water leaks, you must work with the right professional to resolve that water intrusion. Contact a roofer or a waterproof to address these problems once and for all.

Spray foam insulation is not a waterproofing solution. Spray foam insulation cannot stop water leaks. However, once your water leaks have been addressed, spray foam can make your home more temperate and affordable to live in.

Now that you understand why spray foam cannot be used for water leaks, your next step is to:

• Learn more about vapor permeability
• Discover if spray foam can be installed on a water pipe
• Find out why spray foam insulation is best