1. What makes BioBased Insulation
so effective?
BioBased Insulation is so effective because it is applied as a liquid and expands 100 times its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevasse and void to create a sealed thermal envelope. BioBased Insulation creates a highly-efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss in a structure. This innovative insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not sag, settle or disintegrate.

BioBased Insulation also is an inert substance and will not support mold growth, insects or rodents. It also does not breakdown over time, so it creates a sealed interior that blocks harmful outside irritants.

2. What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell foams?
Both open-cell and closed-cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. Open-cell foam products are generally not considered vapor retarders. In climate zones 6-8 a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Open-cell foam should never be used for exterior applications. Open-cell foams are more cost effective per unit of R-value than closed-cell foams but do not provide the structural contribution to a building that closed-cell foams do.

Closed-cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed-cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications.

3.How does BioBased Insulation save consumers money?
While the initial cost of installing BioBased Insulation may be higher than traditional insulation, the savings in monthly utility bills outweighs the extra cost and results in a positive cash flow. When paired with other responsible building components, BioBased Insulation can reduce monthly energy bills by up to 50%.

As an example, using BioBased Insulation may increase your monthly mortgage by $15, but decrease your monthly utility bills by $65, providing a net savings of $50 each month.

Because BioBased Insulation creates a continuous, sealed thermal envelope around your home or structure, in many cases, you also can save additional money by reducing the required size of the HVAC (heating and air conditioning) unit.

4. How does BioBased Insulation control indoor air quality and comfort?
BioBased Insulation provides a healthier, draft-free, indoor environment. Because BioBased Insulation expands to fill every cavity, crevasse and void, it provides a sealed thermal envelope that does not sag or settle over time. This improves indoor air quality by blocking harmful outside irritants such as mold, pollen and other allergens and offers an alternative to fibrous particulates which are attributed to many traditional insulation products.

This sealed envelope gives the HVAC system full control over the amount and filtration of fresh air coming into the structure in addition to reducing drafts and temperature differences throughout the building. A sealed envelope can also reduce the amount of airborne noise pollution entering the home.

5. How does BioBased Insulation control moisture
movement and condensation?
A significant cause of moisture issues in structures is the result of warm, moist inside air being exchanged with cold, dry air inside a wall cavity. This moisture can condense within the cavity and result in mold, mildew and rot. Because BioBased 501 and BioBased 1701 air seal, this moisture movement and subsequent condensation potential is greatly minimized.

6. How long does BioBased Insulation last?
Indefinitely. As an inert, thermoset plastic, BioBased Insulation will maintain its properties throughout the life of the building.

7. What is the flame spread and smoke development of BioBased 501?
BioBased 501 has a flame spread of <25, and a smoke development of <450. BioBased 501 is a Class 1 fire-rated material.

8. 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.

9. Can BioBased Insulation be sprayed over electrical wiring?
BioBased insulation does not pose any issues with electrical wiring as long as the electrical wiring is installed per National Electric Code. Any overheating issues with BioBased insulation in regards to wiring would be directly related to improper installation of the circuit or the size of the wiring. Polyurethane foam is chemically compatible with electrical wiring plastic.

10. What happens if the owners want to add an electrical
outlet once BioBased Insulation is installed?
BioBased 501 remains soft, allowing a certified electrical contractor to pull a new wire through. For wires that may be moved frequently, such as home theater wiring, ENT conduit should be place in the wall before the insulation is installed.

11. 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 facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acid and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials.

12. Does BioBased Insulation support bacteria of fungal growth?
No, BioBased Insulation products are inert substances that do not provide a food source for mold.

13. Does BioBased Insulation contain formaldehyde?
No.

14. Since BioBased 501 is made from soybeans, do rodents
and insects eat the insulation?
No. BioBased Insulation is an inert substance and provides no food value for rodents and insects.

15. How is BioBased Insulation installed?
BioBased Insulation is installed by independent certified contractors. Application takes place after the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are installed, but before sheetrock is started.

16. Can homeowners install BioBased Insulation themselves?
No, only trained professionals can install BioBased Insulation because of the sophisticated equipment needed to install it properly. BioBased Insulation trains its independent certified installers to ensure that products are properly installed.

17. Do the BioBased B-Components contain raw materials derived
from genetically modified (GM) soybeans?
Yes. All of our soy oils come from soybean processors who purchase soybeans on the open market. According to USDA figures for 2007, 91% of all soybeans produced in the United States are genetically modified (GM) for herbicide resistance.

The main benefits of using GM soybeans are that they are readily available and affordable, because they cost farmers less to grow. There are environmental benefits also. Since farmers of GM soybeans use conservation tillage practices, it takes less fuel, produces less carbon dioxide emissions and creates less soil erosion to grow the crop than it would to grow non-modified soybeans.

18. What is Energy Star?
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. One step of the Energy Star Certification process is a Thermal Bypass Check list. BioBased Insulation covers 13 of the 16 items listed on this checklist.

19. What is LEED?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. BioBased Insulation has been used by builders in the past to assist in qualifying for up to 16 LEED credits.