BioBased 501w® is an open-cell, semi-rigid foam insulation. It is sprayed-in-place as a two-part polyurethane. Once applied, it expands to 100 times its original size and provides a sealed, thermal building envelope. BioBased 501w®, like all BioBased Insulation® products, was formulated with the environment in mind and utilizes annually renewable resources to replace some of the petroleum in the product. The product also is water-blown, which means it does not contain CFCs or HCFCs.

BioBased 1701s® is the first water-blown, closed-cell foam in the industry. Typical closed-cell foams use either CFCs or HCFCs as a blowing agent. BioBased 1701s® offers all of the advantages of BioBased 501w® as well as having vapor retarding properties which can be beneficial in certain construction applications. Because of its rigidity, BioBased 1701s® can provide additional structural support to a building, which can be particularly beneficial in hurricane-prone areas.

Both open-cell and closed-cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. 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. 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.

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.Please work with your local independent certified BioBased Insulation® installer to determine which product works best for your specific application.

BioBased Insulation® is so effective because it is applied as a liquid and expands multiple its original liquid size in seconds. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevice 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 promote mold growth, insects or rodents. It also does not breakdown over time, so it creates a sealed interior that blocks harmful outside irritants.

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 heating and cooling bills by up to 50% when compared to traditionally insulated homes. 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.

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 501w® and BioBased 1701s® air seal, this moisture movement and subsequent condensation potential is greatly minimized.