Is Spray Foam Toxic?

Most health and safety issues around spray foam insulation are linked directly to the quality of installation rather than the products themselves. Spray foam products are chemical compounds, and as such, require special handling from the preparation stage to the installation. And although there are clearly defined installation standards, not all installations are meeting those standards, let alone the manufacturer’s specifications. In short, a substandard application is problematic.

With spray foam insulation, health and safety regulations must be followed strictly, and without deviation. At minimum, installers must wear respirators, coveralls, eye protection, and gloves. It’s also critical to prepare the installation space properly, and ensure the safety of both workers and occupants. Finally, spray foam compounds must be prepared professionally, and by duly trained technicians – anything short of this poses health risks, even after the installation is complete.

Problems are bound to arise when spray foam insulation is improperly prepared or incorrectly installed. After all, these are chemical compounds, and must be handled professionally. This is not work for the inexperienced, and a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is risky. A bad installation (even by a second-rate installer) will compromise product performance and affect long-term outcomes, not to mention the potential risks for the health and wellbeing or residents and/or occupants.

Throughout the spray foam industry, manufacturers and professionals have established rigorous standards, guidelines and criteria for handling and installing spray foam compounds. Failing to meet these yardsticks can pose dangers for both service providers and homeowners. At Great Northern Insulation, health and safety are primary to every spray foam project. Beyond a high standard of workmanship, GNI installers are trained by the manufacturer and certified to install.

GNI installers ensure that the work area is appropriately prepared; they wear approved personal protective equipment; and they work to code. Most importantly, they make sure to protect the personal health and safety of the homeowner.

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Best of 2021

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.

Best of 2022

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Over 40 Years in Business

At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Do it right the first time
- with foam masters^TM

January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.

Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™

Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.

3M^TM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings

3M^TM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Holmes and Holmes

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge Incentives

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.

We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.

The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?

Climatizer

CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.

Is Spray Foam Toxic?

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