What is Antimicrobial Foam Spray Insulation?
Antimicrobial foam spray insulation is a type of insulation treated with antimicrobial additives to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi on the foam itself. While standard spray foam insulation excels at thermal and air sealing performance, antimicrobial foam takes it a step further by protecting the foam from degrading microbes.
These antimicrobial treatments work by inhibiting the reproduction and growth of microorganisms that can break down the foam, compromising its effectiveness over time. This makes antimicrobial foam particularly ideal for environments prone to moisture and humidity, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Antimicrobial Foam explained: Why it’s different from biocidal products
A common misconception is that antimicrobial-treated spray foam is the same as a biocidal product. However, there’s an important distinction that manufacturers should understand.
- Antimicrobial additives are integrated into the spray foam to inhibit microbial growth on the insulation, preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria from colonizing the surface. While this is a valuable enhancement, it is not the foam's primary function. The main purpose of spray foam is to provide insulation, with antimicrobial properties enhancing its performance by helping maintain its integrity over time.
- On the other hand, biocidal products are specifically designed to kill microbes and prevent their growth in various environments. Unlike antimicrobial-treated products, the antimicrobial effect is the primary function of a biocidal product. As such, biocidal products are classified as pesticides and are subject to stringent safety and environmental regulations.
This distinction is crucial for spray foam manufacturers. Adding antimicrobial additives to their spray foam can enhance product longevity and surface protection without the need to make disinfection claims, thus avoiding the complex regulatory framework governing biocidal products.
How Antimicrobial-treated Foam Spray Works
Microban antimicrobial technology works at a cellular level to continually disrupt the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. It operates a multi-modal attack, damaging the protein, cell membrane, DNA and internal systems of a microbe.
Once infused into the spray foam formulation, Microban technology will remain active for its expected lifetime.
Meeting the demand for cleaner living spaces with Antimicrobial Spray Foam Insulation
The construction market is increasingly shifting toward more sustainable, high-performance materials. Builders and property owners are seeking insulation solutions that improve energy efficiency, enhance air quality, and reduce long-term maintenance concerns.
Manufacturers integrating antimicrobial additives into their spray foam products gain a competitive edge by offering insulation with 24/7 proactive defense against bacteria, mold, and fungi growth. This meets the growing demand for cleaner, low-maintenance building materials that contribute to cleaner living environments.
Case Study - Foam insulation
Armacell incorporates Microban antimicrobial technology into its Armaflex range of foam insulation. This built-in product feature helps to prevent microbial growth, reducing the risk of mold and bacteria buildup that can compromise the performance and longevity of insulation materials. Armacell’s treated insulation has been specified in many building projects, helping buildings achieve BREEAM® Excellent certification.
Trusted by Leading Construction Brands: Microban in Building Materials
Building materials like flooring and countertops already benefit from Microban's antimicrobial protection, which helps prevent bacterial and mold growth. Spray foam insulation can use this same technology, offering extended product life and superior performance in high-humidity environments.
Strengthen building foam with Microban: The Ultimate Product Protection
By incorporating antimicrobial technology, spray foam insulation resists mold, bacteria, and microbial growth, thus extending the product’s lifespan and improving overall performance. For foam insulation manufacturers, adopting antimicrobial protection not only enhances product integrity but also delivers a more durable, reliable solution that adds value for customers.
