Frequently Asked Questions
What is airKrete®;?
airKrete®; is a cement-based (cemetitious) spray- in insulation with a very high R-value. It contains NO UFFI (urea formaldehyde) or formaldehyde, plastic or petroleum by-products. Because the main ingredients are magnesium oxide and ceramic talc, airKrete®; is non-toxic and CFC-free and produces no off-gassing both during installation and after completion. airKrete®; is also fireproof, and is proven to resist mould, rodents and insects.
airKrete®; maintains the consistency of shaving cream during installation. It is "foamed-in" using low-pressure air. Once it dries, airKrete®; won't shrink or settle over time.
What are the advantages of installing airKrete®; insulation?
airKrete®; surpasses all other types of insulation in terms of performance, durability and environmental safety. airKrete®; is 100% fireproof and non-toxic, as well as resists mould, rodents and insects. Unlike other foamed-in products, airKrete®; maintains its high R-value over time and will not shrink or settle. It also provides excellent soundproofing and is non-hazardous as waste. For a comparison chart on airKrete®; and other insulation products, click here.
Does airKrete®; have building code approvals?
airKrete®; has achieved building code approvals including:
- ULC Rating for Non-Cumbustible Insulation
- ASTM 814 Rating for 2 Hour Fire-Stop Capability
- McMaster University Tested for No UFFI or Formaldehyde Contents
- ASTM E2178-03 Air Permeance of Building Materials
- Eco-Canada Recognized for Funded Retrofit Programs
- LEED Compliant for both New and Retrofit Projects LEED accepted (not certified)
What is airKrete®; insulation made of?
The main compound inairKrete®; is magnesium oxide which is derived from sea water. The other major compound is ceramic talc. During installation, airKrete®; has the consistency of shaving cream and will dry to a solid consistency after 24 hours.
How long does airKrete®; take to cure?
airKrete®; dries completely 24 hours after installation.
Does airKrete®; change physically over time?
No. airKrete®; is completely inert after it dries . [ shrinkage test results]
What kind of environmental impact does it have?
None. airKrete®; is 100% non toxic and does not off-gas either during or after installation. Leftover airKrete®; is non-hazardous as waste.
What is its fire rating?
airKrete®; does not burn and has achieved classificaton for 0 Flame Spread, 0 Smoke Emission and 0 Fire Contribution. It is able to withstand temperatures of well in excess of 3000°C (well beyond the temperatures generated by a house fire) and remains completely inert. [link to fire test]Simply stated a irKrete®; does not contribute to a fire since it does not burn or produce smoke and emits no toxins in the event of a fire. [link to smoke emission test]
Does airKrete®; produce any harmful emissions?
Since airKrete®; is 100% non-toxic, it does not off-gas during or after installation. Installers don't need special protective suits or breathing apparatus when working with airKrete®; . In retrofit projects, homeowners can go about their day-to-day activities in the house during installation. [MSDS Data Sheet]
How is airKrete®; installed?
airKrete®; is very easy and safe to install and does not produce dust or gases.
In retrofits, three sets of holes are drilled between each set of studs in the interior walls (depending on your home's layout and construction, holes may also be drilled on the outside walls). airKrete®; insulation is mixed to the consistency of shaving cream and is then "foamed" into each drilled hole using low-pressure ambient air. When installation is complete, interior holes are patched with drywall compound and exterior walls are patched with fresh mortar. The entire installation process takes about 24 hours. ( photos )
In new construction, airKrete®; is installed at the same time as the vapour barrier (which is required by national and provincial building codes). A mesh is used over the studs to hold the foamed-in insulation in place. When airKrete®; dries in 24 hours, the drywall can be installed normally over the studs.
How long has airKrete®; been in use?
airKrete®; has been available for 20 years in the United States. It is a proven product and has received many positive reviews in the media. airKrete®; has been available in Canada since 2005.
Are there any problems with electric wiring overheating with airKrete®; insulation?
No. airKrete®; is 100% fireproof. Because airKrete®;'s main compound is a mineral-magnesium oxide- it is a poor conductor of electricity. If a short circuit develops in wiring within a cavity filled with airKrete®;, the short circuit will self-extinguish. airKrete is also non-exothermic, therefore it does not give off heat during curing.
Is Air Krete®; corrosive to metals?
No. After airKrete®; cures 24 hours after installation, it is dry and completely inert.
Can there be bacteria or fungal growth in airKrete®; insulation?
No. Because it is inert, airKrete®; resists the growth of moulds and mildews. [link to microbial test page]
What about rodents and termites?
Unlike plastics which can attract vermin, airKrete®; is made of compounds that naturally absorb oils and cause dehydration. This creates a hostile environment for rodents and insects .
What are the acoustic properties of airKrete®;?
airKrete®; provides excellent soundproofing and privacy control. An expected dba loss of 50 to 60 decibels is achievable.
Does airKrete®; contain urea formaldehyde (UFFI)?
No. airKrete®; is free of CFCs, UFFI and formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals . Installers do not require special suits or breathing apparatus when working with airKrete®; insulation. In retrofit projects, homeowners can go about their day-to-day activities in the house during installation.[Link to test]
Does airKrete®; break down, sag or shrink over time?
No. After it is installed and cured it is completely inert.
What is the R-value of airKrete®; insulation?
airKrete®; has an insulation value of 3.9 per inch, which exceeds generally accepted R-values for fiberglass bats, urethane foam, mineral wool and blown-in fiberglass. For comparative insulation values, click here
Are there any differences in airKrete®;'s R-values in walls or ceilings?
No, the R-value is consistent in vertical as well as horizontal applications.
Does the R-Value decrease over time?
Unlike other products on the market, the R-Value of airKrete®; does not decrease over time so you can enjoy the same superior insulation properties for many years.
At what stage is airKrete®; installed?
airKrete®; can be installed in existing homes or new construction projects. Installation processes are slightly different for retrofits versus new buildings.
How do I arrange for installation of airKrete®;?
airKrete®; has an ever growing network of installers in Canada. To contact an airKrete®; installer in your area click here.