The Dangers of Spray Foam Insulation: What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

Spray foam insulation has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency. It's often promoted as a high-performance solution for sealing air leaks, reducing drafts, and cutting energy costs. But what many homeowners don't realize is that spray foam insulation can pose serious risks, to your health, your home, and even your investment.

If you're considering installing or replacing insulation in your Texas home, here's what you need to know about the dangers of spray foam insulation and why safer attic insulation alternatives might be the better option.

What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a chemical product applied as a liquid that expands and hardens into a foam. There are two main types:

• Open-cell spray foam, which is lighter, more flexible, and less dense
• Closed-cell spray foam, which is more rigid and creates a tighter seal

Both types are used in attics, crawl spaces, wall cavities, and even around plumbing or wiring. While the product is marketed for its ability to reduce air leakage, it comes with health and safety risks that many homeowners are unaware of.

Health Risks Associated with Spray Foam Insulation

Off-Gassing and Chemical Exposure

One of the most significant concerns with spray foam is the off-gassing of toxic chemicals. During and after installation, spray foam releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as isocyanates. These compounds can cause:

• Headaches and eye irritation
• Respiratory problems like asthma or allergic reactions
• Long-term impacts on indoor air quality
  

Even after the foam hardens, low levels of VOCs can continue to seep into your home's air for months or even years.

Poor Indoor Air Circulation

Spray foam forms such an airtight seal that it can unintentionally reduce indoor ventilation. In hot Texas climates, where air circulation is already a challenge, this can lead to:

• Higher indoor humidity
• Trapped airborne pollutants
• Mold growth in poorly ventilated areas

Installation Risks and Long-Term Problems

Risk of Improper Installation

Spray foam must be installed with precision. The foam needs to cure at the right temperature and humidity, and errors in mixing or application can lead to:

• Voids or gaps that reduce insulation performance
• Trapped moisture that causes wood rot or mold
• Costly repairs if the foam has to be removed

Difficult to Remove or Repair

Unlike other forms of insulation, spray foam cannot be easily removed. If something goes wrong, sections of drywall, roofing, or flooring often have to be cut open to access and fix the problem. That means expensive and invasive repairs.

Potential Roof Damage

In unvented attics, spray foam can cause the roof decking to overheat, leading to warping, cracking, or early deterioration. This is especially risky in hot, humid Texas summers, where attic spaces regularly exceed 140°F.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Spray foam is made with petrochemicals and flame retardants, both of which come with environmental and health drawbacks. In addition, there are several other concerns homeowners should be aware of. 

High Emissions from Manufacturing

The production of spray foam insulation involves energy-intensive processes that generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental impact from the start.

Difficult and Non-Biodegradable Disposal

Once hardened, spray foam cannot be recycled or composted. It’s difficult to remove and ends up in landfills, where it remains non-biodegradable for decades.

Increased Fire Risk if Improperly Installed

When spray foam is not installed correctly or is left exposed, it can become a fire hazard, releasing toxic fumes when burned and compromising the safety of your home.

For homeowners focused on sustainability, air quality, and long-term safety, spray foam insulation may not align with eco-conscious goals.

Safer, Healthier Alternatives to Spray Foam

At Green Energy of San Antonio, we recommend safer and more sustainable insulation options, including:

Radiant Barrier Insulation

Our specialty—radiant barrier insulation—is ideal for Texas homes. Installed in the attic, it reflects radiant heat instead of absorbing it, keeping your home cooler without the need for harsh chemicals.

Blown-In Cellulose or Fiberglass

Blown-in insulation is breathable, affordable, and effective. They don’t off-gas, are easier to install and remove, and pose fewer risks during installation.

Why Green Energy of San Antonio Recommends Safer Solutions

With over a decade of experience in San Antonio and surrounding areas, Green Energy of San Antonio understands the specific insulation challenges of Texas homes. That’s why we focus on healthier, longer-lasting alternatives to spray foam.

Protecting Indoor Air Quality

We prioritize materials that don’t release harmful chemicals or trap pollutants, so your family can breathe easier every day.

Reducing Energy Bills

Our solutions, like radiant barrier insulation, are designed to reflect heat, reduce attic temperatures, and lower your cooling costs year-round.

Offering Honest, Long-Term Solutions

We don’t chase trends, we recommend what’s proven to perform in Texas homes. Our goal is to give you insulation that’s effective, safe, and built to last.

We’ve seen the long-term problems caused by spray foam, and we’re proud to offer smarter alternatives that align with your health, your budget, and your values.

Think Twice Before Choosing Spray Foam

While spray foam insulation is often sold as a “miracle fix,” the risks it poses to your home and health aren’t worth the gamble. From chemical exposure and moisture issues to expensive removal and potential roof damage, spray foam may cost you more in the long run than it saves.

If you're considering a new insulation solution, let Green Energy of San Antonio show you safer, more effective options, customized to your home, your budget, and the Texas climate. Contact us today for a free estimate.