Why is spray foam better than fiberglass?

Fiberglass batts provide good thermal performance, but only offer minimal protection against air intrusion and leaks. Spray foam offers excellent thermal performance, and because it expands to fill voids and seals tightly to nearby wood, metal and masonry surfaces, it also provides excellent air sealing. We specialize in spray foam insulation for commercial buildings.

Is spray foam waterproof?

Closed-cell foam can provide an excellent barrier against moisture intrusion once it has fully cured. It is often used as a mold- and moisture-resistant insulation in damp areas like crawl spaces and basements. At Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing, we use our quality spray foam formulation for insulation and waterproofing.

Does spray foam release VOCs?

During the curing process, spray foam will off-gas. Once it has fully cured, it releases virtually no VOCs and it is relatively inert. We recommend leaving the building unoccupied for up to 48 hours as the spray foam cures.

Where should spray foam be used?

Spray foam can be used nearly anywhere in a commercial building, from the walls, floors and ceilings to basements, parking structures, the underside of roof decks and more. It is moisture-, mold- and pest-resistant and provides an excellent barrier against vapor and air intrusion. Our commercial insulation experts can recommend the best materials for each area of your commercial facility.

Will spray foam insulation lead to air quality issues?

When applied throughout a commercial building, spray foam insulation can provide an effective barrier against air leaks. This also reduces the amount of fresh air coming in, but in a well-designed building, these air quality concerns will be counteracted by using energy-recovery ventilation systems and make-up air units. Our team will recommend solutions that can help you achieve the ideal balance between air quality and energy efficiency.

Commercial Safing-Insulation Contractor

Fire-Rated Protection for High-Rise and Commercial Construction

At Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing, we specialize in UL-rated safing insulation systems that protect lives and property in commercial, industrial, and high-rise buildings. With 14 locations across the U.S. and the national strength of Installed Building Products (IBP), we deliver code-compliant firestopping solutions, on time, every time.

What Is Safing Insulation?

Safing insulation is a dense mineral wool product installed at the perimeter of floor slabs, wall headers, and curtain wall systems. It’s a critical component of perimeter fire containment systems, designed to:

Prevent vertical fire spread between floors

Seal gaps between floor slabs and exterior walls

Enhance acoustic performance between rooms and levels

Meet ASTM E2307 and UL fire-resistance ratings

Where We Install Safing Insulation

Application	Purpose
Curtain Wall Perimeters	Fire containment between slab edge and exterior wall
Wall Headers	Firestopping at the top of partition walls
Floor Slab Edges	Compartmentalization between floors
Construction Joints	Sealing dynamic joints in fire-rated assemblies
Penetrations	Around pipes, ducts, and conduits for fire and smoke control

Application

Purpose

Curtain Wall Perimeters

Fire containment between slab edge and exterior wall

Wall Headers

Firestopping at the top of partition walls

Floor Slab Edges

Compartmentalization between floors

Construction Joints

Sealing dynamic joints in fire-rated assemblies

Penetrations

Around pipes, ducts, and conduits for fire and smoke control

We integrate safing insulation with firestop sealants from trusted manufacturers like Hilti, 3M, and STI to ensure full system compliance.

Performance Benefits

Fire Resistance – Withstands temps above 2,000°F

UL & Intertek Listed – 1-, 2-, and 3-hour rated assemblies

Moisture & Mold Resistant – Inorganic and non-combustible

Sound Control – Improves STC ratings in wall and floor systems

Sustainable – Made with up to 70% recycled content; LEED® compatible

Trusted by Builders Nationwide

From stadiums and hospitals to office towers and mixed-use developments, Alpha has installed safing insulation in some of the most demanding environments in the country. Our certified crews are trained in the latest perimeter fire containment systems and work closely with GCs and developers to ensure code compliance and life safety.

Client Testimonials

Alpha is performing well on the UT Scaffold Center project. Alpha’s personnel assigned to the project have been respectful of others and have executed their work plan safely. The completed waterproofing of the existing grade walls, elevator pit, and dock leveler were coordinated closely with grading and concrete trade partners. These installations met project schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

Toby Lilliston, DPR Construction

It is my pleasure to recommend Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing, Inc. as a preferred contractor for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin…I am pleased to say that they are part of our desired team of contractors that make our projects a success.

Ryan Schulze, City of Milwaukee

Alpha is a hands on company that has the knowledge and vision to deliver a quality product to the customer. What impressed us the most about Alpha was their follow up; they truly care about their scope. They want to be the best and it showed at the end of the day.

Aaron Burns, Crossland Construction Company

I had the great fortune of working with Alpha on a recent TDADS (Health and Human Services) project. Alpha played a pivotal role in the project passing on the first inspection. Their problem solving and timely issue resolution proved to be immeasurable. We thank Alpha for the tremendous job they did for us and for really making us look good to the client.

J.P. Waller, The Beck Group

Vanderbilt Engineering and Science Building

Safing Insulation Services

Fire-Rated Protection for High-Rise and Commercial Construction

What Is Safing Insulation?

Where We Install Safing Insulation

Performance Benefits

Trusted by Builders Nationwide

Why Alpha?

Let’s Talk Fire Containment

Client Testimonials