We know spray foam insulation (spray foam insulation) is the best product out there for thermal efficiency in homes and other buildings. The statistics have helped justify the extra effort of applying polyurethane foam; after all, a 40% savings in energy costs is nothing to ignore. Yet the extra characteristics of spray foam insulation combined with the energy savings really seal the deal. Just through its nature, spray foam insulation has the ability to get into and fill all those little gaps and crevices regular batt insulation cannot. By doing so, the energy efficiency of your home is raised. Plus, with the closed cell spray foam insulation there are the added benefits of moisture and mold resistance.

As with most marvelous products that are considered relatively new to the market, there are kinks to be worked out. Not with the product itself, but with the user. While the chemists, engineers and building technicians involved in the manufacture of spray foam insulation are very clear about the installation parameters, the average contractor may not be. Contractors who have been in the home building business for a long time may understand all the demands and conditions required for proper installation, but whether that information gets passed down the line is debatable. Manufacturer’s instructions can be as clear as glass, but that doesn’t mean the end user reads them all the way through. Here is where the kinks occur, when the end user is not aware of the detailed requirements for proper installation or they have just misinterpreted them.

One of the most common issues spray foam insulation users encounter after installation is lack of adhesion and shrinkage. To be clear, 99.9% of the time these issues are due to a problem with the surface the spray foam insulation was applied on to. Excess heat, freezing temperatures, dust, and debris are the main causes. Most manufacturers will specify the ideal substrate temperature as between 60F and 80F, yet proper measurement of surface temperature is often the problem. It is vital the actual substrate be assessed, not the air surrounding it. To eradicate all room for error, users are advised to use a digital thermometer reader or laser temperature reader. These devices are regularly found at hardware stores, and very simple to use. Simply point the device at the surface to be foamed. A red laser point will appear and a temperature reading will show on the device. Placing a thermometer next to the substrate will not give an accurate reading. Even a few degrees could make a difference to the final product and its efficiency.

Surfaces colder than the manufacturer’s specifications will cause the spray foam insulation to not behave the way it should. The foam may not adhere to the surface. A similar circumstance may occur if the chemicals in the spray foam insulation tanks are not at the right temperature during installation. If one or both tanks are not within the recommended range, the chemicals may not mix properly. Again, the foam may not stick to the substrate.

While installing spray foam insulation in cold weather is possible, there are scenarios to avoid. For example, if the area to be foamed is a cold space and has accumulated a layer of frost, warming the substrate will be necessary. Warming the frosted surfaces produces moisture, and if that moisture is not soaked up or dried it will leave a wet surface. Like any adhesive, spray foam insulation will not adhere to a wet surface. Users who are warming their substrate must be vigilant in their efforts to eradicate moisture before spray foam insulation application.

Properly applied spray foam will not sag, settle or shrink. Shrinkage of spray foam insulation occurs within 24 hours of spraying and curing. When the cured foam shows signs of pulling away from the substrate, the most common cause is surface temperature. Another reason could be improperly mixing chemicals. The A and B need to mix at a 1-1 ratio for proper foam to be made. The main way to prevent improper spray foam insulation application is to do a couple of test patches. While the foam is curing, look for signs of it pulling away from the substrate, the density and uniformity of the cells, the color and the texture. “A” rich foam is crunchy and glassy while “B” rich foam is soft and squishy. If any of these characteristics are not correct, examine the substrate for moisture and excess heat or cold. Then be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to get back on ratio.

Aside from following the guidelines and instructions, the only other way to protect an investment into spray foam insulation is by purchasing from a reputable dealer. Research spray foam insulation manufacturers thoroughly before purchasing, read articles, watch videos and ask lots of questions. Reputable companies will stand behind their product, offer lots of material on all aspects of spray foam insulation, and be ready to advise users on their own unique projects at any time. These are the spray foam insulation manufacturers to deal with; they are the ones who will work hard to make your spray foam insulation as effective as possible.