Spray foam contractors should understand the requirements of any application requirement. Some projects might require low-pressure spray foam while others might require high-pressure spray foam. Determining this will ensure that you offer appropriate insulation to meet customer requirements. The appropriate spray foam application will enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Read on for ideas on determining the spray foam requirement for each application.
High-pressure spray foam or low-pressure spray foam
There is a significant difference in the rate of material movement through the hose and out of the spray gun for high-pressure and low-pressure spray foam application. Therefore, you have to evaluate the project before spray foam application. Knowing what to expect will make it easy for you to do a successful project.
High-Pressure spray foam application
This is ideal for large commercial projects and larger homes. The application requires creating high pressure for the hose and spray gun. The application system runs from a spray rig with a generator and proportioner for mixing the foam material. Experience and expertise are required to mix foam properly. High pressure moves air moving through the hose and spray gun to eliminate material buildup. It is very important to understand the amount of foam required to spray and fill a cavity. Fortunately, high spray foam cures faster creating a moisture barrier.
Application of high-pressure spray foam uses components store in two unpressurized barrels holding about 55 gallons or more. Materials are exposed to pressure on being sucked into the special hoses. The foam might reach about 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit as it travels through the hoses with pressure at about 1500 psi. About 45 pounds of foam is pumped per minute during high-pressure application. You have to invest in the best spray foam machine to handle large-scale projects including new buildings and complex remodeling projects.
Low-pressure spray foam application
This includes two sub-categories. Sealant spray foam is applied in aerosol cans to seal holes and cracks. Sealant foam is available in hardware stores for DIY projects. Professional contractors need two-component foam that comes in kits ranging from 5 to 30 pounds. The second low-pressure spray foam application is different from sealant foam. This requires two cylinders refillable with own component. These cylinders are pressurized to about 200 psi to allow foam ejection without heat for small projects and minor repairs.
Low-pressure foam is applicable for tasks like insulating tiny places including around electrical outlets, headers around windows, around the door, and filling spaces around cold air returns. However, this doesn’t work as fast as high-pressure foam. Therefore, be mindful of material applied to avoid wastage. You have to keep on spraying because of low pressure since no air moves regularly throughout the hose and spray gun. Spraying while pausing might make the liquid to cake up and clog the hose and gun.
When to spray foam during building construction
Timing application of spray foam insulation during construction is usually according to project timelines. This application protects the building from elements better than other insulation options.
Polyurethane is applied at the same period other forms of insulation would have been applied. This is usually after the electrical wiring is installed and the rough plumbing work is finished. Additionally, applying spray foam is usually after completion of heating and air conditioning ducts and air returns installations.
The only exception for spray foam application is if the building requires sealing. This is when you might have to apply the foam in some areas before the installation of duct work. It will ensure that the areas have a proper seal before installing the ducts.
Spray foam curing
This is the process where chemicals are reacting to produce initially wet spray foam insulation. This foam is super adhesive and sticks to a surface on installation. Curing takes place overtime making the foam to harden. The process might take hours or days according to the material. During the soft and hard stage, the foam remains sticky and tacky. This middle stage seems hard but isn’t fully cured and still has unstable and unreacted chemicals.
Wrapping up
Any spray foam contractor should understand the project requirements to ensure a successful job. It is very important to understand the nature of spray foam required for a project. The most important thing is having the right equipment for the application.