Polyurethane Spray Foam
Choosing the correct spray foam for your project
What is a One Component Spray Polyurethane Foam Sealant?
One-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is dispensed as a foamy liquid that expands as it cures into a rigid foam that insulates, seals, and fills small voids and cracks such as around windows and frames, sill plates, electrical devices where air leakage and energy loss can occur.
What is a Two Component Spray Polyurethane Foam Sealant?
Two-component low-pressure spray polyurethane (SPF) Foam Kits combine an A-component and B-component to produce a foamy blend that expands quickly and chemically-cures to form a solid compound. The A-component and B-component are delivered from pre-pressurized portable cylinders through hoses to a spray application gun. The applicator combines both components and creates the spray pattern to control the application of foam to surfaces.
Two-component Spray Foam Kits are the right choice for air sealing and insulating small to mid-sized projects. residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural construction projects. Foam insulation is efficient with air-sealing and weatherizing homes that have many energy wasting gaps and cracks that allow air to leak in and out of the house. It can also be used to air seal behind cellulose or fiberglass products (“flash and batt”).
Two-component systems are an effective way to apply spray foam to seal and insulate critical places in the building envelope such as rim joists and around large penetrations. Foam Kits are a convenient way to make small repairs of existing spray foam installations, including wall insulation and roofing systems.
What are some common spray foam applications?
- Residential new construction
- Home weatherization
- Manufactured housing
- Commercial construction
- Industrial insulation and void filling
- Agricultural buildings
- Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS)
- Cold storage
- Roofing maintenance and repair
- Storage tanks
- Pipe insulation
- Insulated transportation repair and maintenance
- Specialty vehicles
- HVAC systems
- Marine flotation
- Underground mining
How do I know which type of foam to use for my application?
Low-pressure one-component polyurethane foams (OCF) should be used as a bead application to fill gaps, cracks, small voids, and penetrations. They should not be used to seal or insulate any large area. This is because one-component foams cure upon reaction with moisture, such as humidity in the air. Without adequate moisture, the product will remain in a chemical state until moisture is introduced. Given the previous conditions, one-component foams are not typically suited for closed cavity filling where little to no moisture is present or where large areas of coverage are needed.
Low-pressure two-component polyurethane foams (SPF) expand and cure immediately upon chemical reaction of A component (isocyanate) and B component (a polyol blend) to a final volume that is three to five times the dispensed volume in typical applications. Two-component polyurethane foams are well suited for large surface areas of coverage requiring multiple layers or thicknesses. Since the product is a chemical cure, it is ideal for cavity, mold filling and a slew of different insulating applications.
What is a board foot?
A board foot is a 12ʺ length x 12ʺ width x 1ʺ thickness of coverage.
What is R-Value?
R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance. R-value measures how well building insulation can prevent the flow of heat into and out of the home. R-Value is used in the building and construction industry. The more effective the material is at resisting heat flow, the higher the R-Value rating will be.
How much expansion should I expect with two-component foam?
Two-component foam, when sprayed following the manufacturer’s instructions, will expand differing amounts based upon the foam’s intended density. The lower the density, the more expansion will occur. 1.75 pcf SPF will expand approximately 6 – 8 times the volume of the dispensed froth.
Is foam resistant to water?
Closed cell low-pressure polyurethane foam is not considered waterproof, but it is classified as a “vapor retarder.” The potential for water vapor or water to penetrate through foam differs by product and is characterized as the “Perm Rating” located on the TDS. The capability for the foam to resist transmission of water or moisture is directly linked to the thickness and closed cell content of the foam. It is generally not advised to use foam in an application where the foam itself will have constant contact with water.
Can I stop spraying and re-start my product later?
Yes. Be sure to follow the instructions below for your specific foam product.
All recommendations are based upon foam kits being stored in a cool, well-ventilated area. Ideal storage temperature is 60° – 90°F (16° – 32°C). Storage above 90°F (32°C) and in high humidity will reduce storage life. Do not store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Do not freeze.
- Two-Component Foam – Each type of container has a specific procedure for shutting down to help prevent issues with restarting later.
Storage one week or less:
- Engage the spray foam applicator safety.
- Turn the yellow chemical cylinder valves off (clockwise).
- Remove and retain the used spray nozzle.
- Clean the spray foam applicator barrel and apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
- Do not drain chemicals from hoses. It is important that chemicals are left in the chemical hoses to prevent air from entering the chemical hoses and the spray foam applicator.
- Place the used nozzle, with cured foam, on the barrel of the applicator. This will help to prevent air and moisture from entering the applicator.
- Store as directed.
- When reactivating, wear all appropriate PPE including safety glasses or goggles, nitrile gloves, clothing that protects against skin exposure and if applying spray foam in an area without adequate ventilation, it may be necessary to use an air purifying respirator.
- Ensure the spray foam applicator safety is in the locked position.
- Turn the yellow chemical cylinder valves on (counterclockwise).
- Remove the used nozzle.
- Pointing the applicator in a waste receptacle, spray foam for 3 – 5 seconds or until two forceful, roughly equal forceful streams of chemical are observed. This will fill the chemical hoses with fresh chemicals.
- Ensure the front of the applicator barrel is clean of cured foam and excess petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Attach new, unused nozzle.
- Spray as desired.
Storage longer than one week:
- Follow steps 1 – 7 for “Storage one week or less” above.
- Chemical hoses must be flushed weekly (filled with fresh chemicals) to ensure continued usability of the remaining spray foam material. Failure to do so may result in clogging of the chemical hoses and/or the spray foam applicator requiring the purchase of a new chemical hose and spray foam applicator set to use the remaining spray foam materials.
- Begin purging by first wearing all appropriate PPE including safety glasses or goggles, nitrile gloves, clothing that protects against skin exposure and if applying spray foam in an area without adequate ventilation, it may be necessary to use an air purifying respirator.
- Ensure the spray foam applicator safety is in the locked position.
- Open the yellow chemical cylinder valves (turn counterclockwise).
- Remove and retain the used nozzle.
- Pointing the applicator in a waste receptacle, spray foam until two forceful, roughly equal streams of chemical are observed. This will flush fresh chemicals into the hoses and thru the spray foam applicator. Note: Depending on how long the chemical sets have seen stored, purging may take several minutes before two forceful chemical streams occur.
- Ensure the front of the applicator barrel is clean and reattach the used nozzle.
- Return to storage.
- Repeat each week while the spray foam kit is in storage.
- To reactivate, follow steps 8 -14 in “Storage one week or less” above.
What are the optimal temperatures for foam application?
For best results apply Touch ‘n Seal spray foams when surface and ambient temperatures are between 60° – 90°F (16° – 32°C). Chemical components must be between 70° – 90°F (21° – 32°C) before dispensing.
How much coverage will I get with a Two-Component Foam Kit?
A number on the upper right-hand corner of the package front will indicate theoretical* spray foam output. A board foot is defined as 12″ x 12″ square by 1″ thick. A Foam Kit 110 will provide 110 board feet theoretical output, a Foam Kit 600 will provide 600 board feet theoretical output, etc. Reference the product Technical Data Sheet for cubic feet.
*Theoretical yield is used as an industry standard to represent the size of two-component foam kits. The calculation is based upon ideal conditions, does not include blowing agent loss, and may vary according to application method or environmental factors.
Technical Questions
What is the difference between open and closed cell foam?
Open-cell foam has a lighter density and has a bigger cell structure that rapidly expands as soon as it is applied. This is the result of the room left inside the cells of the foam – essentially tiny bubbles. It cures soft like a cushion or sponge and is more flexible than closed cell. The R-Value of Open Cell foam is on average between 3 and 4 per inch.
Closed-cell foam is the opposite of open cell. Closed-cell foam dries strong and rigid and is densely packed with no space in the cells. This will also improve the structural integrity of the application area. The closed cells greatly reduce the ability of air and water to move through the foam. The R-Value of closed-cell foam is generally from 5.5 to 7 per inch.
What is the "R" value of your foam kits?
The aged R-Value of Quick Cure and E-84 foam is 6.2 per inch thickness. The aged R-Value of the Slow-Rise formula is 5.9 per inch. The initial R-Value can be R-7 or more which is what many other vendors specify on the exact same product.
Why do some of your competitors claim higher R-Values for the same product?
The actual R-Value of sprayed foam varies depending on a number of factors including temperature, humidity, application method and final density to name a few. For example our Quick Cure product can have a cured R-Value of between R-6.2 and 7.4. We choose to error on the conservative side and use R-6.2 per inch.
Application Questions
What is the coldest temperature at which I can spray foam?
It is extremely important to keep the core temperature of the chemicals inside the tank between 75 and 85 °F for Closed Cell and 85 and 95 °F for Open Cell. However, you can spray it at much lower outdoor temperatures provided that you warm and maintain the tanks in that range. Several ways to achieve this include: placing the tanks inside a warm bucket of water, or using small space heaters. With the proper set up, you can spray foam with outdoor ambient temperatures below freezing. If the surface on which you are spraying is very cold, it is recommended to coat it with a thin coat of foam first. The chemical reaction of the foam will work to help warm that surface.
I am building a new house and interested in using spray foam insulation. How much do I need?
The first thing to realize is that foam insulation while being the best insulation is also generally the most expensive insulation. Higher density closed cell foam is going to cost around $1 per board foot (12″ x 12″ x 1″) Low density, open cell foam is going to cost around $0.55 per board foot.
If you can afford it, filling the whole cavity with closed cell foam will result in the best overall insulated wall. As that gets expensive pretty fast, one common solutions is to apply 0.5″ to 2″ (depending on your climate) of higher density closed cell foam and then fill the remainder of the cavity with lower cost open cell foam, fiberglass batts, or blown cellulose. This will give you a good air seal which is after all one of the biggest benefits of the foam insulation.
The best way to determine how much you need is to approximate the total area in sq ft and multiply that by the thickness in inches you intend to apply. The result is the number of board feet required.
What safety equipment is required for handling and spraying foam?
Your personal safety is a great concern of ours. We recommend wearing the following Personal Protective Equipment(PPE): Dual Cartridge Respirator (NIOSH approved), Safety Goggles, Nitrile Gloves, and clothing to cover your arms. In addition we sell a full Spray Foam Insulation Safety Kit if you need to purchase your PPE.
In addition there is a PPE guide included with each kit. Please take the time to review it prior to beginning your project.
How do I know which type of foam and how much I need for my particular application?
This is a great question. Asking is the question is the first step in making sure you use the correct product for your application. There are so many different types of applications and climates that we can’t answer this question here. We do offer several online tools to help guide you in determining which product to use and how much to apply.
Quick Product Guide
Climate Zones and recommended thickness
Spray Foam Project Calculator
If you need any further help, please give us a call toll free at 877.464.5828 between 8:30 and 6:00pm, M-F.
How smooth will the foam be once it has cured?
The look, consistency, thickness and density depends mostly on application technique. It is virtually impossible to get a completely smooth surface when spraying by hand. It is typically best to apply it with a slow smooth motion. Take a look at our pictures or watch our spray foam videos to get a good feel for what to expect.
General Product Questions
What all is included in your foam kits?
Each kit includes everything you need to start foaming: two steel cylinders (component A and B), a hose and gun assembly, a starter pack of nozzles (5 fan and 5 cone), petroleum jelly for the gun tip and instructions.
Do you offer discounts on larger quantity foam orders?
Yes, if you need to purchase more than several kits, please call (972) 499-4550 and ask about a quantity discount.
Why are the UPS shipping cost so high and what other services do you offer?
There are several factors that make UPS shipping cost high. First, the packages are heavy; one 600 Board Foot kit weighs roughly 115 lbs. Second, due to the nature of the chemicals and blowing agents, the kits are considered HAZMAT which has additional fees to ship (The 600 kits ship as two packages). We also offer LTL freight service which usually cost less than UPS when you order two or more kits. If you live near Dallas, TX, you can also pick up your order.