Spray Foam

Spray Foam

Spray foam, or spray polyurethane foam, is insulating foam material that is applied in liquid form and then expands and cures to fit that space it is inserted into. Foam is a widely used material due to its properties of lightweightness and durability. It is a material that maintains its physical properties over time, especially in applications in which it is not subjected to constant wear and tear such as spray foam. Foam is also an excellent barrier material and provides thermal insulation as well as protection from dust and unwanted particles. When used in spray or liquid foam form, the foam adjusts to specific cavities, providing a custom fit. In applications such as thermal insulation for walls, ceilings and roofs, packaging materials for fragile and unusually shaped objects, insulation for swimming pools, pipes, tanks and cold storage facilities as well as climate controlled areas such as clean rooms, spray foam is inserted into the barrier walls of an area, or around a pipe or refrigerator. It protects against air and moisture as foam has low thermal conductivity and low water vapor transmission. Spray foam therefore protects against moisture intrusion, the growth of mold and keeps dust and pollen from entering a building. For environments, such as residential and commercial, where the quality of air is important, spray foam is a common construction choice for insulation.

As with other foam based products, the applications for spray foam are almost limitless. It can be used to create a number of different products in various shapes and sizes, and depending on its porosity may be able to be adjusted after curing. Unlike other foams which are typically solids before being used, spray foam is inserted as a liquid using a spray gun or nozzle and it then expands and dries. Compared to other methods of insulation, spray foam is able to fit completely into a structure and provide both strengthening and insulation. Using spray foam saves on energy costs as well, and reduces the wear on current HVAC equipment as there is less fluctuation in the air in terms of both temperature and quality. Another common use of spray foam is in roofing tile application. Spray foam is used to apply the roof tiles to the framing structure and to seal the tiles to one another. It provides a secure seal and allows for cushioning and expansion between the tiles in the event of high temperatures. Other uses for spray foam include aerospace in the strengthening of airplane wing cavities, flotation for boats, ships, docks and barges, mine shaft plugging, taxidermy and to create props for movie or theater sets.