With the seasons changing, it’s an excellent time to discuss how warming temperatures affect spray foam application. Hot, warm weather affects spray foam installations in the summertime. Warmer months are typically better for spray foam application, and as your business picks up, keep these guides around temperature in mind! You can also join and consult great industry/trade organizations for best practices, too!
Understanding How Warm Weather & Temps Affect Spray Foam Installations
Ambient Temperatures in Warm Weather
There are several temperatures and factors to consider when applying spray foam insulation. The most common temperature considered is the ambient temp, or the temperature of the air in the space you’ll be spraying. It’s good to keep in mind that manufacturers may have different formulations or ratios based on the ambient temperature range you’ll be spraying in. Accufoam®, for instance, provides different formulations for these changes in the environment. Be sure to refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations to get the right formula for the right conditions.
Substrate Temperatures in Warm Weather
Another temperature to consider is the substrate temperature. The substrate is the surface on which you will be spraying the foam. For example, while the ambient temperature in an attic may be 105º F, the substrate temperature could be higher on a sweltering day. Another example to consider and factor is retrofit projects. It may be 20ºF outside, but with all the heat from inside the house getting to the roof deck, the substrate temp may be 60ºF. Substrate temperatures can affect yield and adhesion, so take temperature readings of the substrate in multiple places and make sure you are using the correct seasonal blend. Your clients will thank you, and it can help reduce callbacks.
In Warm or Hot Weather, Consider Cooling Equipment
Many contractors are moving to air-conditioned respirators, which has some significant advantages in the hot sun. Systems like the Tennesee Chill Box offer a fresh-air supply with the benefits of air-conditioned air. Not only that, our Accufoam® Contractor Partners enjoy a $200 discount on any system purchase. Becoming an Accufoam® Contractor Partner is 100% free, and comes with loads of benefits for you as a contractor. Sign up right now, it just takes a moment »
Hot Weather Application Temperatures
When applying spray foam insulation, the temperature of your drums, totes, tanks, hoses, and the temperature of the material coming from the gun matter. These temperatures will vary based on what type of foam you spray — open-cell insulation or closed-cell. Refer to your machine’s manual to understand the Delta T based on the flow rate and chamber size that your equipment is capable of. If, for example, you want to spray at 135ºF and your machine with a 02 chamber has a 40ºF Delta T, the material in the drum needs to be 95ºF to get to 135ºF. Open-cell insulation typically needs components heated to the 120º-140º F range, including your hose. Closed-cell applications require a bit lower, between 110º-130º F. Work your way from the drums/tanks and ensure desired temperatures out to your gun. Consider each portion of your setup in creating a consistent application temperature:
- Drum storage temperature (store at 70º-80º)
- Drum temperature on-site
- Your proportioning pump settings: PSI, Temp, and flow rate —The higher the flow rate, the less time spent in the heat of the equipment/hoses
- Your hose length and heat. Also, consider how well insulated the hose is and what it is lying on. Is it in the cold snow or baking on a blacktop driveway?
- Chamber size – this affects the flow rate mentioned previously.
- The actual temperature and pressure at the gun – Use a meat thermometer to spot-check the heat of the liquid weekly to verify that you are achieving desired temperatures.
- The substrate temperature, relative humidity, substrate moisture, and ambient temp. Remember, hot, warm weather affects spray foam installations!
Maximum Temperature for Spray Foam Applications
Warm, summer months bring factors to consider in your application. How hot can spray foam insulation get? Well, higher temps increase the rate of pressure in your canisters/tanks. This can create flow and control issues. If temps are too high, the substrate’s bond time is shortened. 120º F is the “in the field” maximum temperature for spray foam insulation. Theoretically, 180º F is the absolute maximum, but temps this high will likely experience yield, application, and curing issues.
Reliability and Confidence
Accufoam® was developed with demanding temperature applications in mind. Our USA-based team tests every batch of our products at our Birmingham, Alabama, facility. We test rigorously in numerous conditions, from the Alabama heat and humidity to sub-freezing cold, to ensure our foams perform on your job site, regardless of your location or the season. We test to ensure you get a consistently high yield without worrying about clogs, separation, or lamination. Our contractors know what a superior product means for their bottom line: better yields, less downtime and clogs, and excellent adhesion and cohesion. Plus, Accufoam® has the best customer support in the business. Stop struggling with inconsistent foams and start enjoying the precision and control Accufoam® provides. Contact us today!
