As a spray foam contractor, you’re probably well aware of the industry’s move towards HFO spray foam insulation. As with all things in life, however, not all closed-cell foam is created equal. Let’s dive in to discover what makes Accufoam’s new Closed Cell HFO the superior choice for closed-cell spray foam insulation.
HOW BLOWING AGENTS DIFFER BETWEEN CLOSED-CELL AND OPEN-CELL FOAM
To understand what separates different spray foam formulations, we must first understand the difference between open and closed-cell foam. An open cell is a lower-density foam (typically greater than 10% open cells) that uses water as its blowing agent. Naturally, using water as the blowing agent makes open-cell foam an ozone and environmentally-friendly option—however, its lower density and reliance on water/carbon dioxide (due to the chemical reaction) as the insulating gas results in a lower R-value.
Closed cell SPF has two main differences: it most commonly utilizes a chemical blowing agent trapped as part of the chemical reaction and is the insulating gas. The result is a very efficient and dense insulation boasting high R-values.
BLOWING AGENTS
Closed-cell foam initially relied on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blowing agents. These gases carried a high impact on ozone and the environment. The Chemours Company (a manufacturer of blowing agent chemicals) estimates the effect of HFC blowing agents to have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1000. By comparison, hydrofluroolefin (HFO) blowing agents have a GWP of 2 or less That’s over a 99% reduction in global warming potential.
Many states have begun requiring HFO blowing agents for spray foam insulation, and many more will as regulations continue to move towards a more earth-conscious posture. Insulation, after all, is entirely focused on energy efficiency; this move only makes sense!
GREEN COULD MEAN MORE GREEN
One advantage of new HFO spray foams is that they can often be superior. Accufoam® CC-HFO, for instance, gives you more yield, more forgiveness in the application, and a wider range of temperatures for ultimate flexibility.
Accufoam® CC-HFO has tested as the highest certified R-value in the spray foam industry with an R-value of 7.5 at 1″.
These benefits in the hands of a skilled applicator will mean more profitable jobs, less hassle, and a better foam for the customer. Accufoam® CC-HFO gives a fast application with minimal between passes. The material is climate-friendly, meets regulations in stringent states, and provides superior adhesion and compressive strength compared with the competition. Higher yield, higher productivity, higher profits. Accufoam is the most forgiving, applicator-friendly foam on the market.
BE PREPARED
While the US EPA policies restricted the use of HFC blowing agents in several industries, including spray foam insulation, a US District Court has vacated those rules for the time being. However, many states have moved forward prohibiting HFCs in the spray foam industry.
Regardless of the regulatory environment, it is clear that the way forward will be HFO-blowing agents. In an industry built around reducing energy consumption and impact on the climate, HFO foams are a clear winner. Currently, nearly 20 states and all of Canada have effective restrictions on HFC foam. Many more states in the US are now in the process of restricting HFC-blowing agents.
Future-proof your business with the best available. Contact us today to demo Accufoam® CC-HFO and make the switch to the fast lane for ease and profitability!
