WHAT IS SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM?

Spray polyurethane foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a hard foam, closed cell, spray-applied insulating foam plastic that is installed as a liquid and then expands many times its original volume. SPF formulas can be tweaked to have many different physical properties depending on the use desired. For example, the same basic raw materials can make an insulation foam that is semi-rigid and soft to the touch, also create a high density roofing foam that is resistant to foot traffic and water.

Specialized equipment is used to apply the SPF and proper technical training is important in order to get the best results.

SPF is the king of building material multi-tasking. In insulation, it can provide high levels of R-value, while providing air barriers and assistance in moisture control in buildings.

In roofing, it insulates and eliminates thermal bridging through fasteners or gaps in decking, while providing a long-lasting roofing system that has a life that can be extended by re-coating an average of 15 years.

As a result SPF is used in a wide variety of applications including (but not limited to): roofing, air barriers, commercial and residential insulation in walls, ceilings, attics and basements, industrial insulation such as pipes and tanks, cold storage facilities, freezers, walk-in coolers, climate controlled buildings such as mushroom farms or produce storage, clean rooms, flotation for boats, ships, barges, floating docks, etc. and much more. Higher density SPF systems have even been used to increase the structural strength of wings in airplanes.

So what is SPF? SPF is a remarkably versatile material that provides proven solutions to a great range of challenges in the construction and manufacturing industries.

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IS SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM SAFE?

YES, cured spray polyurethane foam is relatively inert and studies indicate that SPF does not release toxic gases or leach harmful chemicals into the soil.

However, during application, fumes and mists from the spraying process are created that can be harmful. The two basic chemical ingredients or compounds in all spray foam systems are diisocyanates (monomeric MDI and polymeric MDI) and polyol resins. Contact with these ingredients in vapor, liquid, or particle form can pose a number of health effects to your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. An overexposure to diisocyanates can also cause skin and respiratory sensitization.

Applicators and other persons within a close proximity to the spray operation could be exposed to fumes beyond OSHA and NIOSH requirements and spills. Precautions should be made for applicators, helpers and building occupants to be protected from these fumes, mists and spills. Typically for the applicator this would include respirator, solvent resistant gloves and protective clothing. The zone where protective equipment is required can vary depending on the amount of open space and free ventilation. For example on a roof top, outside of a few feet the fumes dissipate rapidly, while in an enclosed room, fumes and mists can build.

Each job should be assessed and a safety plan developed specific to the application.

• HGTV's 2006 Dream Home located in Lake Lure, North Carolina uses polyurethane foam.