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Insulation Guidelines for Foam-in-place Insulation

Words: Dan KamysThe following is a checklist of items and/or procedures to watch for when inspecting an application of foamed-in-place insulation. All of these items are covered in the standard installer certification program — a program required of all licensed foamed-in-place insulation contractors.

  1. A copy of the foamed-in-place insulation Material Safety Data Sheet should be on all foaming trucks.

  2. Foamed-in-place insulation is to be applied to closed cavities where it is not left open or exposed. In residential applications, an interior wall vapor barrier should cover it.

  3. Verify the foamed-in-place insulation product label with a batch number. Be sure the material has not passed the expiration date.

  4. Ask to see the installer's identification card. Verify that his training date is current. Determine the installer's identity by looking at the picture on the card.

  5. Ask to see the sample of the material saved in the QC "container."

  6. Make sure the date, weight, material batch number, installer's name, and job address are all clearly marked on the sample container.

  7. Make sure the weight recorded falls within the parameters of foamed-in-place insulation weight standards for freshly foamed material.

  8. Verify that there is a gram scale in the truck or on the jobsite.

  9. Make sure there is a vapor barrier installed on the inside surface of any residential wall cavities.

  10. Request that the applicator foams a sample to show you the setting time is as described in the manual.

  11. In extremely hot or cold temperatures, determine that the material in the barrels is kept within a temperature range of 55 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
All of the above precautions should assure the correct mixing, application, and cure of foamed-in-place insulation.
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