Spray Foam Contractor Discussion

[crooney1189]

I'm having the 3 leading spray foam contractors visit the shop this week to discuss the job specifics and finalize their quotes before I release one of them. This is my first go around with spray foam insulation, so I'm looking for input on what you would make sure to ask them, as well as anything you wish you asked ahead of time for those that have gone down this route before.

I have an idea of what I'd like to know, trying to see if I'm missing anything.

 

[kyrbz]

I used a company called Koala Insulation. They are franchises and I see they have many in Florida. Because they are franchises I can see results varying by location, but my experience with Koala was good. Actually better than most of the sub contractors I’ve hired for a project I’m working on. The crew seemed welled trained, well equipped, and hard working. They were conscientious about masking off areas and items to protect from overspray and did a good job of cleaning up their mess when they were done. They were also pretty generous with the foam. I‘d say in most areas the foam is considerably thicker than what I paid for. One regret was letting them use my scaffolding. They warned me, I wasn’t so concerned because it was well used scaffolding, but in the end I now have a couple sections of scaffolding encased in a fine layer of foam overspray. No biggie, but maybe I wouldn’t offer to let them use my scaffolding or ladders again. You might also consider that you may want to stay out of the space for a few days after the spraying. The off gassing can be kinda strong for a few days after.

 

[DaChev]

Ask them about how they mask things off. When I had mine done they told me "we'll get you taken care of" apparently that means they would cover absolutely everything in spray foam overspray.

Spray foam overspray will not come off. Have that discussion and make sure they understand your expectations.

 

[readhead]

I retired from the metal building business a few years ago and after twenty five years I have seen the damage that spray foam can do to a building. Especially in a high humidity climate like Florida. It will quietly destroy the building from the inside out and by the time you see it, it is usually too expensive to repair. There was a member here a few years back, also in Florida, that built a very nice building and finished it to a high standard. The building was a couple of years old when a storm caused a tree to fall on the building and do some damage. In the course of doing the repairs the contractor had to remove the foam which was very tedious and discovered that many of the metal components were corroded to the point of having to be replaced and that was before they even got to the storm damaged pieces.

My point is that spray foam does what it says and does it well but it also can cause some pretty serious problems down the road. I had a clause in my contracts that voided all warranties if spray foam was installed and many material suppliers have similar clauses. I would urge you to take a deep dive into spray foam effects and make an informed decision. Many home builders are even moving away from foam because of water damage issues. There are systems where you can install fiberglass insulation after the fact and that would be my suggestion. Remember that the insulation guys have a single purpose and that is to sell spray foam and most are probably aware of the issues but they are not going to share those with you.

Please be very careful. This a decision that can have far reaching impacts. One last note. Insurance companies are aware of spray foam problems. I would recommend that you talk to your agent and get their blessing if you decide to go with foam.

 

[WisJim]

We had a area company do my shop and garage building a few years ago, after getting a number of quotes. They did a good job of limiting overspray and then scraped what overspray there was. Some foam expanded through a place in one wall and messed up nearby soffit and they came out and replaced the damaged soffit and cleaned up the foam error. We were very pleased with the company, so there are good ones out there.

 

[pcmeiners]

, so I'm looking for input on what you would make sure to ask them,

What ever you agree on get it in writing or the contractors do what they want, not what you want.

One last note. Insurance companies are aware of spray foam problems. I would recommend that you talk to your agent and get their blessing if you decide to go with foam.

Personally I would not inform an agent about anything unnecessarily. If there is a mention off spray foam in your insurance documents inform them, otherwise do not. Basically if something is not in their documents or it is not inferred you are covered, if you tell them your asking for trouble.

 

[dcg9381]

This is my first go around with spray foam insulation, so I'm looking for input on what you would make sure to ask them, as well as anything you wish you asked ahead of time for those that have gone down this route before.
I have an idea of what I'd like to know, trying to see if I'm missing anything.

I mean if the materials are the same, you're just dealing with how well the contractors do the application.
Definitely ask about covering the floor. You 100% want that done.

There is a skill to applying spray foam, but it's going to be hard to sort out which "contractor" is doing it right by asking questions. The best way to do that would probably go see some of their recent jobs. I've seen companies that definitely have a A, B, and C level teams. A shop building should be simple.

Make sure contract is specific about covering floor, clean up, etc. Not only "inches" of foam, but are they covering the girts/purlins, etc.

Empty shop makes it way easier..