Spray foam installation this, spray foam installation that.
It almost seems like the industry is hell-bent on getting you to just complete a service. What most people don’t realize is what exactly happens when you’ve paid the invoice.
Spray foam insulation is one of the lowest-maintenance solutions you can install in an industrial setting. Done right, quality foam can last 80 years or more. But that’s what people get wrong. Low-maintenance doesn’t magically translate to no maintenance.
We’re spilling the beans on what most people turn the other cheek to: protecting your investment and keeping that insulation performing at its best for decades.
The First 24 – 48 Hours are the Most Important
If you think your spray foam installation is done as soon as the crew leaves, we’re sorry to break it to you, but you’ve been mistaken. The foam needs time to cure and off-gas fully.
For closed-cell foam, plan on keeping the space unoccupied for at least 48 hours. Open-cell foam typically cures faster, usually about 24 hours, but the extra day doesn’t hurt.
During this time, the chemical reactions are completing, and isocyanates, highly reactive organic compounds, are off-gassing. High concentrations of these compounds can irritate your respiratory system, so make sure you don’t rush back in.
Additionally, make sure to open loading dock doors, turn on exhaust fans, and crack windows. Good airflow helps the foam cure properly and clears out any lingering chemical odors faster. The better your ventilation during these first two days, the sooner you can get back to normal operations.
Spray foam also happens to cure best at specific temperatures, typically between 15 °C and 26 °C. If you installed during extreme cold or heat, the curing process might take longer.
Also Read: What Is Spray Foam Insulation and How Does It Work?
The First Month Will Involve Initial Monitoring
Once you’re back inside, keep an eye on things during the first few weeks.
1. Look for any gaps or thin spots
While professionals will aim for complete coverage, mistakes can happen even by the best of us. Make sure to examine gaps or thin spots around piping and HVAC penetrations.
Sure, small gaps aren’t the end of the world, but they defeat the purpose of the airtight seal you just paid for. If you spot any, contact your installer.
2. Check for adhesion problems
The foam should be firmly bonded to metal roofing and walls. If you see sections that look like they’re pulling away or bubbling, that’s a problem. This could indicate improper surface prep before installation, moisture issues, or temperature problems during application.
3. Monitor for unusual odors
Properly cured spray foam shouldn’t smell like much of anything. If you’re still getting strong chemical odors weeks after installation, something’s not right. It could mean the foam wasn’t mixed correctly or didn’t cure properly.
The Following Months Involve Ongoing Maintenance
Here’s the good news: once your industrial spray foam is fully cured and performing well, maintenance requirements are minimal.
1. Annual inspections
Walk your facility at least once a year.
You’re looking for:
- Any physical damage caused by forklifts, overhead loads, or even simple day-to-day tasks. If you find damage, patch it up immediately. Small touch-ups can be done with canned spray foam designed for the same cell type as your main installation. For larger damaged sections, call your original installer.
- Any building modifications that could have caused potential gaps in the insulation barrier. Make sure any new penetrations are properly sealed with foam.
- Signs of shifted roof panels or flexed walls as a result of major weather events.
2. Monitor Building Performance
Your insulation isn’t just sitting there looking pretty. Pay attention to whether it’s still doing that job well.
You can do this by:
- Tracking your energy bills.
- Look out for condensation, dripping water from the ceiling, or rust on metal pipes.
- Paying attention to temperature consistency throughout the facility.
Professional Installation and Ongoing Support Starts Here
Spray foam installation is remarkably hands-off once it’s in place. But that doesn’t mean you get to sit back and relax. You need to check it annually to make sure you’re getting your buck’s bang.
With Foam Insulation Solution, you’re in luck. We don’t just spray foam and disappear. We provide complete industrial insulation services with the expertise and follow-through that commercial and industrial clients need.
From initial assessment through professional installation and beyond, we’re your partner throughout. If you ever need touch-ups, repairs, or additions down the line, we’re here. We maintain detailed records of every installation, so if you need service years later, we know exactly what was installed and how to match it.
Let’s talk about your project. Contact us today for a professional assessment and honest recommendations on the best insulation solution for your facility.
