Questions: (Click a question to jump directly to the answer)   1. What is the R-Value of your foam kits?   2. What is the difference between open and closed cell foam?   3. What all is included in your foam kits?   4. What is the coldest temperature at which I can spray foam?   5. Do you offer discounts on larger quantity foam orders?   6. Why do some of your competitors claim higher R-Values for the same product?   7. Why are the UPS shipping cost so high and what other services do you offer?   8. I am building a new house and interested in using spray foam insulation.  How much do I need?

Answers:

1. What is the "R" value of your foam kits?

• The aged R-Value of Quick Cure and E-84 foam is 6.2 per inch thickness.  The aged R-Value of the Slow-Rise formula is 5.9 per inch.  The initial R-Value can be R-7 or more which is what many other vendors specify on the exact same product.

2. What is the difference between open and closed cell foam?

• Open-cell foam is essentially a bunch of little bubbles or balls that are broken and air fills the spaces in the material.  Air and moisture can move through these open cells.  The R-Value of Open Cell foam is typically between 3 and 4 per inch.  This foam is typically low density and soft like a cushion or sponge.



• Closed-cell foam is essentially a bunch of little bubbles or balls that are not broken.  The cells are filled with a special gas of higher insulating value then air.  The closed cells greatly reduce the ability of air and water to move through the foam.  The R-Value of closed-cell foam is generally from 5.5 to 7.  Closed-cell foam typically dries strong and rigid.

3. What all is included in your foam kits?

• Each kit includes everything you need to start foaming: two steel cylinders (component A and B), a hose and gun assembly, a starter pack of nozzles (4 fan and 4 cone), patrolium jelly for the gun tip and instruction.
  

4. What is the coldest temperature at which I can spray foam?

• It is important to keep the tank/foam temperature between 70 and 85 °F.  However, you can spray it at much lower outdoor temperatures provided that you warm and maintain the tanks in that range.  Several ways to achieve this include: placing the tanks inside a warm bucket of water, or using small space heaters.  With the proper set up, you can spray foam with outdoor ambient temperatures below freezing.  If the surface on which your are spraying is very cold, it is recommended to coat it with a thin coat of foam first.  The chemical reaction of the foam will work to help warm that surface.

5. Do you offer discounts on larger quantity foam orders?

• Yes, if you need to purchase more then several kits, please call 972.283.0163 and ask about a quantity discount.

6. Why do some of your competitors claim higher R-Values for the same product?

• The actual R-Value of sprayed foam varies depending on a number of factors including temperature and humidity at the time of installation.  For example our Quick Cure product has an R-Value of between R-6.2 and 7.4.  We choose to error on the conservative side and use R-6.2 per inch.

7. Why are the UPS shipping cost so high and what other services do you offer?

• There are several factors that make UPS shipping cost high.  First, the packages are heavy; one 605 kit weighs 111 lbs.  Second, due to the contents under pressure, they are considered HAZMAT.  UPS charges a HAZMAT fee of $20 per package (The 605 kits ship as two packages).  We offer LTL freight service which usually cost less then UPS when you order two or more kits.  If you live near Dallas, TX you can also pick up your order.

8. I am building a new house and interested in using spray foam insulation.  How much do I need?

• The first thing to realize is that foam insulation while being the best insulation is also generally the most expensive insulation.  Higher density closed cell foam is going to cost around $1 per board foot (12" x 12" x 1").  Low density, open cell foam is going to cost around $0.50 per board foot.
  
  If you can afford it, filling the whole cavity with closed cell foam will result in the best overall insulated wall.  As that gets expensive pretty fast, one common solutions is to apply 1" of higher density closed cell foam and then fill the remainder of the cavity with lower cost open cell foam, fiberglass batts, or blown cellulose.  The one inch will give you a good air seal which is after all one of the biggest benefits of the foam insulation.
  
  The best way to determine how much you need is to approximate the total area in sq ft and multiply that by the thickness in inches you intend to apply.  The result is the number of board feet required.