Versi-Block
on Tuesday March 19th '13, 10:49 am
Versi-Block is the newest product to join the Versi-Tite product line. It is a one component polyurethane foam sealant that inhibits the passage of smoke through residential utility penetrations. It is bright orange in color to allow for inspectors easy identification of an approved fire block. This innovative low pressure low expansion formula creates a durable, airtight, and waterproof seal that stops air infiltration and provides high insulation value.
Versi-Block has been tested according to ASTM E814 (modified), NFPA 268, and meets the requirements for fire blocking penetrations around wires, pipes, ducts, and other penetrating items in single family residential construction. It is ICC rated and tested. The foam is considered flame retardant, with an ASTM E814 flame spread rating of 15 and a smoke developed index of 20. It is a Type V Residential Fire Block. This means it has been tested and approved for use in "non-rated" single family construction only.
It is not to be used as a fire stop in commercial applications or intended for use in hourly rated assemblies. A fire stop is a caulking product that provides 1 to 2 hour fire ratings. Fire stops are required in hospitals, multi-housing units, and commercial buildings.
2012-2013 Energy Tax Credit
on Friday January 25th '13, 10:30 am
Federal tax credits for energy-efficiency home improvements are
back. The law allows homeowners to claim tax credits of varying amounts on
improvements such as insulation, energy-smart windows and highly efficient
furnaces. Congress has made the credits retroactive, so improvements made in
both 2012 and 2013 will qualify.
The program has a cap of $500 in total credits. The limit goes
back to 2006, when the very first credits became available. If you've
already claimed $500 in credits for energy-efficiency improvements you're not
eligible for more.
You can receive credits for 10% of the cost of insulation
materials and systems, not including installation. The improvements must be
made to the taxpayer's principal residence and must be placed in service by the
end of 2013.
To claim a tax credit, you need to file Form 5695 along with
your federal income tax return for the year the improvement is made. The credit
will be subtracted from the amount of tax you owe or added to your
tax refund. Before you file, you are required to get a Manufacturer's
Certification Statement - a signed statement from the
manufacturer certifying the product qualifies for a tax credit. You
should keep it in your files, but do not have to submit a copy of the statement
with your return.
Low-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam Health & Safety Training
on Tuesday January 8th '13, 2:30 pm
A great new SPF on-line training tool has been launched by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI). It is available in both English and Spanish. You can access this training from www.spraypolyurethane.org (see Low-Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training).
The training is free of charge and those who successfully pass a test on the training material receive a "Recognition of Completion" form and wallet-sized card which is valid for two years. The training addresses important issues such as safe handling and disposal of low-pressure SPF, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, working in confined spaces, and avoiding temperature stress.
Anyone using SPF products should take this training.
Cold Weather Tips for Spray Foam Kits
on Tuesday November 6th '12, 11:21 am
It's that time of year when cooler temperatures can affect the performance of your spray foam kit. Spray foam is not exactly cheap, so you want to make sure you properly care for your kit and get the best yield and use out of it. Always check with the spray foam manufacturer for optimal material storage and use temperatures for the system you are using. Protect material from freezing which can happen during shipping, storage, or in the field.
If you are using a portable polyurethane spray foam kit, such as a Versi-Foam System, in cold temperatures and the foam is dark in color and has a crunchy surface the kit is operating off-ratio. You should always be running on a one to one ratio with two chemical streams of equal velocity. In cold temperatures, you will see more "A" chemical (darker chemical) dispensing than "B" chemical.
For peak performance of your spray foam kit in cold weather, here are a few helpful reminders:
Never store Versi-Foam or other portable spray foam kits in temperatures less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing at these temperatures would cause the chemicals to freeze. The "A" component would freeze and crystallize, creating blockages in the dispenser. If this does occur, it cannot be fixed.
Before use always warm the chemicals to a temperature between 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature sensing strip on the tanks to be sure it is well into the green zone. It is also important during application, to continue to monitor the temperature of your chemicals. If it begins to move toward the blue zone, warm the chemicals again. If you've warmed the chemicals artificially, be sure to shake them well before using to make sure that the temperature is uniform throughout the tanks. Cold chemicals will result in a foam that is "A" rich which will be darker in color and have a crunchy surface.
For best yield, it is recommended that the surface temperature onto which the foam is being applied to be within 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder surface temperatures will result in a lesser yield and possible adhesion problems.
Watch your Temperatures - the Heat is On!
on Tuesday July 3rd '12, 9:45 am
Temperature is important in producing good quality foam. This time of year it's critical to monitor chemical and surface temperatures before spraying foam. Too many times we learn spray foam kits have been left in hot cars or left in hot storage units on job-sites. If your chemicals are too hot you will not produce good foam and in extreme cases you will have adhesion problems.
For best performance, your chemical and surface temperatures must be between 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. To help gauge the temperatures you will find a temperature strip on the B-Component (white) tank. When the green section is indicated the chemicals are at the proper temperature for use. If the red section or the strip is just about in the red section, the chemicals are too warm.
Chemical temperatures that are too warm will create additional pressure on the "B" side, causing it to dispense with more pressure than it should. The foam dispensed will be lighter in color and spongy to the touch. In extreme cases where the foam is liquefied, melted, or foamed up, the kit is probably only dispensing the "B" chemical due to a blockage in the "A" side.
When the chemicals are too warm, place the tanks in a cooler area until the temperature strip indicates the green section. Always monitor the temperature strip throughout application to make sure they stay in the proper temperature range.
