VERSIFOAM® LATEST NEWS
As property owners in the northern U.S. are well aware, the winter months cause a significant strain on residential and commercial buildings. Energy bills rise as building managers need to raise the thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature. Any cold air that makes its way in due to insubstantial insulation will continue to drive up your energy costs and lead to major issues like frozen pipes and mold over time. In order to maintain your buildings in the long term, winterizing with insulation is essential.
If fall has passed and you haven’t started winterizing yet, don’t worry! It’s never too late to improve your insulation. No matter when you apply new insulation, the energy savings will be immediate. More effective insulation will also benefit you in the warmer months; spray foam insulation prevents hot air from leaking in during summer, which lowers your air cooling costs.
The clear solution to safeguarding your properties against winter weather is proper insulation. In this blog, we will explain why winterizing is so valuable and show you the simple steps you can take to ensure your spaces are adequately protected with VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kits.
Why is Winterizing houses and buildings important?
According to Energy Star, “air leakage accounts for
between 25 percent and 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical residence.” One of the most effective solutions you can make is to apply spray foam insulation in areas that are vulnerable to cold air drafts. Creating an air seal with a VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kit will protect your property from outside air, saving you money on energy costs and on frozen pipe and other moisture-related damage for years to come.
What are the advantages of winterizing with spray foam insulation?
There are many reasons why spray foam insulation is the best choice for creating an airtight seal for your house or building:
- More coverage: Spray foam insulation expands to fill every crack and crevice, so you can be sure that no air gaps will be left after you apply – the same cannot be said for other kinds of insulation.
- Greater Effectiveness: VersiFoam® closed cell spray foam delivers a 6.4 R-value (or 6.5 for our flame retardant formula). This provides a much better resistance to air flow than loose-fill fiberglass insulation with a 2.2–2.7 R-value, batt fiberglass insulation with a 3.1–4.3 R-value, and cellulose insulation with a 3.2–3.8 R-value.
- Better durability: Fiberglass and cellulose insulation lose their shape and begin to deteriorate as quickly as 15 years post-application, and this deterioration accelerates when exposed to moisture. Spray foam insulation lasts for at least 30 years and is impermeable to moisture.
How do I winterize my properties with spray foam insulation kits?
Not sure how to best utilize our spray foam insulation kits? Check out our blog all about picking the perfect VersiFoam® kit for your needs and how to apply for best results. For application tips, watch our how-to videos.
Once you’re ready to apply your spray foam insulation, make sure to examine these areas that most often need cold weather protection:
Doors and windows
Does the air feel colder around your door fames and windows than it does in the rest of the room? Very often, outside air works its way in through gaps between your frame and the door or window.
Attics
Heat rises. Make sure you inspect your attic to ensure it’s not leaking any heat out. Insignificant attic insulation causes heat to dissipate out in uneven spots, which leads to the formation of ice dams. While you’re inspecting, make sure to also check for any holes, deteriorating insulation, and open spaces around chimneys, exhaust fans, and plumbing installations – all of these usher in cold air, and all of these can be filled in with a spray foam insulation kit.
Cathedral ceilings
Rooms with cathedral ceilings often feel drafty during the colder months as heat rises to the top of the room. Insulating the area between the roof deck and the rafter will create a more comfortable environment.
Basements and crawl spaces
Do your basement floors feel cold during winter? That’s a common sign that your basement is not adequately insulated. To fix this, look at the area where the walls meet the foundation. Cracks often form here as the building settles. Then, inspect the openings where the electrical, plumbing, and heating services enter the building. If you see any openings, you can easily fill them in with a VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kit.
HVAC systems
HVAC and duct systems have many points of contact with walls and ceilings, which puts them at risk of air leaks. Applying spray foam insulation around these tight places is a quick fix.
Winterizing with VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kits
Whether you are winterizing a house or looking for metal building insulation, VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kits are proven to be the most effective and simplest solution on the market. Our professional-grade formulas are trusted by the pros – but they’re still so easy to use and offer a foam dispense rate so controlled that you can write your name with it. Start winterizing your properties today and find a VersiFoam® dealer near you.
VersiFoam® provides a wide variety of spray foam insulation kits to ensure that we have what you need for all of your commercial, residential, construction, and industrial insulation needs.
How do you know which spray foam insulation kit is right for your next project? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the three categories in our collection: closed cell spray foam, slow rise spray foam, and high density spray foam. We’ll also break down the specific kits we offer in each category. We want this to be your go-to resource when researching your spray foam insulation kit purchases.
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell spray foam is a thick, dense spray foam with a completely closed cell structure. You can learn more about the formula and how it compares to open cell spray foam insulation in this blog. Closed cell foam has a high thermal and vapor resistance, which makes it ideal for damp environments.
At VersiFoam®, we offer a 2 lb closed cell spray foam insulation kit. They are available in two different formulations: Standard Formula and Class I Formula.
The Standard Formula provides an R-value of 6.4 at a one-inch thickness. We recommend the Standard Formula for most commercial and industrial applications. It’s great for a vast array of uses, such as air sealing, wall or ceiling insulation, condensation control, sound dampening, structural enhancement, tank and pipe insulation, roof repair, marine flotation, truck or trailer insulation, sculpting and molding, and pool and spa insulation.
Class I is our flame retardant insulation. Classified as Class I in accordance with ASTM E-84, this flame-retardant kit will limit the flame spread and smoke development if exposed to a fire. This formula provides an R-value 6.5 at a one inch thickness. We recommend Class I for inhabitable buildings or anywhere else flammability might be a concern.
We offer four different all-in-one spray foam closed cell insulation kits, based on the size of your project:
- System 1
- Produces 12 square feet of cured foam at 1″ thickness, or one cubic foot
- System 9
- Produces 108 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 9 cubic feet
- System 15
- Produces 198 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 16.5 cubic feet
- System 50
- Produces 600 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 50 cubic feet
To get all the info on our closed cell spray foam insulation kits, check out the spec sheet and safety sheet.
Slow Rise Spray Foam Insulation
Slow rise spray foam is known for its slow reactivity. It’s best suited for use in areas where the foam needs to flow to distant areas before it solidifies. VersiFoam® slow rise spray foam insulation kits are available in a 2 pound per cubic foot density. Whereas most of our foams are tack-free in approximately 30 to 45 seconds, the Slow Rise formula is tack-free in approximately 2 minutes, providing that necessary extra time for the foam to flow, expand, and then set.
A word of caution – because our slow rise formula expands to about six times original volume, we do not recommend you use this in a wall cavity if any of the walls are made of gypsum wallboard or other material that cannot withstand this expansion pressure.
Our slow rise spray foam insulation kits all have an R-value of 6.5 and are made with our Class I flame retardant formula. We offer our slow rise spray foam insulation kits in a range of sizes to best suit your various needs:
- System 9 Slow Rise
- Produces 108 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 9 cubic feet
- System 15 Slow Rise
- Produces 200 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 16.5 cubic feet
- System 50 Slow Rise
- Produces 600 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 50 cubic feet
To get all the info on our slow rise spray foam insulation kits, check out the spec sheet and safety sheet.
High Density Spray Foam Insulation
If you’re looking for a harder formula, our high density spray foam insulation kits are the solution. This formulation has a free rise density of 2.8 pounds per cubic foot (3 pounds per cubic foot in place). It is 98% closed cell, giving it an R-factor of 5.9, a low moisture absorption rate, and excellent compressive strength. This formulation has an expansion rate six times its original liquid volume and is tack free in approximately 30-45 seconds.
Due to its high absorption and compression, we recommend using the VersiFoam® high density spray foam insulation kits in more rugged environments that require a harder insulation, like cryogenics or polyurethane foam roofing repair.
We offer our high density spray foam formulation in two different kits:
- System 10
- Produces 120 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 10 cubic feet
- System 33
- Produces 396 square feet of cured foam at a 1″ thickness, or 33 cubic feet
To get all the info on our slow high density foam insulation kits, check out the spec sheet and safety sheet.
Find a VersiFoam® Dealer Near You
VersiFoam® has been innovating the spray foam insulation industry for over 40 years – ever since the introduction of our patented U-Control spray gun that allows you to regulate the quantity of foam being dispensed at a rate so controlled, you can write your name with it. We offer a wide range of all-in-one spray foam kits that deliver professional results in an easy-to-use package.
Learn more about our spray foam systems and find a VersiFoam® dealer near you to place your order today.
Spray foam insulation is a must have at any job site. It’s a versatile product that applies quickly – and premium brands like VersiFoam® deliver long-lasting quality in an easy-to-use kit.
To help you determine how to best incorporate spray foam insulation kits into your next commercial project, we’ll walk you through the basics: what it is, how to use it, and why VersiFoam® is the leading spray foam source.
What Is Spray Foam Insulation, and Which System Should I Use?
Spray foam insulation is composed of a liquid plastic polymer that is typically applied using a spray gun. Once applied, it expands and sets, creating a layer of insulation with a foam-like consistency. There are a few different ways to classify the varieties of spray foam.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell
There are two kinds of spray foam when it comes to cell structure: open cell and closed cell. Closed cell foam is thick and dense due to its completely closed cell structure. This closed cell structure also gives it a higher thermal resistance than open cell. Closed cell foam is also great for damp or humid environments due to its high vapor resistance.
Open cell foam is more porous and flexible due to its open cell structure. Because it is more permeable, open cell foam acts as an air filter, which is ideal for limiting airborne pollutants and allergens. Open cell is also used in environments where moisture is not an issue, like attics or in areas where space is not a concern and you can apply multiple coats to provide a thicker barrier. It’s also frequently used for sound dampening.
Slow Rise vs. Fast Rise
This metric determines the rate that a given spray foam expands. Slow rise is better suited to fill in spaces where the foam needs to flow to distant areas before it solidifies. Fast rise foam is better suited for larger and open areas – you’ll see it most commonly in new construction.
R-value
As you start exploring different spray foam formulas, you’ll run into a few important numbers. The first is the R-value. This measures the thermal resistance of a layer of insulation (the “R” stands for “resistance”). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation functions at preventing the flow of heat.
VersiFoam® offers a range of thermal resistant foams; our high density closed-cell foam has the highest R-value at 7.7, followed by slow rise at 6.7 and closed cell at 6.4.
PCF
Another key number to look for is the PCF (pounds per cubic foot). This number measures density. The higher the PCF, the denser and more resistant the foam. Foams with a high density are used in areas that need the most thermal and moisture resistance, like roofs, buildings made of metal, and anywhere else this foam’s high structural strength would be a benefit.
The PCF of VersiFoam® closed cell and slow rise foams is 1.75 – the sweet spot for most commercial projects, and our high density formula packs an extra punch at 2.8.
How To Apply Spray Foam Insulation
Before you get started on your spray foam insulation project, it’s important to know the step-by-step process for proper application and safety.
- Gear up: Wear a protective layer of clothing, gloves, and goggles to protect your clothes, skin, and eyes.
- Get covered: You’ll want to protect your space as well. Cover the floor and surfaces around the targeted area with drop cloths or something similar. Cover electrical outlets with tape.
- Clean up: Spray foam adheres best to a clean surface. Make sure to remove any dust or dirt before spraying. If this requires cleaning with a lot of water or liquids, let it dry down.
- Test: Start by spraying a small test area on something disposable like cardboard to see how the foam sprays, expands, and sets.
- Apply: spray a layer about ½” thick around the perimeter. After that dries, fill in the rest with a smooth, even layer of foam. Wait for that to expand and settle before applying any additional layers.
- Trim: cut off any foam that has expanded beyond your newly insulated area.
We also recommend reading the safety sheet in full prior to beginning your project. Check out the safety sheet for VersiFoam® closed cell kits to see an example.
VersiFoam® Is the Source for Premium, All-in-One Spray Foam Kits
VersiFoam® has been innovating the spray foam insulation industry for over 40 years – ever since the introduction of our patented U-Control spray gun that allows you to regulate the quantity of foam being dispensed at a rate so controlled, you can write your name with it. We offer a wide range of all-in-one spray foam kits that deliver professional results in an easy-to-use package.
Learn more about our spray foam systems and find a VersiFoam® dealer near you to place your order today.
As more and more businesses across the industrial world pledge to reduce their environmental impact, it’s crucial to find ways to make your practices more eco-friendly.
One simple and effective way to do this is to replace HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) spray foam with its improved HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) counterpart. In this blog, we’ll explain the many reasons why HFO-based formulas are an upgrade for your insulation needs.
Phasing Out HFC and Introducing HFO
According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), HFCs are a group of synthetic gases primarily used for cooling and refrigeration – including insulation. HFCs have been commercialized as an active ingredient in spray foam insulation since the 1990s. They remained a top seller for decades due to their highly effective insulating abilities.
However, research has found that HFC formulas create a profoundly adverse effect on the environment. A study conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change from 2010-2019 found that “HFCs currently represent around 2% of total greenhouse gases, [and] their impact on global warming can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of mass.” The CCAC estimated that HFCs can warm the planet up to 3,790 times as much as CO2 over a 20-year period.
Governments around the world were compelled to take action. In the U.S., Congress passed the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act in December 2020. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036.
As of 2022, HFC usage was still increasing by over 10%. In response, the EPA took a huge step to meet their AIM Act directive in 2023 by finalizing the Technology Transitions Restrictions rule. This rule bans spray polyurethane foam (SPF) manufacturers from producing products that contain HFCs starting January 1, 2025, and bans SPFs from selling any products containing HFCs as of January 1, 2028.
Where does that leave SPF users? Thankfully, manufacturers introduced HFO formulas as an alternative in 2008. Over the years, HFO insulation has proven to be just as effective as HFC insulation, with added eco-friendly benefits.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of HFO
HFOs have become the formula of choice for SPFs and their customers. HFOs have a similar chemical makeup to HFCs; they both contain the same hydrogen, fluoride and carbon atoms. Unlike HFCs, HFOs have neither ozone-depleting properties nor a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
HFO insulation is now the leading spray foam utilized by the professionals to reduce air leakage in common problem areas like attics and basements. HFO SPF insulation leads to energy savings, a lower reliance on fossil fuels, and savings on your energy bill.
Some SPF manufacturers like VersiFoam® provide HFO formulas that go above and beyond to improve the air quality of the area in which they are applied. VersiFoam insulation eliminates nearly all toxins, bacteria, mold and asthma-threatening elements from entering a home or building.
Another benefit of VersiFoam® HFO insulation is its eco-conscious design. Our insulation kits include an easy-to-use applicator that reduces waste, and the insulation is designed to be long lasting – this reduces the need to repurchase insulation and maintains the structural integrity of your building by keeping moisture and mold away for years to come.
As an incentive for SPF users to explore HFO insulation, VersiFoam® offers an energy tax credit for home and property owners up to 10% of the purchase price of qualified products for a maximum of $500 for all home improvements. You can find more information and apply on our Going Green page.
HFO at Versifoam
VersiFoam® has been innovating the spray foam insulation industry for over 40 years. Our dedication to innovation is what has led us to become a top provider of environmentally friendly HFO spray foam insulation. To learn more about the VersiFoam® HFO formula and place an order, find a dealer near you.
When it comes to cold storage, the smallest details can make a world of difference. Ensuring a fully airtight seal from the beginning to the end of the supply chain is absolutely crucial, and it’s no small task. One tiny gap in insulation can ruin your valuable goods. Finding the right insulation is a must for cold storage, every step of the way.
How do you find the right insulation for your cold storage needs? VersiFoam® is here to help. In this blog, we’ll explain how to find the right spray foam insulation for cold storage management and illustrate why VersiFoam® System 15 is the industry’s top choice.
How To Find the Right Spray Foam for Cold Storage
When searching for a spray form insulation for cold storage, there are two key numbers to look for. The first is the PCF (pounds per cubic foot). This number measures density; for spray foam insulation, it measures how heavy the foam is for its volume.
A high PCF number is best for cold storage, because a high PCF means that the foam is dense, moisture resistant, and – most importantly – a good insulator. The VersiFoam® System 15 spray foam insulation kit has a closed-cell formulation with a PCF of 1.75, which is notably higher than open-cell foams that sit at around 0.5 PCF. System 15 is ideal for cold storage insulation due to its closed-cell formulation and high PCF
The next number to consider is the R-value. This measures the thermal resistance of a layer of insulation (the “R” stands for “resistance”). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation functions at preventing the flow of heat. For spray foam insulation, R-values generally range from 3.0 to 8.0.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than many other types of insulation, which makes it a leading choice for cold storage. VersiFoam® System 15 features a closed-cell formula with a 6.4 R-value; this is a top-tier insulator.
Cold Storage Pros Trust VersiFoam® System 15
We’ve already described why the System 15 formulation is a perfect fit for cold storage insulation. There’s even more to System 15 that makes it a cold storage favorite.
All in One
System 15 spray foam insulation kits are come with everything you need to get the job done right – and fast:
- U-Control dispensing gun
- Two 10-foot hoses
- Ten mixing nozzles
- Three fan tips
- Nitrile gloves
Major Coverage
One System 15 kit produces 198 square feet of cured foam at a 1-inch thickness, or 16.5 cubic feet.
Unmatched Convenience
Our kits come in an efficient package that’s easy to carry around the job site, and they require no external power source.
Eco-Friendly
System 15 does not contain any CFCs, Penta-BDEs, VOCs, or urea- formaldehyde. This is particularly important when being applied in the same environment that will contain food or pharmaceuticals, two of the main industries that utilize cold storage.
Find a VersiFoam® Dealer Near You
VersiFoam® knows the stringent demands of cold storage management. That is why we are the top choice of cold storage professionals. VersiFoam® has been innovating the spray foam insulation industry for over 40 years – ever since the introduction of our patented U-Control spray gun that allows you to regulate the quantity of foam being dispensed at a rate so controlled, you can write your name with it.Learn more about System 15 and find a VersiFoam® dealer near you to place your order today.
For over 40 years, VersiFoam® has solidified its position as an industry leader in commercial and residential spray foam kit systems. Much like the rest of the world, the spray foam industry is undergoing big changes—most notably in regard to environmental regulations. An opportunity to lead by example, VersiFoam® has risen to the occasion by creating new HFO product formulations, improving the U-Control gun used for foam dispensing, and updating brand materials to support these new business initiatives.
Our New Look
VersiFoam® is one of the most popular spray foam insulations among professional contractors and installers. With this in mind, the updated brand materials had to pay homage to VersiFoam®’s heritage while modernizing the logo and packaging to complement the new and updated products.
In the new logo, the essence of the original remains, with its rounded lines and cloud-like shape reminiscent of the spray foam itself. The retro, yet modern, packaging proudly displays that our spray foam is made in the United States. There’s also no longer a hyphen in the VersiFoam® name, bringing every part of the company closer together.
Throughout the logo and packaging, the same color palette has been preserved—varying shades of red, white, and blue—but the new hues represent a more elevated version. The red stands out against the gentle blue backdrop, much like how our patented U-Control gun sets itself apart from every other spray foam dispensing gun on the market.
Our New and Improved Products
In early 2021, new regulations were put into effect to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) previously found in spray foam. As such, VersiFoam® developed a new product line free of HFCs in accordance with the state phasedown. The new formula uses a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent—the future of the spray foam industry.
VersiFoam® also made improvements to the aforementioned U-Control gun, which comes with every one of our spray foam systems. The black nozzle has been lengthened for increased spray accuracy, and the internal elements have been updated to allow for better spray foam distribution and consumption.
Our Green Initiatives for 2024
Offering our customers an eco-friendly spray foam insulation option that meets all necessary state regulations is important to us. VersiFoam®’s new HFO formula offers a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) and contains 0 lb/gal of VOCs, all while retaining an R-value of 6 per inch. Moreover, it improves air quality by eliminating all toxins, bacteria, and mold, as well as increases energy efficiency with its unique SPF insulation technology.
Need to stock up on spray foam? Find a VersiFoam® distributor near you.
It’s construction season, and we know that construction materials can be hard to come by right now—but not at VersiFoam®. If you’re a distributor looking for spray foam insulation, you’re in luck, because we’ve got product available. Learn more about what VersiFoam® has to offer and how our spray foam can help your clients complete all of the projects they have lined up this year.
Regulation-standard products
No matter what local regulations dictate, VersiFoam® has products to suit your customer base. Our products do not contain any CFCs, Penta-BDEs, VOCs, or Urea-Formaldehyde. Moreover, we offer an eco-friendly formula that is Leed certified with 0 lb/gal of VOCs and no CFS’.
No hurdles, no delays
Your customers need spray foam, and they need it now. (Yesterday, even.) As a spray foam insulation distributor, it’s your job to make sure your shelves don’t go bare when they need more product. At VersiFoam®, we have the following spray foam kits in stock for you:
- System 15: Available in Standard and Class I (flame-retardant) formulas, this closed-cell spray foam insulation kit produces 198 square feet of cured foam at a 1-inch thickness (16.5 cubic feet).
- System 50: Also available in Standard and Class I formulas, System 50 will produce 600 square feet of cured foam at a 1-inch thickness (50 cubic feet).
- System 10: This high-density system will produce 120 square feet of cured foam at a one-inch thickness (10 cubic feet).
- System 33: Another high-density spray foam, this system will produce 396 square feet of cured foam at a 1-inch thickness (33 cubic feet).
And we’ve saved the best news for last—there is only a one-week lead time on all of the spray foam insulation kits listed above. VersiFoam® is here to help you get your customers the product they need in record time.
Flexible shipping
Let’s figure out a way to get you the product you need as quickly as possible. VersiFoam® offers flexible shipping opportunities for distributors. We work with hundreds of distributors around the world, so we’re accustomed to working together to find a way to make sure everyone is happy. As such, our network spans far and wide, allowing us to help drive contractors and customers to you both online and in-store.
Solid R-values
We know what you’re really curious about, and that’s the R-values of our products. Of the closed cell spray foam systems we currently have in stock, all of the Standard formula kits have an R-value of R-7.7 per inch, while the Class I formula has an R-value of R-6.7.
P.S. Did you know Systems 10 and 33 are both great options for roof repairs? Trust us—you’ll want to make sure you have some in stock.
Are you a distributor? Order spray foam now! Limited quantities are available.
As a manufacturer of spray polyurethane foam (SPF), VersiFoam® must adhere to the regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We make sure all of our customers are aware of what using spray foam insulation entails and how to do so safely, and we promise to always keep you up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations, such as the newly implemented state phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons.
1. Hazard Communication
Before you use any kind of spray foam insulation product, it’s important to understand the potential risks of using this type of material. On the VersiFoam® website, you can find an SDS on each product, which is available in both English and Spanish. You’ll find a list of warnings to avoid inhalation and any contact with your skin or eyes.
2. Respiratory Protection
When you are spraying foam insulation, you must have respiratory protection to prevent exposure to any potential hazards. There are different types of respiratory protection, often simply referred to as respirators, available depending on the type of product being used or airborne concern at hand.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory protection is only one type of personal protective equipment (PPE). Most often, PPE is used to prevent injuries or illnesses that can occur in the workplace. If PPE is required, such as when working with spray insulation, you must always be provided with the following information:
- When it’s necessary
- What kind is necessary
- How to properly put it on, adjust, wear, and take it off
- Limitations of the equipment
- Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment
You can find all of this information in the aforementioned SDS for each product.
4. Free Consultation Program
While less applicable for residential use, OSHA will provide a free consultation for both small and large businesses across the U.S. so employees can easily find out whether there are any workplace hazards they should be aware of. These on-site consultations also allow businesses, like worksites for commercial projects, to learn and improve without the risk of receiving a citation.
As stated on the OSHA website, “consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs,” performing “over 26,000 visits to small business worksites covering approximately 1 million workers across the nation.”
5. State Phase-Down of Climate-Damaging Hydrofluorocarbons
In May 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would be “proposing its first rule [to] phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and many other applications.”
The final rule of the new regulation under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act sets baseline levels for HFC production and consumption, from which reductions will occur. This “establishes an initial methodology for allocating and trading HFC allowances for 2022 and 2023, and creates a robust, agile, and innovative compliance and enforcement system,” as stated by the EPA.
Before the official ruling took hold, some states already ruled to stop the manufacturing and use of products containing HFCs, including spray foam insulation. These states include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington. As such, VersiFoam® created a new formula that uses hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), a blowing agent that has a lower global warming potential (GWP).
While the cost to manufacture this material is higher, its price should come down over time as more states put into place this new regulation and more companies begin to produce HFOs. Be sure to check your local regulations to make sure you order the right product for your area. No matter where you live, VersiFoam®’s environmentally-friendly products are energy-efficient, LEED-certified, and readily available to you.
We’ve covered hiring a green contractor—but what if you’re doing it yourself? No matter the size of your project, you must consider the environmental impact of your new build or renovation. How can you reduce your carbon footprint and increase your green building footprint?
Before you start gathering materials, the answer is clear: green products are the way of the future. VersiFoam® has got environmentally friendly insulation covered for you, but here are the best green products for all of your other project needs.
Best green building materials
There are eco-friendly options to consider for every element of your upcoming project—from the materials used to craft the structure itself to the products you cover it with and put inside of it. In order to select the best green products for your next project, the following are some materials to consider.
Sustainable flooring
Using reclaimed wood is a fantastic way to save trees from being cut down and keep lumber out of landfills. According to Dumpsters.com, reclaimed wood is most often found from or through:
- Retired barns
- Salvage yards
- Shipping crates and pallets
- Excavation companies
- Home remodeling companies and contractors
- Specialty buyers
Other good options for sustainable flooring include bamboo, cork, mycelium, and ferrock. Bamboo works well as a replacement for traditional hardwood, though, cork is a desirable option, too, as it’s “highly renewable, but cork also has hypoallergenic properties, fire retardant qualities, and is resistant to liquids.”
Recycled steel
Particularly in areas where natural disasters or inclement weather, such as high winds and earthquakes, are prevalent, steel is the smarter material to use for a home or building’s beams. Steel construction materials are 100% recyclable, giving steel beams an infinite shelf life that drastically reduces your carbon footprint when you purchase them pre-owned.
Moreover, “steel is the material of choice by engineers and architects because of its inherent strong performance characteristics such as durability, reliability, versatility in design and consistency,” according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Energy-conserving windows and doors
The windows and doors you choose can greatly affect the overall sustainability of your home and its effect on the environment—and your wallet. Energy efficient windows are the smart choice, specifically windows made with Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass.
Low-E windows have a special coating that allows them to reflect both short- and long-wave infrared rays. This prevents heat transfer and ensures that only visible light is able to pass through the glass from either direction. You get all of the light and none of the increase in temperature, as well as lower energy bills and less fading of furniture, rugs, and carpet.
Energy-efficient insulation
VersiFoam® spray foam insulation kits offer an energy efficient and LEED-certified option that will also save you time and money. This easy-to-use product boasts SPF insulation technology that helps you reduce your use of fossil fuels, which means less greenhouse gases emitted. Much like cork’s hypoallergenic properties, VersiFoam® insulation also enhances interior air quality—eliminating nearly all bacteria, toxins, mold, and asthma-threatening elements.
Solar panels or roof tiles
Solar panels are a well-known piece of sustainable technology and a great source of renewable, or clean, energy, but have you heard of solar roof tiles? Designed to look like standard asphalt shingles, solar roof tiles can be installed as part of the roof itself or mounted on brackets on top of pre-existing shingles.
While both have their advantages, installing solar technology of any kind will save you money, improve the value of your home and your environmental impact, require little to no maintenance, and provide energy independence. You will also be eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in the U.S.—a 26% tax credit applicable for both residential and commercial structures.
Let us help you choose the right insulation for your next project. Contact us today!