With home renovation at an all-time high, there’s no better product to recommend to your clients than VersiFoam’s residential insulation spray foam kit. These spray foam kits are both low pressure and easy to use—making them a highly marketable choice for distributors. (And let’s not forget about our industry-leading commercial spray for larger projects, too!) Keep reading to learn what The VersiFoam Promise really means.

What does The VersiFoam Promise include?

They save, you save

When you choose VersiFoam for your insulation needs, you’re getting The VersiFoam Promise along with it, but what does this include? Your customers will love how much they’ll save—both in time and money—with our high-quality, easy-to-use product. As a distributor, there are savings in it for you, too, when it comes down to ordering and shipping our product to you. We’ll work together to get you the best total price guaranteed.

Expert-level background knowledge

Moreover, we know spray foam, and we know it well. VersiFoam Founder Richard Heitzer understood spray foam like the back of his hand, thanks to his background in the cold storage construction industry. He patented a one-of-a-kind gun for distributing spray foam. The U-Control gun lets you regulate the “quantity of foam being dispensed […] down to a rate that you can write your name with it.”

Support you can count on

Got questions? We’ll never keep you waiting. With a small, yet mighty, team of highly trained employees, the relatively small size of our company allows us to provide uniquely personalized customer service and a quick turnaround time. Whether you’re looking for more product information, need help determining how much product to order, or anywhere between, you can count on VersiFoam to find the perfect solution. Our goal is to provide you with a high-quality versatile product that fits all your needs—and customer service to match.

Ready to become a VersiFoam distributor? Give us a call at 1 (800) 657-0702 today!

Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular insulating materials available. Consequently, there has been a lot written about its pros and cons, including plenty of stories of spray foam insulation gone wrong. It’s important to remember that not everyone who chooses and uses spray foam insulation takes the time to learn how to use it properly, leading to mistakes and rework. 

From lack of preparation to ignoring thickness limitations, we’ve seen it all. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, spray foam insulation can be installed without problems and without drama. Here is our quick-start guide to preventing common spray foam installation problems and what to do if something doesn’t go as planned.

First, pick the best insulation for your project. If you’re unsure which formula you need, read this blog post on the Differences Between Spray Foam Insulation Products. Next, read the rest of this article to learn what to keep top of mind as you complete your project. 

Spray foam insulation mistakes generally fall into five categories. 

1. The work area wasn’t prepared properly before application.
2. Foam was applied to a surface that wasn’t completely dry. 
3. The foam wasn’t applied at the required thickness.
4. The foam containers weren’t brought to the proper temperature before spraying or the ambient temperature was too hot or cold.
5. Container A and container B aren’t mixing properly as the foam is dispensed. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Preparation

Management of overspray is an important part of pre-application preparation. Overspray happens when the product becomes airborne after the chemicals have been mixed. It lands on surfaces in the surrounding area, expands, and dries. It’s important to seal off the area with plastic sheeting and cover anything that can’t be moved. It’s also important to extinguish ignition sources in the area and make sure that people don’t smoke where the spray is being applied.

Surface Area

If you spray foam on a surface with a moisture level of more than 20%, the foam won’t stick. The surface has to be paintable for the foam to adhere. “When a surface is wet or damp, the moisture acts as a blowing agent that reacts with the “A” side of the SPF system, resulting in off-ratio foam with poor physical properties and poor adhesion.” (source) So make sure to test the moisture level before you spray.

Thickness

If the foam is sprayed thicker than recommended for its type, excessive heat can result causing odors, cracks, shrinkage, or charring. To prevent this, never spray more than a 2” thickness at a time. To spray more than 2”, apply in layers allowing the foam to cure for at least 15 minutes between layers.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for both the foam and the surface is between 65° F and 90° F. Surfaces that are colder will result in reduced yield because the cold surface extracts heat from the exothermic reaction resulting in a reduced rise. If the surface is 40° or colder, the exotherm may also cause condensation, which would be like spraying foam onto a wet surface (see above).

Surfaces that are too warm may result in the foam curing too fast. This would also result in a reduced yield because the foam would not have enough time to reach the full rise before a tack free state. In addition, extreme cases may result in loss of adhesion because the foam would cure so fast it could not develop a bond to the surface before it hardened. If you’re unsure if the temperature is right, do a test patch first.

Mixing

Good quality foam is dependent on one-to-one ratio dispensing. Incorrectly mixed chemicals result in foam pulling away from the surface and lingering odors. The easiest way to determine that you have a good ratio is to observe the stream of chemicals coming out of the gun before they pass through the mixing nozzle. If the two chemical streams aren’t flowing at equal velocity, check the dispensing gun for proper function and the temperature strips to make sure the chemicals are in the mid-green section. 

Sometimes you’ll know immediately if something has gone wrong. But other times mistakes in application may not show up for a while. If you see any of the following signs, it means you need to take a closer look at your insulation.

• Moisture in the attic
• HVAC working overtime
• Ice dams on the gutters
• Rooms inconsistently heated or cooled
• A pest infestation
• The spray foam contracts and pulls away from framing.

If you want to know more about preparing for and executing a successful spray foam installation, check out our FAQ page check or our Video Library. Or give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss the details of your project with you. 1.800.657.0702

Value engineering sometimes gets a bad rap, especially when it comes to building custom homes. Many people equate it with less features or cheaper materials.

In construction however, value engineering ideally means weighing cost/benefit ratios and coming up with an optimal solution for the budget. “It’s important to note that improving the value of your project does not mean cutting costs. It means optimizing the elements of the project through an analysis of all factors–cost, upkeep, wear-and-tear, aesthetic value, etc.”

Knowledgeable general contractors are in the best position to figure out how to add value to new construction. They can educate their clients during each step of the home build, including whether or not a product will last for the life of the house or need to be replaced in a few years. Home upgrade conversations usually center around five elements: kitchen improvements, additional living space, outdoor amenities, flooring, and energy efficiency.

Value Through Energy Efficiency

About half of the average household’s energy budget goes to heating and cooling. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) with proper insulation. Buyers factor this in when making purchasing decisions.

Energy efficient home upgrades can include premier windows and doors, zoned conditioning, smart thermostats, and upgraded insulation. Houses with high-end insulation are more desirable than houses without it, both for cost and comfort considerations. Upgraded insulation can take many forms, but the end goal is high R-value, because higher R-value equals higher resistance to heat transfer.

At about R-7 per inch of thickness, closed cell spray foam insulation offers the highest R-value per inch compared to cellulose, fiberglass, and foam board.

Spray Foam Insulation and Energy Efficiency

In addition to the comfort that a higher R-value brings, spray foam insulation offers three additional value-adds to home insulation.

1. Durability. Spray foam insulation is a combination of two materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, that expand and harden as they cure. It’s strong adhesive qualities ensure that it stays in place and won’t shift over time like cellulose and batts. If properly applied, it will last for the lifetime of the home.
2. Sound Dampening. Because spray foam insulation expands to fill cracks and crevices. SPF creates a barrier which absorbs noise, inhibits the transfer of sound between rooms and reduces noise that enters the building from the outside. It works because sound is airborne and the foam reduces the air space through which the sound can travel. This brings value to the building for the end user.
3. Air and Moisture Barrier. Spray foam insulation creates an air-tight and moisture-tight seal because it pushes itself into the smallest openings and stays there. It’s air-impermeable, which is a critically important element for economic control of heat transfer. An inadequate barrier system will allow leakage of air through cracks and gaps.
4. Better Air Quality. Spray foam insulation creates a tight building envelope which minimizes the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens that enter a home. Because spray foam doesn’t make a good nesting material or food source, it helps to prevent pest infestations as well.

Deciding which type of insulation to install is often described as a balance of cost and performance. Spray foam insulation may initially have a higher cost, but it is justified by the longevity and higher quality of the product. It provides more energy efficiency and overall value than lower cost insulation does. When you consider the positive impact an insulation upgrade can have on the well-being of new homeowners, it merits serious consideration.

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) was one of the greatest advancements in building insulation during the 20th century. 

SPF is created when isocyanate and polyol resin are mixed with each other. The chemical reaction causes the compound to expand up to 30-60 times its liquid volume after spraying. Once it hardens and cures, it creates an air, moisture, and vapor barrier, making it one of the most effective insulation products available today. It has an interesting story.

Early Development of Spray Polyurethane Foam

The formula was originally developed by Otto Bayer in 1939 and quickly put to use by the military as a replacement for rubber. Like many things, the effectiveness of spray polyurethane foam as an insulator was stumbled upon accidentally. In 1957, it was used on a rail car with a leaky roof and ended up lasting for many years, which caught the attention of scientists.

In the early days it was applied by mixing it in a container, which was messy and inefficient, and which limited its widespread use. In 1953, Charles Baughman invented the “Blendometer”, the first machine to mix the two components together on-site.

In the 1960s, a machine to both mix and spray the foam was developed by Fred Gusmer and Fred Werner. “Known as the FF, it was the first dedicated foam machine on the market. Gusmer also developed the model-C gun, which in turn became the model-D gun, and dual heated hose assemblies that could be adjusted via thermostat.”

Commercial SPF Use

In the 1980s, spray polyurethane foam started to be used extensively in the roofing industry. During this time, while working on metal building roofing applications, Richard Heitzer realized that a better dispensing tool was needed. He designed and patented the U-control gun that allowed users to control the rate that the foam was dispensed, and founded RHH Systems in 1981. 

Today, there is a wide range of how much SPF will be needed for any particular project — as small as sealing a single attic or as large as insulating an entire subdivision of new homes. No matter how large the project, the method of dispensing is still the same. The two chemicals are delivered to the jobsite separately and are mixed at the moment of application.

Spray Foam Kits Supplement Rigs

Methods of application vary depending on the size of the project. Very large projects required rigs which have enormous tanks and long, heated hoses. They pull up next to a building and heat the chemicals to the right temperature before beginning the application. 

The disadvantage of rigs is that they can’t get into tight places. Contractors find that they often can’t get the hoses up into the attic or move around easily in tight quarters. Smaller areas require a different solution and that’s where spray foam kits come in. They can even be used on forklift as the technician moves around filling in gaps and crevices.

At RHH Foam Systems we partner with contractors to supply the spray foam kits they need to ensure that their buildings are completely insulated. 

Spray foam kits are delivered to job sites on pallets of 12 for larger kits such as the System 50. System 15s are delivered 30 to a pallet. The product is purchased through our distributors. Sometimes distributors will deliver pallets directly from their warehouse and sometimes they will ask us to deliver the product to the jobsite for them. 

We work hand-in-hand with our distributors and their customers to ensure that they have the spray foam insulation they need when they need it. If you aren’t currently working with one of our distributors, visit our dealer directory to find the distributor closest to you or call us directly at 1 (800) 657-0702.

VersiFoam® spray foam insulation comes in four different product formulas: closed cell, open cell, slow rise, and high density. Each formula has been developed for certain specific applications and has its own unique uses. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Which spray foam insulation should I use in my situation?”, this blog was written for you.

When should I use closed cell spray foam?

Closed cell spray foam is uniquely designed for times when a water, vapor, or air barrier is needed. It’s also the best choice when energy efficiency is high priority because of its greater r-value. 

In addition, it adds strength to walls. However, it should not be sprayed into the enclosed cavity between the exterior wall and drywall. Rather, it can be sprayed between the exterior wall and the drywall if it’s done before the drywall is put up. 

Closed cell spray foam is the right insulation choice in the following circumstances:

1. Basements and crawl spaces
2. New construction and remodeling
3. Commercial and industrial buildings
4. Tiny homes (because of its lower expansion rate)
5. Outbuildings such as sheds and pole barns

When should I use open cell spray foam?

Open cell spray foam is best used in residential applications because of its cost effectiveness and sound dampening capabilities. It is a thicker, softer material and can completely fill the area between the studs, inhibiting the transfer of sound between rooms. 

It’s especially well suited for unvented attic applications and sealing the underside of roof decks. It doesn’t provide a water barrier and so is not a good choice in places where dampness is a problem, such as basements and locations with high humidity. Consider open cell spray foam insulation for the following projects:

1. Attic insulation
2. Home and garage roof decks
3. Residential insulation in milder climates
4. Any project where small openings need to be sealed

When should I use slow rise spray foam?

Slow rise spray foam is a closed cell foam that becomes tack-free in about three minutes, instead of the 30-45 seconds for standard spray foam. This makes it perfect for insulating closed cavities, blind cavities and difficult to reach voids where the foam needs extra time to completely fill the area. Choose slow rise spray foam to insulate:

1. Boats and other marine vehicles
2. Existing homes and buildings
3. Remodels
4. Vehicles and trailers

When should I use high density spray foam?

High density spray foam is a closed cell foam with a density of 2.8 lbs. per cubic foot, compared to 2 lbs per cubic foot in standard closed cell spray foam. It’s used in projects where a higher r-value is needed to lower energy costs for the lifetime of the building. It also provides extra strength and load support to a structure. In fact, it’s often called “roofing foam” because it’s used on the exterior of flat roof buildings and can reduce wind damage to the roof. Choose high density spray foam for:

1. Exterior applications
2. Roofing applications
3. Flat roof commercial and industrial buildings
4. Metal building roofs
5. The exterior of cryogenic tanks of space vehicles

Spray foam insulation is incredibly versatile and is recommended by construction professionals for its energy efficiency and long life. If your project isn’t on this list, please call us to talk more about your specific needs. (800) 657-0702

The attic is the first place you should insulate in your home. It’s one of the most cost effective steps you can take to reduce your energy costs. Furthermore, spray foam attic insulation acts as both an air barrier and a thermal barrier, making the attic comfortable to be in even if it isn’t used as a living space. 

History and Vented Attics

Most of us love the idea of an attic. It’s a place of imagination, creativity, and also mystery. From Josephine March to Mrs. Rochester to Laura Ingalls, the attic is a retreat, sometimes freely chosen and sometimes not. At the very least, it is a place to store memories and things with sentimental value.

Throughout history, attic spaces were almost always vented. “The earliest attics followed the traditional or agricultural model, in which attic openings served to intentionally ventilate the entire building. This paradigm lies behind the expression, ‘A building has to breathe.’” In the 19th century, roofing materials were porous as well. 

As building technologies advanced, materials became less permeable. Insulation came into use at the beginning of the 20th century and grew significantly during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Initially insulation was installed on the floor of the attic, to keep the conditioned air in the living spaces from escaping through the roof, while the attic itself remained vented.

Transition to Unvented Attics

More recently, experts in construction and architecture are recommending unvented attics as the most economical and healthy approach to attic insulation. Unvented attics use spray foam insulation on the roof deck, and to seal and fill all cracks, crevices, and openings from the attic to the outside. Fiberglass or cellulose insulation is not used on the floor of the attic once it has been sealed, making the attic part of the conditioned area of the home.

While an unfinished, unvented attic won’t be heated and cooled to the same comfort level as the main living areas, it also won’t experience the same temperature extremes as a vented attic will. The attic’s temperature is controlled by the conditioned space below it. Because there is less variation between the living areas and the attic, the house stays warmer with less energy use. As an added bonus, if the HVAC equipment is kept in the attic, it will be protected from temperature extremes, not need to work as hard, and have a longer life.

R-Value and Attic Insulation

In order to make the best decision about attic insulation, it is necessary to understand r-value. R-value is the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow and the primary measurement of energy efficiency. A higher R-value equals higher resistance to heat transfer. Insulation with a high R-value will keep warm air from escaping your house in the winter and entering it in the summer. When it comes to R-value, spray foam attic insulation is the clear winner, with the r-value of open cell spray foam at 4 per inch and with closed cell spray foam boasting a whopping 7.7 per inch r-value.

In addition to having a higher r-value and providing an effective air barrier, spray foam attic insulation has several other advantages. When applied properly, it’s a permanent solution that will last for the life of your home. Open cell spray foam has excellent sound dampening properties. It creates a barrier which absorbs noise, inhibits the transfer of sound between rooms and reduces noise that enters the building from the outside. It also has a high expansion rate to completely seal openings at a cost-effective price.

Spray Foam Attic Insulation

With some exceptions, experts recommend open cell spray foam for insulation in unvented attics. In the presence of moisture, this low density foam will dissipate the moisture quicker than closed cell foam. Spray foam attic insulation is often used on the underside of the roof deck. It can be sprayed in holes in the ceiling around electrical boxes and wiring, HVAC exhaust fans, attic hatches and chimneys. It can also be easily applied to shrinkage cracks between the framing and interior finishes on partition walls.

For more information on shingle warranties and ignition barriers, read the attic insulation section on our residential applications page. Attic insulation is especially important in areas of the country where seasonal temperatures are more extreme. If you don’t already have spray foam attic insulation, discuss your project with a VersiFoam® dealer near you or call us to talk about keeping your home cozy this winter.

Concrete is a poor insulator—in fact, the concrete in your basement probably has an R-value of 1.1. That is about the same as the R-value of four inches of air space or one inch of plywood. Unless you want to feel unnecessarily cold all winter long, you’ll need more R-value in your basement than that. Before the cold weather creeps in this year, learn how to prevent heat loss in your home with VersiFoam®.

Prevent heat loss with spray foam insulation

All basements experience some type of heat loss because heat travels from warm to cold. Depending on how much of your basement is above ground and how much is above the frost line, the difference between the temperature of the air in your house and the temperature of the ground around the basement could be anywhere between 20° and 50°. 

When you use spray foam insulation on the walls of your basement, and to seal the gaps in the area above the sill and along the rim joists, it can reduce heat loss by as much as 30% to 40%, saving money on heating bills. A warmer basement also helps keep the rooms above the basement warmer. Eventually, the money you save will pay for the cost of insulation. 

Control dampness and pests

Furthermore, dampness is almost always a problem in basements. Closed cell spray foam insulation prevents moisture problems and is not susceptible to mold, unlike fiberglass or cellulose which trap moisture and encourage mold growth.

SPF also helps prevent pest problems. Rodents can’t tunnel their way through the insulation as they can with other materials, and insect-sized gaps can be completely sealed because spray foam expands to fill openings as it hardens completely. It’s the only type of insulation with those properties. 

Building Science Corporation has a good primer on insulating basement walls and detailed diagrams for how it should be done. In most modern homes, the basement walls will have been insulated in some fashion when the house was built and it’s probably not something you need to add to your list this winter.

However, problems can arise as the house settles over time. Cracks, gaps, and other small openings can appear in the sill plate where the walls meet the foundation, the rim joists that sit on the sill plate, and the concrete itself. In addition, there are HVAC penetrations and other openings between the basement ceiling and the floor above and loose-fitting heating ducts.

The Best Choice For Basement Insulation

Spray foam insulation is ideal for small-to-medium openings that nearly always occur in basements. The expanding properties of spray foam make it easy to thoroughly seal gaps in difficult-to-access places such as rim joists and sill plates. These areas are especially leaky and should be sealed on top and bottom. When you’re sealing HVAC openings, don’t forget the areas where phone and cable cords have been run through the walls. The reward for your thoroughness will be more comfortable living spaces above the basement.

Insulating the basement is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. After all, just because you don’t feel cold doesn’t mean the heater isn’t running too much. The coldest season of the year is just around the corner, so don’t delay getting your basement winter ready. The cost of time, effort, and money will be well worth it.