Why Choose Spray Foam for Insulation?
There is a reason why polyurethane foam is used in most every refrigerator, hot water heater, refreshment cooler, insulated flask, and hot tub. You don’t see fiberglass batts wrapped around the space shuttle either. That’s because polyurethane foam is far more superior in its R-value, structural strength, air/moisture sealing, and form fitting characteristics.
Owners and facility managers are becoming more educated and more demanding of the building materials used in the construction of their properties. They are seeking the best, highest performing, and sustainable materials for their properties and their occupants, not to mention their wallets. And even though spray foam is more expensive, it can absolutely help to save money and create much greater value and performance over time.
High R-Value
Sprayed polyurethane foam has an aged R-value of approximately 6.0 per 1 inch thickness (depending on the particular formulation and application, higher values have been achieved), enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation material. SPF systems are frequently used to insulate and protect a wide variety of commercial and industrial buildings.
Reduce Moisture and Mold
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
Applications
Condensation Prevention
Many metal buildings are often constructed with little or no thought of what will happen when heat is introduced to the structure and condensation forms on the inside of the metal siding. Spraying foam in metal pole buildings, shops, etc. is a simple and effective way to control condensation.
Decorative Uses
Spray foam is a popular substrate for artists. The ability to create unique, structurally self-supporting, easily carved masterpieces is the reason why. RPC Industries, Inc. has worked on many of these projects for theaters, colleges, corporations, and amusement parks. Along with some talented artists, we have created everything from faux rocks to a life-sized cliff face to a 30-foot-tall monkey.
Marine and Floatation
- Polyurethane foam is commonly used in the holds of large fishing vessels to provide a brine or dry freezer to hold the catch until delivery. These are normally insulated at a thickness of 4 inches.
- Insulation and condensation control is accomplished easily with ½”-2” of foam sprayed in the wheelhouse, cabin, and hull of a new or retrofit project.
- Two pound density polyurethane foam provides 60lbs. of flotation per cubic foot and is used in barges and boats.
- Also used for filling plastic and steel piping or drums for the flotation of docks and houseboats.
- Coast Guard approved.
- Utilized in marine navigation buoys.
Hot and Cold Storage
Hot & Cold Storage Tanks insulated with spray polyurethane foam perform better than those with other insulation types. Spray polyurethane foam forms a monolithic thermal barrier on any shaped surface, providing excellent temperature control of material within.
- Thickness of the foam varies depending on insulation needs.
- Polyurea finishes are often used for greater resistance to chemicals in industrial areas.
We are very experienced with tanks containing steaming oil to liquid nitrogen, and everything in between. We have also insulated sophisticated equipment destined for the South Pole.