The cold winter months are when you are more likely to notice drafts, cold walls/cold floors, and inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. If you’re wondering if it’s too late, it’s not. Simply put, spray foam can be applied in the winter months however it’s important to have it installed by an experienced installer which truthfully is the most important factor in any season.
Here’s why:
Spray foam insulation is only as good as the quality of the install
Spray foam is the highest quality insulation you can get on the market. This is because spray foam creates an airtight seal. In practice, this makes your home behave more like a cooler. With that said, it must be installed correctly for it to perform as intended. An example of this difference can be seen when compared to other insulation products like fiberglass batts which can just be imprecisely placed in the wall cells which does not create a true thermal barrier. Because of this, spray foam is dependent on the installer having the basics down. From material temperature to substrate temperature, to moisture levels, to lift thickness and much more. A multitude of variables need to be in harmony for spray foam to work as designed. In winter, the margin for error is smaller which means colder months call for an experienced contractor with an eye for detail.
What matters most in cold weather spray foam jobs
Material Temperature (Drum Temps)
- Spraying: It’s important for the material to be brought up to correct temperatures in the drums while in the trailer before the trigger is ever pulled. These temperatures are found on the product Technical Data Sheet provided by the manufacturer.
- Storage: Even when not being sprayed, the chemical needs to be stored at manufacturer specified temperatures (not too cold or hot) as being stored outside of these parameters will affect the products viability.
Temperature of substrate
- Substrate temperature must be warm and dry enough for the foam to properly adhere.
Condensation and moisture levels
- Cold months mean big swings (warm indoor air meets cold surfaces).
- Substrates over 20% moisture must be dried out.
- When surface temperature drops to or falls below the dew point temperature of surrounding air, it generates dew. Substrate temperature must be 5°F above dew point. The right heater will raise substrate temperature without adding moisture to the air.
Common Winter concerns (and how a good installer overcomes them)
- Foam pulling from substrate → proper temps + precise ratio + low moisture
- Crunchy/brittle foam → dialed in pressures + correct temps + accurate ratio
- Poor adhesion → dry surface + correct substrate temp
- Ventilation – Winter installs also require a clear ventilation plan. A good contractor will ventilate the space during and after application and set expectations for cure time and re-entry, especially for occupied homes.
Questions to ask your installer
- Have you had good results in the past spraying during the cold months?
- What thickness is best for my project?
- How do you check for condensation/dew point risk on the surfaces?
- What’s your ventilation plan during and after application?
Why planning now (January-March) is beneficial
- Get ahead of busy season: experienced crews historically get booked out far quickly once spring settles in.
- Get your budget and scope locked in: most contractors will give you a free quote which gives you time to plan.
- Beat the summer heat: Planning and installing before keeps you from waiting with high energy bills.
Conclusion
If you’d like, we can connect you with a trusted installer and help you ask the right questions for your specific project. As a premier spray foam manufacturer, we have a network of trusted spray foam contractors that can help you decide what is best for you. Reach out today at info@sprayips.com or give us a call at 812.776.6727 to get connected with a trusted installer or to get more information.
