Spray Foam Insulation FAQ
What is a board foot of spray foam?
1 board foot is one square foot with 1″ depth coverage.
1 board foot = 12″ x 12″ x 1″. One Cubic Foot = 12″ x 12″ x 12″ = 1,728 cubic inches.
Does the spray foam insulation contain flame retardants?
Yes. ALL Handi-Foam spray foam insulation systems contain flame retardants.
Is the spray foam fire-proof?
NO. If exposed to sufficient heat and flame, polyurethane foam will burn. This is true of ALL polyurethane foam since it is an organic material, just like wood or cotton fabric.
Does the foam give off toxic fumes if burned?
Refer to MSDS. Burning foam will emit mainly carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and small traces of other toxic gases, such as HCL, HF and HCN. As with burning of any organic material, avoid breathing the fumes.
Is spray foam a Class 1 foam (classified by UL)?
All One-Component Handi-Foam Spray Foam Insulation carries the UL classification label on each container. Handi-Foam Two-Component Spray Foam is available in Class 1 (E-84) upon request. The local building authority should be consulted for foam classification requirements in specific applications. “Class 1” foam means that the foam insulation has been tested by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) for flame spread and smoke development, according to the ASTM E-84 tunnel test for surface burning characteristics. Most major building code authorities consider “Class 1” foam to meet these parameters: Flame spread <25* and smoke developed <450.
*Whenever numerical flame spread ratings are given, they are not intended to represent hazards under actual fire conditions.
Handi-Foam One-Component spray foam is ordinarily not recommended to fill large cavities, why?
Handi-Foam One-Component spray foam is moisture-cured, therefore the spray foam closest to the surface, because it is exposed to the moisture in the air, will cure first, but the inside of the cavity may not cure properly and completely. However, by filling the cavity in layers allowing each layer of Spray Foam to cure would be a better option. Also, spraying mist from a water bottle will aid the curing process.
Handi-Foam One-Component spray foam, when exposed to direct sunlight must be painted or stained. Why?
The sun’s ultraviolet rays will discolor and deteriorate the spray foam insulation over a period of time.
Why use Handi-Foam Two-Component spray foam for large voids and surface areas?
Because Two-Component spray foam insulation is a chemically cured product, tack-free in minutes and cures very fast. Additional moisture to aid curing inside of the cavity is NOT necessary.
What happens to Spray foam insulation if it is stored at high temperatures?
It reduces the shelf life. Pressurized containers may rupture if stored above 120 degrees F.
What happens to the spray foam insulation if it is stored at lower temperatures?
This may cause further separation of liquid components in the can, requiring greater agitation (shaking) before using, and/or longer time will be necessary to re-condition chemicals to proper application temperatures.
What happens if the spray foam is used at colder temperatures?
Lower temperatures will cause slower flow rates and may result in a longer cure time. The Two-Component mixing and spray pattern will be severely affected.
What happens if the spray foam insulation is used at higher temperatures?
This will cause faster flow rates, created by higher pressure in the can. The yield and density of Two-Component foam insulation may be affected in extreme conditions.
What if cured foam insulation is exposed to temperatures outside of the working range?
This may cause degradation in the spray foam’s characteristics. Extreme temperatures may create a fire hazard.
What should be done if the spray foam gets into the eyes?
Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and IMMEDIATELY consult a physician.
What if the spray foam gets on the skin?
Scrub repeatedly with soap (abrasive cleaner or pumice soap works best) and water. Apply hand cream if irritation develops, and consult a physician if it persists.