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The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Building Envelope Committee (BEC) has developed and published several new TechDocs and TechTips in 2019.
Nearly two years ago, the BEC decided to reorganize and update the TechDocs related to below-grade applications of SPF insulation. Starting with SPFA-140 “Spray Polyurethane Foam for Exterior Subgrade Thermal and Moisture Protection”, the BEC published an update in early 2019. This document focuses on the application of closed-cell SPF insulation on the exterior side of below-grade walls. In 2019 the BEC also developed two new TechDocs addressing the application of SPF insulation on the interior side of below-grade walls and SPF insulation below sub-grade concrete slabs.
SPFA-152 “Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation for the Interior of Basement and Crawlspace Walls” provides contractors and design professionals with important details regarding installation of SPF on the inside of crawlspace and basement walls, including best practices for insulating and air sealing the foundation-framing interface. SPFA-153 “Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation for Below-Slab Applications” includes best practices for using closed-cell SPF prior to the installation of sub-grade concrete slabs. Details include addressing proper drainage and soil gas control using SPF.
With the update to SPFA-140 and publication of SPFA-152 and 153, contractors and design professionals now have a complete series of best-practice documents for the application of SPF on all subgrade building assemblies.
See below, under SPF Tech, for specific information and links to these documents.
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Winners of the industry awards program highlight some of the most noteworthy 2019 projects completed by contractors in spray polyurethane foam insulation, roofing and specialty applications, as well as in elastomeric coatings.
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The James Davidson Innovative Student Scholarship is a $600 scholarship and was initiated by SprayWorks Equipment Group owner, James Davidson. James has been designing robots and equipment for the Polyurethane industry for decades and has 50 years of experience in the industry. Our goal is to support innovation amongst Chemical Science students and encourage them to continue innovation in their chosen field.
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Welcome New SPFA Members:
5 Star Energy Solutions, LLC
Choice Insulation and Fireplace
H3 Polymers Inc.
J & J Insulation Services, LLC
LEED Insulation
Silverdale Insulation LLC
TurboTek, LLC
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Energy codes require that below-grade walls must be insulated in most climate zones. In certain climate zones, insulation around and below footings, as well as frost-protected shallow foundations1, may also be required. An effective means to insulate below-grade surfaces, especially during new construction, is the application of closed-cell foam to the exterior side of below grade walls. This application provides a continuous, air-impermeable water-resistant layer of insulation around the entire perimeter of the building.
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For this document, the terms basement and crawl space are used interchangeably, referring to the portions of buildings that are primarily below grade. Some codes specify the interior heights and percent below grade in their definitions of basements and crawl spaces. This document addresses any portion of a structure that is below or on grade underneath or at the lowest level of an occupied structure.
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The building science industry has researched and written a large body of information on heat, air, and moisture control in below-grade applications. Please refer to document regarding Information relevant to the use of SPF in these applications.
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Based on results from an experimental study conducted on a single laminated veneer lumber
(LVL) beam substrate, SPFA suggests using adhesion primers to improve adhesion of SPF to
engineered wood products (EWP) substrates where adhesion is a problem. Other mechanical
surface preparations to the LVL beam in this study show no statistical improvements and the
use of stapled fabrics appear to lower adhesive strength. The details of this study are provided
in this document.
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Building assemblies typically include wiring and plastic piping made from thermoplastic materials which can soften and melt at elevated temperatures. Electrical wiring such as NM-B (Romex) as well as low-voltage wiring for LAN cables, TV cables and speaker wires use thermoplastic PVC jacketing and insulation. Plastic piping and conduit are made from thermoplastic materials such as PVC, polyethylene (PEX) and ABS.
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In recent years, several foam manufacturers have introduced high-lift or high-loft mediumdensity
closed-cell spray foam insulations. Using new formulations that reduce susceptibility to
peak exothermic temperatures, these high-lift foams may be sprayed at maximum pass
thicknesses from 4” to 8”, depending on product, without having charring or burnout.
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The SPFA’s Director of Certification, Kelly Marcavage, frequently receives phone calls and emails from panicked contractors. They’ve just received Request for Proposal (RFP), but the specification calls for an SPFA PCP Certified Installer or a PCP Accredited Contractor Company. They want to know how quickly they can become certified. Our first questions is, “Are you certifiable?” The one determining factor that can’t be rushed is having the experience required to meet the certification requirements.
Once we determine that the contractor has the experience necessary to meet the certification requirements, the SPFA PCP Team goes into high gear to get that contractor certified as soon as possible. With the use of technology and remote testing, earning a PCP certification can be accomplished promptly if you have all the tools in place.
We are here to help but our recommendation is for you to avoid this scenario and get your certifications completed in advance so that you are ready when an RFP like this crosses your desk.
We are here to help you on the path to professionalism in the SPF industry!
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These individuals hold a prestigious SPFA PCP Certification. You are invited to join this group by earning your credentials too! There are opportunities to meet the certification requirements at the upcoming Sprayfoam Convention in Pasadena, CA or at one of the upcoming Roadshow Events or even from the comfort of your home or office with our remote testing. Contact Kelly Marcavage at certdirector@sprayfoam.org for more details! We hope to see YOU added to this list!
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SEI Group, LLC
Atlanta, GA
Job Description:
A leading Insulation Company is seeking a dynamic individual to become a part of our Management Team. As a subcontractor to all of the major residential builders in Atlanta, we pride ourselves on quality and strive to offer our customers the highest service level and products in the industry.
As part of our Operations Management team you will work to identify our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.
The ideal candidate will excel in customer service while assisting our customers with their needs, as well as working outdoors to ensure a successful installation.
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