FAQ
Spray Foam FAQ
Is Spray Foam Safe?
Yes, correctly installed spray foam is perfectly safe. Once cured, spray foam insulation has no emissions, is chemically dead and contains no health risks. However, in recent years spray foam has received some bad publicity. Incorrectly installed spray foam can cause some serious issues including on-going off-gassing. These issues are typically caused by one of two reasons.
The first reason is incorrect mixing of the two chemical components. Spray foam is created by combining two chemical components at a specific temperature, pressure and at an exact ratio of 1:1. Polytech Foam uses the latest generation reactor and application gun from Graco. This is the most advanced reactor on the market. The reactor is designed to keep temperatures and pressures consistent and balanced. Any imbalance in the pressure which could result in an off-ratio mixture will cause the reactor to shut down. Correct temperatures and pressures are determined by the foam manufacturer.
The second common cause of problems with spray foam is excessive pass thickness. All spray foams have a maximum acceptable thickness per pass (closed cell spray foam is generally around 2” and open cell spray foam is generally around 8”). Spray foam generates considerable exothermic heat when the chemical components are combined. As a result, it is imperative that maximum pass thickness is never exceeded and adequate time is given between passes to allow the material to cool (typically 20-40 min). Excessive pass thicknesses or inadequate time between passes can generate excessive heat and burn the material causing potential off-gassing.
Polytech staff has been trained and certified by the foam manufacturer to correctly install polyurethane spray foams. We are committed to providing a quality application in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Frequent site testing is performed during the application process to verify the quality of the foam.
In addition to proper installation, there are additional, important, safety protocols that must be followed. During the application, and for a period of 24 hours, after the application is it imperative that no other trades are on site and that no one enters the premises without wearing protective safety gear, including a properly fitted fresh air breathing respirator. There are also thermal barrier requirements for spray foam in occupied spaces as burning or smoldering spray foam can release toxic gasses. A thermal barrier such as ½ drywall is intended to slow the temperature rise of the material behind it during a fire.
Both open and closed cell spray foams can be safely installed over typical electrical wiring and plumbing lines including ABS, PVC, PEX, copper and steel.
How Long Does It Take To Install Spray Foam?
This depends on the size of the project, accessibility of the area being sprayed and what type of foam is being used. Most small jobs can be completed in under a day, medium jobs such as basements or garages typically take 1-2 days and larger jobs such as entire homes typically take 3-6 days.
Are There Minimum Fees For Spray Foam?
Yes, minimum fees depend on the complexity of the job, accessibility of the work area and the amount of prep required so its best to contact us to discuss. Generally speaking, setup fees ranging from $100 – $300 will be added to the cost of small jobs. This is because of the amount of time required to tow the spray foam trailer to and from the job site, pre-heat the equipment, mask and poly surrounding areas, clean up after the job is complete and properly maintain and clean the equipment after each job.
Do You Charge For Estimates?
We are happy to provide FREE estimates although we may charge travel fees for out of town estimates. Its best to phone us to discuss as we may be able to waive travel fees if we have other jobs or estimates in your area.
Can I Be In The House Or Can Other Trades Be Present While Spray Foam Is Being Installed?
No. It is imperative that the home is vacant during the application, and for a period of 24 hours, after the application (this includes pets too). No one may enter the premises during this period without wearing protective safety gear, including a properly fitted fresh air breathing respirator.
Do I Need a Permit For Spray Foam?
Spray foaming itself does not require a specific permit, but most construction and renovation projects do. It is best to consult with your local building authority on this issue.
I Have Received An Itemised Quote For A Larger Job However I Would Only Like To Have A Portion Of The Work Completed. Will The Price Be The Same?
The answer to this is maybe. Minimum fees may be applicable, and the larger job may have been quoted at discounted rate per square foot. Its best to have us revise the quote to reflect the smaller area.
Are There Weather Related Limitations To Applying Spray Foam?
Manufactures guidelines may vary slightly however most closed cell spray foams can be installed within a range of about -10°C to +35°C (14-95°F) and open cell foams within a range of about +7°C to +35°C (45-95°F). In extreme cold weather heaters may be used to warm the substrate to acceptable temperatures or the job may be rescheduled.
Condensation, high humidity levels or damp/wet substrates may also make it impossible to install spray foam.
Will the Substrate Require Any Preparation Prior To Being Spray Foamed?
Spray foam will bond tenaciously to almost any surface that is clean and dry however there are exceptions. Materials such as galvanized steel or aluminum may require cleaning with solvents or specific primers. If your unsure its best to give us a call to discuss.
Parking Requirements
Our truck and trailer are nearly 50’ long so if we have to park on the street, we will need plenty of space. If we arrive at a job and parking (on the street, driveway or alley) is not available we may have to re-schedule the job.
Safe road conditions
Safe road conditions are important to us. A spray foam trailer can weigh up to 13,000 lbs and towing it on icy or snowy roads cab be very dangerous, especially in hilly areas. If we have a scheduled job during the winter and the roads are unsafe we may have to re-schedule.
Are there rebates available for Spray Foam Insulation?
Rebates for energy efficient upgrades are available for home and business owners in British Columbia. For the most up to date information on these rebates please view the following links.
Concrete Raising FAQ
Preparing For The Slab Raising
Please ensure that all vehicles, trailers, furniture and personal items are removed from the slab that is being raised. If the slab is in a public area it must be sectioned off while the work is being completed (this is for safety reasons). Normal use can resume immediately after the work is complete.
Parking Requirements
Our truck and trailer are nearly 50’ long so if we have to park on the street, we will need plenty of space. If we arrive at a job and parking (either on the street, driveway or alley) is not available we may have to re-schedule the job.
Will The Concrete Crack Or Break During The Raising Process?
Concrete is not intended to be raised and the lifting process requires a tremendous amount of force and pressure. We make every effort to raise the slab with no new cracks or breaks but occasionally new cracks or breaks will form during the raising process. This is unavoidable and can be caused by several things including slab binding, rebar (steel reinforcing bars) within the concrete, weak spots in the slab or low PSI strength concrete.
In addition, concrete almost always cracks during the settling process and sometimes these cracks become more noticeable when the concrete slab is raised. Occasionally we will make a strategic cut in the slab prior to or during the raising process to reduce the risk of cracking or breaking. This allows sections of the slab to move with less resistance and reduces binding issues. When cuts are required they are made in existing expansion joints whenever possible.
How Long Will The Work Take?
Most residential slabs can be raised in a few hours or less.
How Long Till I Can I Resume Use Of The Slab?
Normal use of the slab (including being drive on) can resume within about 15 minutes of the work being completed but we do recommend waiting a while before parking on the slab. Care must be taken in the hours following the work not to disturb the concrete patches.
Do I Need To Be Home While The Work Is Being Completed?
No, if we have access to the work area the client does not need to be present. We do ask the client to be available by phone if they are not present.
Is Your Estimated Price Guaranteed?
Our quoted price assumes that there are no significant/unanticipated voids under the concrete and that the soil beneath the slab is of sufficient density. Occasionally significant voids or exceptionally soft soils are found under the concrete. This is generally a result of water erosion, poor backfill quality or inadequate soil compaction. Should this occur we will not proceed with the work until we have discussed the issue with the client and revised pricing has been mutually agreed upon. If revised pricing cannot be mutually agreed upon we will not proceed with the work and will not charge the homeowner any fees.
Do You Charge For Estimates?
We are happy to provide free estimates although we may charge travel fees for out of town estimates. Its best to phone us to discuss as we may be able to waive travel fees if we have other jobs or estimates in your area.
Will You Have To Reschedule If Its Raining?
Concrete Raising can be completed in a light drizzle. If it is raining moderately or heavily we will reschedule your job as the concrete patches will be washed away by the rain and it may be unsafe to use our electric drill.
Do I Need A Permit For Concrete Raising?
Concrete Raising does not require a permit.