Material is a costly investment in any project and can easily change your profit margin if you’re not careful. Time has been a learning experience and our experts prepared the top four ways to save material and prevent waste on the job site and in storage.
1. Balance the chemical ratio: When applying spray foam, it’s important to keep your chemical ratio accurate based on the material supplier’s specifications. Is your foam not sticking to the substrate? Is it fishy smelling? These are all signs your ratio is off, requiring a second application and wasting additional material. The fishy smell is a result of the foam being resin rich, requiring a decrease in the “A” side.
2. Be aware of internal drum temps: Material should be applied at manufacturer appointed temperatures. Equally important is keeping stored material within material temperature storage range. Keep material at the right temperature prevents waste over time and ensures material is ready to use. Click here for drum heating options.
3. Prevent increased oxygen: Air can be your best friend or worst enemy. When applying foam, it helps to cure the material. However, when too much air settles in the drum, moisture begins to build – eventually causing iso crystals to form and destroying material. Desiccant Dryers are an inexpensive way to avoid moisture buildup.
4. Don’t store too long: Ever heard of Newton’s First Law? “An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion…” Same goes for your material. The longer it sits, the lower quality your spray becomes. Chances are, if your material is sitting for a long time, it’s also at the wrong storage temp. It’s best to use material before it goes bad. Even if the material is designed for cold weather and it’s summer, your manufacturer will likely have instruction for applying in opposite climates.
