Can You Use Spray Foam in Cold Weather? - Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc.

Yes, you can use spray foam in cold weather — with proper precautions and preparation.

Colder temperatures can impact the overall effectiveness of the spray foam insulation. However, there are certain things contractors like you can do to ensure it works properly, even if temperatures aren’t quite ideal.

Let’s dive into ideal spray foam temperatures and some best practices for cold-weather spray foam application.

Understanding Spray Foam Temperature Limits

The ideal temperature for most open-cell and closed-cell spray foam is between 60°F and 80°F. These ranges ensure that the foam adheres properly and expands uniformly during the curing process.

If spray foam is applied outside of the recommended temperature range, several issues can arise:

Brittle Foam: If temperatures are too cold, foam can become brittle. This can cause cracks and gaps in the insulation, impacting energy efficiency.
Foam Shrinkage or Expansion: Low temperatures can cause the foam to expand unevenly or shrink as it cures.
Improper Curing: Cold temperatures can slow down the chemical reaction between the foam’s components, resulting in foam that doesn’t fully cure.
Reduced Adhesion: Applying the foam to cold surfaces may cause it not to stick properly and lead to peeling and impact the air-tight sealing properties.

Different spray foams may have slight variations in recommended application temperatures. Consult the manufacturer and technical data sheets, as exceeding or falling short of these temperature limits can impact performance.

Best Practices for Cold Weather Spray Foam Applications

To mitigate temperature-related issues, contractors can use various tools and techniques to maintain the appropriate conditions during cold weather spray foam application.

Warm Up Your Jobsite

The ambient temperatures change throughout the day, the machine, hoses and material need to increase or decrease in temperature depending on the ambient temperatures. By keeping your jobsite at least 60 degrees, foam from 60 to 70 degrees, and equipment from 120 to 125 degrees, will help ensure the foam performances as expected.

Tent the workspace: Set up temporary plastic sheets or insulated tarps to trap heat and keep cold air out, especially in unheated structures like sheds or garages.
Use heated trailers: Heated spray foam rigs can help you keep foam materials warm before and during use.
Heat the area: Use space heaters to keep the ambient air at least 60 degrees and surface temperatures within the desired range.

Adjust Your Spray Foam Application Techniques

Cold temperatures impact how spray foam material behaves, so adjustments to your equipment and techniques can help mitigate issues.

Use hose heaters. Hose heaters can help the foam maintain temperature and viscosity as it travels through the hoses.
Apply thinner foam layers: Apply a thinner layer of foam onto the substrate than you would in warm weather. This is called a “Flash Coat”. This helps the spray foam to cure properly and helps prevent moisture from getting trapped within the foam.
Add curing time between layers: Foam takes longer to cure when it’s cold, so allowing extra time between passes helps minimize shrinkage and bonding issues.
Test small areas first. Check for proper adhesion and cell structure before completing a full job to minimize issues and customer complaints.

Many spray foam manufacturers provide specific recommendations and temperature guidelines beyond what we’ve noted here. Read and follow all guidelines to ensure the foam performs as expected..

Set Expectations With Customers

Setting clear and realistic expectations with your customers helps maintain trust and satisfaction. Educate them about the additional steps required in winter to ensure a quality job to minimize misunderstanding and disagreements.

Time extensions: Let your customers know that colder temperatures may extend the project timeline due to the extra time needed to prepare the job site and allow the foam to cure properly between layers.
Additional Heating Costs: Space heaters, heated enclosures, and warming blankets are necessary, but these can add a bit to the overall project cost and utilities.

Avoid Particularly Frigid Temperatures

If temperatures are below freezing and you’re not able to warm the foam and equipment to proper temperatures using the above techniques, it is best to reschedule. While delaying a project might not be ideal, it’s not worth the added risk to yourself, your equipment, and customer satisfaction.

Oak Ridge is Here For You All Year Long

Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc. is proud to support contractors and installers all year long. Our superior spray foam insulation products will help you support customers and tackle spray foam jobs even when temperatures start to dip.

We have a variety of spray foams designed to work in cold weather, including open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, roofing foam, molding foam, and more. Contact us today to find the right solution for your business needs.

We also offer mobile rigs and trailers for your spray foam insulation business. Winter is the perfect time to build your customer rig so it’s ready and to go when business picks up in the spring!