How To Store Your Spray Foam And Coating System

Bymerl@oakridgepoly.com General, Polyurea Coatings, Spray Foam Insulation, Tips for Applicators

Properly storing and maintaining your spray foam and polyurea coatings is important if you want to minimize waste, reduce downtime and repair costs, and ensure proper application for your customers. Let’s dive in to help you get the most out of your spray foam and equipment.  

Properly Prepare Equipment for Storage

After you’re done using your equipment, be sure to empty and clean it to prepare it for storage and reduce foam waste. 

  • Turn your machine heaters off and let the system cool.
  • Pull your barrel transfer pumps from the drums and put them in a minimum of 3-5 gallons of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) in two separate 5 gallon buckets.
  • Take the spray gun off the manifold and get two waste buckets. They can be clean if you want to try and save some of the good foam or coating.
  • Turn the valves on at the manifold and hold over the buckets.
  • Turn your transfer barrel pumps on and let them run until the liquid starts to run clear. Keep this good chemical and continue until the liquid is pure MEK.
  • Now switch over the pumps to two separate buckets of DOP storage material. Pump out the same way by keeping the used MEK for future flushing or cleaning up. Keep the A and B buckets separate. 
  • Check your “Y” strainers and the main inlet buy the ¾” ball valves.
  • Turn off the valves at the manifold. You’re done.

Store Foam & Equipment at Proper Temperatures 

Temperature is the most important aspect of storing your spray foam and equipment. Store equipment and unused spray foam between 60°F and 80°F to avoid degradation and separation of the chemicals. Use climate controlled storage spaces whenever possible. 

  • Store unused foam insulation in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent premature curing, gelling, or pressure build-up.
  • Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination and moisture damage. 

Label All Containers

Never put anything into storage that’s not clearly labeled and easily identifiable. Labels ensure that you’re using the right type of foam or coating for each project and minimize the chance of dangerous chemical mix-ups. 

  • Make sure labels are clearly visible when the containers are placed in storage. 
  • Mark important dates such as when the foam was delivered, opened, and when it expires for easy inventory management.
  • Use the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to keep the oldest foam and products toward the front of your storage facility.  

Keep Safety Top of Mind

Safety is important to help prevent injury to yourself and your employees and keep operational costs low for your spray foam business. 

  • Always store spray foam and coating containers upright to prevent spills and leaks.
  • Keep containers away from heat sources to prevent accidental fires. 
  • Keep all material safety data sheets (MSDS) and make sure they’re easy to access when needed.
  • Always review and adhere to all manufacturer guidelines and specifications to ensure safety.

Get High-Quality Spray Foam from Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc. is here for all your spray foam and coating needs — from custom-built rigs to the best spray foam and equipment on the market. We support spray foam and coating applicators and contractors all across the United States. 

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