Enverge spray foam insulation is designed for best results when sprayed in the following conditions:

Ambient Temp:

Relative Humidity:

When ambient conditions are below 40°F it is necessary to warm and dry the building or substrates. Heating of ambient temperatures within an environment must cease at time of application, due to possible reaction of foam chemicals with heat source. Heat the area, turn off the heater, then spray.

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Substrate Moisture Content

Moisture content within a substrate can lead to delimitation issues and other concerns when applying spray foam insulation. This is especially a concern in crawlspaces where moisture levels can be high in some climates. Make certain moisture levels fall below 18% moisture content.

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Pro Tip

Be cautious when heating the ambient temperatures within a space. Using a diesel or kerosene heater is typically a better option than using propane. Propane heaters can increase moisture and relative humidity within a space over a shorter period of time. Higher moisture levels can lead to issues in the spray foam manufacturing process. It is wise to add heaters in the first steps of prepping a job site. Heat the area while chemicals are being recirculated and the job site is being prepped. Make certain all heaters are turned off during the install process.

How to Identify

Cold foam has very minimal expansion and off gassing. The reaction time is slower because the foam remains in a liquid state longer. It will often drip when being sprayed overhead. Once reaction begins to occur, the slower expansion leads to pocketing and poor adhesion. All of these issues ultimately result in lower yield.

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How to Correct

Cold foam needs more heat. Slowly increase the pre-heater and hose temperatures in 3 degree increments. Test spray areas until the visual signs of cold foam no longer exist. If it is possible to warm the substrate, this can also help. As you adjust the temperature, be aware that much of the chemical within the hose must be sprayed before the you will see the new temperature results at the gun. This is why incremental adjustments in temperature are better than a drastic change.

Settings

The A-side, B-side, and Hose Heat must maintain temperatures within the following range for proper results:

Pro Tip:

Not only is the ambient temperature within the spray environment a needed consideration, so can be the substrate temperature and the material of the substrate. For example, metal and concrete are typically colder than wood and can actually absorb some of the heat from the chemical as it is applied. To correct this, the substrate can be heated or an flash coat of foam (i.e. a very thin first coat) can be applied to heat the substrate before applying the full lift coat.

How to Identify

Spray foam likes heat which aids in the development of the foam, but when the chemical is too hot, the foam will react too quickly. This leads to a lower density when the foam is fully developed. Shrinkage can also occur with hot foam. Significant off gassing will be visible, and in some cases, this can pose a fire risk.

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How to Correct

Slowly reduce the pre-heater and hose temperatures in 3-degree increments. Test spray areas until the visual signs of hot foam no longer exist. As you adjust the temperature, be aware that much of the chemical within the hose most be sprayed before the you will see the new temperature results at the gun. This is why incremental adjustments in temperature are better than a drastic change.

Settings

The A-side, B-side, and Hose Heat must maintain temperatures within the following range for proper results:

Pro Tip

Heat chemical until you begin to see signs of Hot Foam, then back down temps slightly to achieve desired appearance and chemical reaction. This can be a good technique to maximize yield for the specific environment and conditions.

Resin rich foam is caused by a mixture imbalance in the developed foam. Too much of the B-side (resin) was in the mixture, compared to the amount of A-side (ISO).

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How to Identify

Foam will visually appear lighter in color and creamer to the touch. The smell will also change. Resin rich foam is generally more potent. Upon further examination, you will notice the resin rich foam will collapse easier under pressure and can be very squishy and gooey. The foam may also not fully develop and will sag or drip in the wall cavity, leaving shallow areas near the top. If this is seen, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

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How to Correct

First, check your proportioner gauges to make certain A and B side pressures are balanced. If they are not balanced, see B-side Supply Clog below. If they are balanced, see B-side Delivery Clog below.

A-side Supply Clog:

• Verify correct inlet pressure to the proportioner at inlet pressure gauge. Refer to pump manufacturer for proper inlet pressure specifications. If pressure is too low, the pump or transfer hose may be clogged. Check for obstructions. You may also need to repair/rebuild the upper or lower section of the pump.
• The viscosity of foam can also restrict flow rates. Cold chemical may not achieve proper pressure until it is warmed.

A-side Delivery Clog:

• Check Proportioner Y-Strainer - Remove screen and clean/replace as necessary.
• Check Gun Block - Disconnect and confirm no clogging in the block. A cross-over of chemical can also clog the block.
• Check Gun Screens - Remove screens and clean/replace as necessary.
• Check Mixing Chamber - Remove chamber and confirm offices are clean and clear. Clean out accordingly with proper sized drill bit and pin vise. Also confirm there is no scoring where the side seals contact the mixing chamber. Resurfacing with 600/800 grit sandpaper may correct the issue. Be sure to place the sandpaper on a perfectly flat surface.  If scoring is too deep, the chamber may need to be replaced. Once the chamber is inserted back into the gun, make certain no chemical mists out from the gun when the chamber is not engaged.

There are a few different contamination possibilities that can occur and cause issues during spray foam application. Common issues are outlined and addressed below.

• Blockage / Clogging
• Water Intrusion
• Chemical Intrusion

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Blockage / Clogging

Blockage on the A-side will produce a foam mixture with too much Resin. See Resin Rich Foam above for information on identifying and correcting A-side blockage. If this is seen, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

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Water Intrusion

Identify water Intrusion:

ISO will harden and create crystals in the system. These will be observed in the screens.

Correct water Intrusion:

If minimal amounts of crystallization occur, it may be a humidity issue and can be corrected with a desiccant drier cartridge attached to the recirculation hose.

If larger amounts of crystallization are seen, there may be water intrusion. Water usually enters through the drum. Sometimes this can be caused by spillage on the drum or condensation forming on the transfer pump. If water is observed coming out of transfer pump, the rig air dryer is probably not working. It's also important to make sure the pump collar is screwed into the drum bung. Lack of a proper seal can allow moisture to enter the drum.

Check the air dryer. If an electrical air dryer is being used, make certain it is getting power and is turned on. Most dryers have an automatic drain. These drains can stop working, so check to make sure it is draining properly. Also check air filters on the air dryer, if applicable. If your air compressor has a tank, make sure it is drained and free of water.

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Chemical Intrusion

Identify resin contamination in ISO:

Little droplets or balls of foam will appear in your Y-strainer.

Correct resin contamination in ISO:

Immediately look inside your drum. You will see flecks of foam in the drum. The only way to correct this is to either clean your y-strainer frequently while this drum is sprayed out, or strain all the chemical into another clean drum.

There are a few different contamination possibilities that can occur and cause issues during spray foam application. Common issues are outlined and addressed below.

• Blockage / Clogging
• Water Intrusion
• Chemical Intrusion

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Blockage / Clogging

Blockage on the B-side will produce a foam mixture with too much ISO. See ISO Rich Foam above for information on identifying and correcting B-side blockage. If this is seen, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

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Water Intrusion

Identify Water Intrusion:

Cell structure of the foam will change. Large air pockets will start to show inside the foam. Larger amount of off-gassing will also occur from the steam created due to excess water.

Correct Water Intrusion:

Resin is not nearly as susceptible to moisture related issues as ISO. If evidence of moisture is found, it means there is probably significant moisture in the drum. It must be determined if this is acceptable or if the drum needs to be replaced.

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Chemical Intrusion

Identify ISO contamination in resin:

Little droplets or balls of foam will appear in your Y-strainer.

Correct ISO contamination in resin:

Immediately look inside your drum. You will see flecks of foam in the drum. The only way to correct this is to either clean your y-strainer frequently while this drum is sprayed out, or strain all the chemical into another clean drum.