FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers for All Your Inquiries

 
Q: IS SPRAY FOAM ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
A: Spray foam’s base element is oil. Depending on the manufacturer and formula, they may be able to use an additive of plant-based oils up to around for 5% for 2 lb foam and 10% for 1\2 lb foam. 

All foams are required to use Freon that is zero-ozone depleting, and near future foams will have very low global warming potential Freon. 

The biggest environmentally benefit will be based on the more efficient the building is, using far less energy to maintain the temperature.


Q: IS SPRAY FOAM SOYA BASED?
A: Some companies will state that their product is soya based. They may have a soya oil additive of up to 5% for 2 lb foam and or 10% for 1\2 lb foam. Most manufacturers will have bio-based additives that use a variety of non-edible plants like soya, sugarcane, castor, etc.


Q: HOW MUCH FOAM DO I NEED?
A: The thickness of foam you need can be dictated by the area you live in, the authority in charge (city inspector or private company), the purpose of the building you are insulating, and your budget.

Typically we recommend two inches in the basement, three inches on wood walls and joists, and four inches on the roof deck. Steel skin shop and garages should have two inches.


Q: HOW DO I GET A QUOTE?
A: The best way to get a quote is to call or email and arrange a walkthrough of the project. Or if you have the measurements of the area to be sprayed, we can give you a ballpark figure.


Q: WHAT DO I NEED FOR A PERMIT?
A: Any work in the city requires a permit if you are affecting the vapour barrier in your home or commercial building. Garages, farm buildings, etc. may fall under different rules. Check with your local inspection service to be sure. We have all the documents that are needed for permits.


Q: CAN I BE IN THE HOUSE WHILE SPRAYING?
A: It is recommended that you not be in the home while we are working, and by code if we are spraying a larger area you should be prepared to leave the house for 24 hours to allow any gasses to dissipate. 

Spray foam’s chemical base is similar to automotive paint. You don’t want to be in the booth during the paint process, but when the paint is cured everything is good. Our people are trained and wear the proper equipment while working on site.


Q: HOW LONG WILL THE INSTALLATION TAKE?
A: The time on site will depend on the size and complexity of your project. Joist ends can take an hour or two. A basement can take four hours or more. A whole house could be two days or more. We were on and off site at the Mosaic Stadium for over a year.


Q: HOW FAR AWAY CAN YOU PARK FROM MY HOUSE?
A: Most of our rigs have 200 feet of hose. The less hose that is on the ground the better, so we recommend moving things around so we can get closer to a window or door for access. In most cases we can reach from the street.


Q: HOW COLD CAN THE SITE BE FOR YOU TO WORK?
A: Because the chemicals are heated and need to maintain temperatures above 40º C, at about -15ºC we typically decide not to go to site. If there is adequate heat in the building and we can get close enough, we may work when it’s a little colder.

High temperatures can prevent us from working as well. We wear non-breathable Tyvek suits, so we can get too hot and the product can be too hot to mix properly.


Q: HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY SITE?
A: When we come to your site, we need to be able to park as close as possible. We may have a large step van or truck and trailer, so ample parking is helpful. We are wearing construction clothing, so we need easy access to the spray area, drop clothes etc. in order to access the work area frequently. The work area should be clear of personal belongs, tools, etc. We require a minimum of four feet of clearance around the walls and full access to ceiling areas. The furnace may need to be turned off, and windows may need to be opened.


Q: DO YOU REQUIRE A VAPOUR BARRIER?
A: No vapour barrier is required. All CCMC-certified spray foams must be a vapour barrier at 50 mm or two inches.


Q: AT WHAT STAGE OF THE PROJECT DO I LOOK AT HAVING FOAM PRICED OUT?
A: The project financing, scheduling of other trades, etc. can all determine when you call us. If it’s a new project or home, then you will want pricing at the design stage to help determine budget as well as how other trades will interact with foam application and for permit approval. 

Smaller projects such as basement walls, joist ends and garages may have us in closer to when we are needed. Depending on the season and our schedule, we may need five to ten days lead time.


Q: ARE YOU CERTIFIED?
A: Yes we are. We are certified as a company to purchase foam from our suppliers and we have several certified installers. We are approved by the city of Regina to install foam in their jurisdiction.