Commercial buildings often have stricter requirements for insulation applications than homes and residential sites. As a spray foam contractor, you must understand and follow the commercial building spray foam requirements for each job you complete. Here are some general guidelines you should know before taking on commercial spray foam jobs.
Insulation R-Value Requirements
Most building codes feature minimum R-values that a building’s insulation must meet. R-value is the measurement of heat resistance that insulation provides. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the more efficient it will be at preventing heat transfer, which helps commercial buildings and businesses save on energy costs.
Spray foam insulation has very efficient R-values, so these materials help contractors meet a building’s R-value requirements easily. You’ll find specific R-value requirements pertaining to your area in your local building code guidelines. Also, pay attention to your local codes, climate zone, and any international codes that could apply to your area.
Thermal Barrier Requirements
According to International Building Code (IBC), almost all commercial buildings must have a thermal barrier that separates the spray foam insulation from the interior. Thermal barriers help delay the spread of flames during a fire emergency, providing more time for evacuation.
These barriers are especially important when working with spray foam insulation, as the foam material is combustible and could cause flames to spread. Intumescent paints, gypsum boards, and other fire-resistant materials commonly make up thermal barriers that separate spray foam materials.
Spray Foam Thickness Requirements
The thickness and density of your spray foam insulation are also crucial in each application. Building codes typically require thicker insulation for ceilings and roofing compared to walls or floors. Thickness requirements can also depend on the type of foam you’re using. For example, open-cell foam has a smaller R-value than closed-cell foam, so you must compensate with additional layers.
Depending on your location, different building codes may have recommendations for spray foam thickness. Always check your local codes for thickness recommendations and any other commercial insulation requirements.
Familiarize yourself with the unique commercial building spray foam requirements before applying insulation in new locations. Mobile spray foam rigs from Spray Foam Systems make it easy to travel to many locations for spray foam applications. Just remember to check your local building codes to avoid issues with your spray jobs or dissatisfied clients.
