Experts predict that jobs in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry will increase by 15% between 2016 and 2026. As part of a growing industry, HVAC contractors need to stay current on all types of products related to their work. One such product is spray foam insulation. HVAC contractors need to know how spray foam works, what the benefits are, and how to use spray foam tools and equipment.
How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work, and What Are the Benefits of This Material?
Spray foam can be used for complete insulation on a house or building and to prevent air and water from seeping in, so it makes the structure more energy-efficient and therefore reduces energy costs. Spray foam may also be used to strengthen a house or building’s structure and make it resistant to mold and airborne debris.
Spray foam roofing is polyurethane foam used for insulation, waterproofing, and structural durability. The cost is typically recouped by the homeowner or building owner in fewer than 10 years, because of lower energy costs for heating and air conditioning. Spray foam can cover any surface on a roof, no matter its shape, and seals off areas such as holes and the sheet metal used in waterproofing. The spray foam roofing process is fast, which saves on labor and causes less disruption for homeowners and building occupants. It can be used for metal, wood, clay, and asphalt roofs.
How Do I Add Spray Foam Insulation to My Contracting Services?
Start by deciding whether you’ll focus on commercial or residential spray foam services. Think about the competition in your area, and specialize in a kind of work that isn’t already being offered. This will help you figure out what spray foam tools and equipment, training, and materials you’ll need.
The crucial consideration is the time, effort, and cost involved in adding spray foam insulation to your list of services. Most of your costs will go to spray foam tools and equipment, but your specific costs will depend on the kinds of work you expect to do and on the quality of the spray foam tools and equipment.
Once you have a budget and a business plan in place, you’ll need to find a supplier that can provide spray foam products, spray foam rigs, and any other items you’ll require for the areas you’ll be working in. Foam manufacturing and distributing companies typically provide support services as well as equipment. Selecting a company as your main supplier is a crucial decision. Ask if they offer the materials you’ll need for your areas of specialization, and if they’re experienced in these areas. Ask if they are close enough to the locations where you’ll be working to provide technical help and material and parts support. Find out the brand’s reputation, and whether the company appears in the spray foam industry’s business directory.
Training is the next step. Deep knowledge of spray foam products, and applications such as spray foam roofing installation and spray foam insulation, will be crucial to your success. You’ll also need to learn about foam processing, the proper ways to operate equipment, and maintenance.
While training, you may need to visit the suppliers’ facilities, or you may get training at your job site. Contractors can get the full value of training when all employees attend. Spray foam suppliers provide very thorough training that lets contractors begin the work immediately after. Training and knowledge of spray foam applications and products should be ongoing and not a one-time occurrence.
Breaking into the spray foam business isn’t easy, but having a careful plan in place will give you the best chance at success. If you offer types of spray insulation that your competitors don’t, you should quickly gain a foothold. You’ll need to learn about spray foam insulation rigs, spray foam insulation products, spray foam parts and other items you may need as you expand your HVAC business. Once you’re able to offer spray foam services, you’ll help customers keep their energy costs down, strengthen their house or building’s structure, and prevent damage from mold and debris. Go online and search for spray foam distributing companies near you. They can help you get started.
