PREP WORK FOR FOAM INSULATION
The prep work ahead of a sprayed insulation job is an important step. It’s how we protect the job site from overspray. It’s also how we ensure we leave the site better than when we started a job. When you contract with Green Planet Foam & Fiber for your Foam and Insulation Needs, this step is included in our price quote. We cover all windows, doors, showers, tubs, and other surfaces that must be protected with plastic sheeting. With experience, we have learned certain ways to cover efficiently. Leaving this work to us also helps avoid any questions that could arise. If the customer does the prep work and overspray gets on a window, it’s more complicated to determine who is responsible.
Our policy is that it must be covered or removed from the space if you don't want to overspray on it. Remember, our salespeople consider all of this during the bidding process. If there is anything you can remove from the building in advance of the project, it can save you money. This also guarantees that your things are moved and stored the way you want. Building components that cannot be removed, such as prefinished floors, can increase the installation cost because they must be protected.
BEFORE
Our Services Include:
Mold Removal
Mold Treatment
Mildew Removal
Mildew Treatment
Drainage Solutions
Exterior Services
Mold Inspections
Where Foam Insulation Fits in the Process
It’s important to ensure all the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work is complete before we get there. For our installation to be the most energy-efficient and cost-effective, these items must be in place. We are no different than most subcontractors. If we have to pay our crew to wait on other contractors to complete work on the job site, or if we need to make additional trips, it ends up costing more money. If possible, do not have drywall delivered until your job is complete. Drywall is difficult to work around, making it one more thing to be protected. It can also be a safety hazard for our foam insulation applicators maneuvering on the site.
Keep in mind that we will be dragging a hose approximately 3 inches in diameter around the work site. We will also trim foam, resulting in foam dropping to the floor surface. We realize we’re working on a construction site, but good housekeeping benefits everyone working on the job. You don’t want to pay us to clean up after other contractors on the job – each contractor should do their part. When taking bids from all spray-on insulation contractors (or other contractors for your site), ensure they understand the job site should be left neat and clean every night at quitting time. The state where a contractor leaves a job site at the end of the day says a lot about what kind of work they are doing. This is something to pay attention to throughout the building process!
Access Points Before Foam Insulation
We need clear vertical access to all areas where we will install spray foam insulation. We can’t work safely from extension ladders while dragging a heavy 3-inch hose. Most of the time, we don’t use ladder access to spray foam. We use scaffolding to provide job-specific access. This is a lot faster and safer!
We also need proper access to the job site. This means snow must be removed before our arrival in cold months. Or, if the site is muddy and doesn’t have some gravel installed, we won’t be able to get our truck into place. Dumpsters, building materials, or other equipment that prevents access must also be removed so we can use our equipment accurately.
AFTER
Proper backing must be installed. This means areas like soffits, knee walls, and common walls in garages need sheeting or backing before we can begin. We have to have something to spray our foam insulation too! When backing, ensure the joints are tight. Spray foam will find all cracks and holes. When the backing isn’t secure, the foam will come out the other side – potentially onto the siding, windows, or a shiny car! Unfortunately, when this happens, it does not come off easily. Here’s a tip: use canned spray foam to seal large joints, cracks, or holes before we begin.
Along the same lines, all wiring, plumbing, ductwork, etc., needs to be properly fastened. When the sprayed insulation expands, it will bring wiring out with it. The problem comes when we trim the foam – we can’t see the displaced wiring, and it may get cut accidentally. This doesn’t make anyone happy and can be easily avoided. Ask your electrician to staple wires well to keep things in place.
To protect our installers and your site, HVAC vents in the floors should be covered before we start. As you can imagine, these holes pose a safety hazard for workers to fall in or roll a scaffold over. Covering vents also protects them from dirt or debris falling on the job site. Some contractors use scrap sheeting screwed down over them to keep debris – like spray foam trimmings – from entering the ductwork.
Stairwells and other open areas also pose safety hazards to contractors. For this reason, they must have proper safety railing installed to OSHA specifications. A safe, compliant site helps alleviate the chances of a work-related injury and related liability.
Following these steps helps us keep costs down and, more importantly, helps keep everyone safe on the job site. If you have questions, be sure to call and ask – we are happy to provide insight on how you can prepare your site to be as safe as possible!
