Spray foam insulation is used to fill cracks and gaps in walls, roofs and attics. The two components that combine to form spray polyurethane foam (Side A: isocyanate and Side B: polyol resin) come packaged in 55-gallon drum sets that must be stored according to certain procedures, then transported by transfer pumps to the proportioning machine for application.
Equipment
Step One: Receive Training
Spray foam insulation is a niche field, and requires training in its operation. There are various means available for this purpose; attach yourself with an existing company that utilizes this technology or enroll at a technical college nearby for this process.
Once you have received training in spray foam insulation technology, it is time to purchase equipment for your new business. When choosing a distributor or supplier for spray foam equipment, prioritize those offering material warranties and tech support as this will allow your venture to succeed successfully.
Starting out right is key when purchasing a spray foam machine package; one such as the Graco E20 model provides enough flexibility and upgrades as your needs and upgrades evolve over time. Suitable for placement in both box trucks and trailers, compatible with diesel generators, 3HP compressors, heated hoses, Heated Guns, Heated Hoses and the Graco Fusion PC spray gun allows for work to continue regardless of weather.
Training
Training is of utmost importance in any job requiring insulation, vapor barriers, or polyurea applications. Training should cover product knowledge and application as well as equipment operation and maintenance, with familiarization of local building codes being highly advised upon.
Avoid purchasing used or renting foam equipment from private individuals and consider instead purchasing new spray foam insulation equipment from a reputable distributor/supplier who provides warranties and technical support instead.
Spray foam rigs are essential tools in providing application services. These units consist of a proportioner for setting temperatures on materials A and B as well as the spray gun used to spray polyurethane foam. A range of air driven and electric/hydraulic proportioners with different output capabilities are also available, while various generators, compressors, and heated hoses may be auxiliary equipment that aid this process.
Business Plan
As a spray foam contractor, your role involves more than simply operating the spray rig. There’s much to be learned in terms of bidding and estimating jobs and pricing as well as safety measures and job site preparation – skills which cannot simply be acquired through training – they must be nurtured over time through experience and time.
As well as making sure that you have all of the required equipment and business model elements in place, it’s also crucial that you secure all legal protection. This means acquiring any required licenses or permits required by your city, county or state government.
Start by researching industry literature and gathering quotes from reliable distributors. Make sure your quote includes everything necessary for your business needs such as spray rig, equipment and supplies that match up well. Look for suppliers or distributors that stand behind their products with tech support and training options to avoid surprises down the line and ensure success for you and your organization.
Marketing
As the spray foam industry is highly competitive, it is imperative to devise a marketing plan in order to attract potential customers. This could involve building a website, using social media or even handing out flyers as means of attracting prospects.
To be successful with an SPF business, you need a rig that has the capacity to meet all of your job needs. There are various kinds of rigs on the market; consult an expert to identify one best suited to you; for instance if your work involves roofing projects frequently then mechanical purge guns may be preferable over air-purging guns.
A rig should include its own workspace for maintenance and storage purposes. Contractors often prefer towed trailers because it makes switching vehicles easy without impacting business operations, while box trucks offer maximum power and space; all options help make transporting and spraying materials from project to project simpler.
