Owner HC Fennell Consulting, LLC N. Thetford, Vermont
Spray foam insulation (SPF) installations frequently result in odor complaints by the occupants of the home or building where the installation occurred. When the installation is performed properly with the proper mixing and ratio of Side A (isocyanate) and Side B (polyol), any odor associated with the installation will rarely linger for very long. When misapplication occurs due to improper ratio and/or mixing of Sides A and B, or with improper installation, the odors may persist for an indefinite time period and the appearance and efficacy of the spray foam may be compromised. In these cases, air testing using thermal desorption tubes or canisters is frequently the only testing performed to determine the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the home or business. In this study, a different approach has been taken to understanding the source of the odors. Air testing is performed in the areas where spray foam insulation installation has occurred, but in addition, off-gas testing of foams and substrates, such as wood where the SPF has been applied, have also been tested. Comparison of the VOC results from both air and bulk foam can then determine if the SPF is the source of the odor.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Be introduced to how SPF can be misapplied and what this foam looks like
Be introduced to how air tests and bulk sample tests are performed
Be introduced to how air test results are compared to bulk foam off-gassing test results to prove causation
