The last few weeks we started to discuss some of the key components of SPF application in SPF Application, Part I and discussed thickness per pass in SPF Application, Part II, so today we will talk about total thickness.
When it comes to total thickness, there are several considerations for determining the desired or necessary final thickness and bidding the job, including code requirements, desired energy efficiency and, of course, the project specifications.
From an applicators point of view, as you approach the application portion of the project, the targeted final thickness should be identified on a work order, daily jobsite report or some other project documentation from management. Of course, to optimize the operations of a spray foam rig, your goal as an applicator is to apply the targeted thickness of material throughout the project with as little variance as possible, also known as having a tight tolerance. By maintaining an even and consistent thickness, as close to the design thickness as possible, you minimize waste and maximize profitability for that project. One way to control this is to regularly monitor the applied thickness of material, for example with a depth gauge or probe, to identify any low spots during application; also, it is much easier to touch up these areas while you are there rather than having to come back.
When it comes to tolerances and application expectations, it is critical that your sales team and applicators speak the same language, so the customer gets what they are expecting. For example, when 3” of closed cell foam is sold on a job, what is intended and what is actually applied:
- 3” average
- 3” average with a ½” tolerance
- 3” minimum throughout the project
Do you know what your team sells and what your team applies?
What about when 6” of open cell foam is sold?
I highly recommend that you identify and define the qualifiers that your teams use to describe spray foam applied thickness and make sure they are on the same page, because 3” average is significantly different than 3” minimum – and there is a cost difference as well.
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