Tools Used in Polyurethane Spray Foam Applications

Foam Compressor and Pump

• The heart of the application equipment are the compressor, pumps and mixing tanks for the polyurethane foam. The spray foam machine features many adjustable elements, including pressurization, mixing rate and pumping delivery pressure. These operating specifications change from installation to another, depending on the type of foam, the application temperatures and how far the foam must be pumped.

Spray Application Gun

• Second in importance to the quality of the spray foam machine is this foam application gun. The spray gun receives the foam pumped from the central machine, combines the two components in the tip of the gun and propels the foam onto the work surface. These guns are constructed of stainless steel for ease of cleanup and durability. They feature adjustable and interchangeable spray heads that can be adapted to specific installations.

Specialty Heated Hoses

• Specialty hoses carry the polyurethane foam components from the central foam machine to the spray gun. In some circumstances, such as cold weather applications, the foam's performance can be hindered by low temperatures. For these circumstances, heated hoses maintain the polyurethane foam components at a stable temperature between the central spray machine located outside a building and the foam spray gun, in use inside the building.

Mobile Spray Rig

• A mobile spray rig is a closed, trailer-mounted assembly that contains all of the parts and machinery required to apply polyurethane foam. The mobile spray rig provides a significant advantage to the installation contractor. With a mobile spray rig, all of the tools, hoses, compressors, maintenance equipment and polyurethane foam components can be carried in one secure trailer.

User Safety Equipment

• Although not formally a part of this polyurethane spray foam tool list, safety equipment should be included in a comprehensive discussion of installing polyurethane spray foam. The spray technician should wear a hooded coverall and gloves to cover all exposed skin. The installation tech must wear a full face respirator to protect himself from fumes emitted during the spray application process. When cleaning the equipment, the installation technician should wear gloves to protect his hands from cleaning chemicals, and clean the equipment in a well-ventilated area to prevent a buildup of harmful fumes.