SPF Industry News
CPI and SPFA Launch Product Stewardship Program
ARLINGTON, VA – The polyurethanes industry, working together through the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), has launched an enhanced product stewardship program to support further understanding of the benefits of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) and its continued safe use and handling. Read news release
BaySystems Inks Agreement With IDI Distributors Inc.
BaySystems announces the selection of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based IDI Distributors Inc. as its premier U.S. distributor of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) materials. IDI Distributors Inc., a leading distributor of insulation products, is a privately-owned business that maintains a customer-first policy. This customer-centric philosophy was one of the key factors in their selection by BaySystems. IDI Distributors Inc. is able to supply its customers with spray foam products from BaySystems from its more than 25 locations. Customers are able to receive the products either same-day or within 24 hours. The SPF product families from BaySystems that IDI Distributors Inc. is distributing (effective immediately) are Bayseal OC open-cell SPF and Bayseal CC closed-cell SPF.
For more information contact: BaySystems
(800) 289-8272, www.baysystemsspray.com
Lapolla Partners with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
Lapolla Industries, Inc. — a Houston-based manufacturer and supplier of spray foam insulation (SPF), coatings, and equipment designed to reduce energy consumption in the commercial and residential new construction and retrofit markets today — announced its commitment with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for the 2009-2010 Season 7. The Emmy award-winning television show will rely on Lapolla’s energy-efficient spray foam insulation materials and coordinate Season 7 projects with local spray foam applicators. “Spray foam insulation is an important component in new building construction and the weatherization of existing buildings,” stated Doug Kramer, CEO and President of Lapolla. “We are honored to be the preferred spray foam insulation vendor to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and to support this great opportunity that assists so many deserving families. The Extreme Makeover construction projects are examples of the momentum of focus on energy efficiency across the nation. We insulated our first Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project last week in Pennsylvania. We had the pleasure of working with good people that genuinely cared about improving the quality of life for the family. We are thrilled that Lapolla has an opportunity to contribute and make a real difference.” Project updates will be available on the Lapolla Web site.
For more information contact: Lapolla Industries, Inc.
(888) 452-7655, www.lapolla.com.
Volume Homebuilder Utilizes Bayer MaterialScience SPF and Energywise System to Build Affordable, Energy-Efficient Homes
For four generations, History Maker Homes has focused on keeping purchase prices affordable for homebuyers. In recognition of its 60th anniversary in 2009, the Dallas/Fort Worth area homebuilder is offering 60 new homes that include the Energywise guaranteed energy-cost saving system. These energy-efficient features are typically found only in more expensive custom homes or as an upgrade. The Energywise system includes BaySystems spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation as standard in the promotional homes. Thermacote Systems is a certified Energywise contractor and is applying the foam. The Energywise program uses a “systems” approach to residential insulation applications. It was developed out of collaboration between BaySystems’ SPF business, and Energywise Structures, one of the nation’s leading thermal engineering firms.
For more information, contact: Bayer MaterialScience
(800) 289-8272, www.baysystemsspray.net
Recent Study Helps Quantify the Benefit of Energy-Efficient Retrofits
Initial results from a research study in east Tennessee show that energy-efficient upgrades can pay off for homeowners by reducing heating costs by 35 to 65 percent. The study uses three similar homes in the same development to gather real-world data about various energy-efficient improvements that can be made to an existing home. Computers and instrumentation are programmed to simulate occupancy. But that’s where the similarities end. “The retrofit unit provided 35 percent measured heating energy savings from the builder home, yet offers a package of technologies that are considered to be a reasonable upgrade for many homes in the United States,” said Jeff Christian, a senior researcher in the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Improvements to the home include installing low-E gas-filled windows, changing all light bulbs to compact fluorescents, and replacing the ceiling insulation with spray polyurethane foam insulation on the underside of the roof deck and attic walls to make it an unvented, semi-conditioned space. BioBased Insulation donated the insulation for the study, and Endless Supply, a BioBased Insulation certified dealer based in Ashville, N.C., donated the labor to install the product. High-performance improvements to the third home made it a near zero energy home with a HERS rating of 34 and a measured space heating energy savings of 65 percent compared to the builder home. The study is sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority and is being conducted in cooperation with researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
For more information, contact:
BioBased Insulation, (800) 803-5189, www.biobased.net
CertainTeed Equips Insulation Contractors With Valuable Marketing Tools for Reinsulation Market
To better equip its qualified insulation contractors with resources and assistance, CertainTeed introduces the Market Maker Advertising Kit. This kit consists of a comprehensive library of tools that can be used by insulation contractors to create a coordinated, successful, themed marketing program for any time of year. Through an easy-to-use Web site, contractors can select the tactics that will work best in their local market, including targeted mailings, door stickers, bill stuffers, print advertising, fliers and sales sheets, radio commercials, and, coming soon, television commercials. Providing added impact to the effectiveness of the marketing program, CertainTeed, in conjunction with Colorworks Graphic Services, Inc., can generate targeted mailing lists based on geographic area, home values, and age of homes. Since the program is Web-based, contractors can quickly respond to changing market needs and adapt their marketing program as needed. For more information, existing CertainTeed insulation contractors can access the Market Maker Advertising Kit at www.ctmarketmaker.com.
For more information, contact: CertainTeed
(800) 274-8530, www.certainteed.com
Polyurethanes 2009 Technical Conference Early Bird Discount
Registration for the Polyurethanes 2009 Technical Conference is now open! This year’s Conference will take place October 5-7, 2009 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland (Washington, D.C. area). The Polyurethanes 2009 Technical Conference will provide polyurethane industry leaders and professionals an opportunity to hear about the latest research, technical developments, and business issues affecting the global polyurethanes industry.
For more information on registration, table top exhibiting, and posters, contact: CPI,
(703) 741-5103, www.polyurethane.org.
Bayer MaterialScience Helps Hurricane-Damaged Community Rebuild
BaySystems, the umbrella brand for the global polyurethane systems operations of Bayer MaterialScience, LLC, is contributing to rebuilding efforts in Hurricane Katrina-devastated Long Beach, Mississippi. BaySystems has donated seven sets of Bayseal closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) to insulate model homes that are being built with steel frames and walls in order to withstand future hurricanes and storms. The new homes are part of the ArcelorMittal Community Revitalization Housing Program. “Bayseal is a perfect fit for the rebuilding project in Long Beach,” said Renee Zierden, general manager, BaySystems. “Not only will the insulation add strength to the homes, but it will also increase energy efficiency and help protect the homes from possible damages caused by high humidity.”
For more information contact: Bayer MaterialScience, LLC,
(800) 289-8272, www.baysystemsspray.com.
Check out the August 2009 issue of SprayFoam Magazine to read Jack Innis’s article, which follows the SPF work done on the Long Beach, Mississippi, hurricane homes.
NCFI Insulation Chosen by American Libraries Magazine as Must-Have for Green Libraries
American Libraries magazine, a publication of the American Library Association (ALA), names NCFI Polyurethanes, Inc. high performance spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation one of their 10 Eco‐Friendly Products for 2009. According to the spring issue of the magazine, the selection process included “architects, interior designers and vendors across the nation.” The products are what the ALA believes libraries will “want to consider in their quest to save energy, improve indoor air quality, and become better environmental stewards.” NCFI Senior Vice President, Nelson Clark, says the company is “honored by the selection.” He adds, “The ALA is a thought‐leader in the system approach to sustainable building in the educational sector. We are thrilled they’ve chosen our high‐performance spray foam insulation as the ideal product to help institutional buildings, like libraries, realize substantial savings on energy costs, and help eliminate dangerous problems like mold while improving air quality.”
For more information contact: NCFI Polyurethane, Inc.,
(800) 346-8229, www.NCFI.com.
Check out SprayFoam Magazine’s Web site in July 2009 to read a feature article highlighting the use of NCFI’s foam in a New Hampshire library.
PCG and Demilec (USA) Join Forces to Provide Combined Service
Protective Coatings Group (PCG) and Demilec (USA) announced the formation of an exclusive industry alliance dedicated to providing property constructors and owners with a combined service that utilizes both company's leading edge solutions to maximize insulating values while preventing mold growth throughout the building envelope. The two companies intend to expand the use of PCG's flagship product FortiCel, along with several other PCG mold preventative solutions through Demilec (USA)'s nationwide network of certified polyurethane foam insulation contractors. Since both companies are using identical delivery equipment and have the same point of install, the services of PCG and Demilec (USA) will integrate seamlessly to provide additional peace of mind to contractors and owners alike.
For more information contact: Demilec (USA) LLC,
(877) 336-4532, www.demilecusa.com
Protective Coatings Group, LLC,
(877) 729-6653, www.4pcg.com.
Bayer MaterialScience LLC Explores Sustainable Materials for Green Building and Design
Demonstrating its leadership in offering eco-friendly materials for the building industry, Bayer MaterialScience LLC participated in Engineering Sustainability 2009: Innovations That Span Boundaries. The conference, spearheaded by the University of Pittsburgh, took place recently at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence 
Convention Center — the largest certified green convention center in the United States. The conference brought together engineers and scientists from academia, government, and industry to share contributions that address the needs of developing green designs. Bayer MaterialScience scientists presented papers and posters that demonstrate the company’s breadth of materials and solutions for sustainable infrastructures and construction. “We are committed to providing our customers with green building materials, so it makes sense to participate in a forum where experts can discuss how sustainable design can grow and flourish,” said Steven Reinstadtler, Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties market development manager for the Construction and Green Building Initiative, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.
For more information contact: Bayer MaterialScience
(412) 777-3983, www.bayermaterialscienceNAFTA.com.
Installing Additional Insulation on Commercial Buildings During Reroofing Provides Significant Benefits
Existing commercial buildings consume approximately 18 percent of all United States’ annual energy based on floor area, and a vast majority will require roof replacement over the next 15 to 25 years. The report, “Energy and Environmental Impact Reduction Opportunities for Existing Buildings With Low-Slope Roofs,” estimates the annual market opportunity for replacement covers 1.5 billion square feet of floor space. One of the most practical and economically feasible opportunities for improving energy efficiency is to improve the thermal performance of existing buildings with low-slope roofs, according to a new study by Bayer MaterialScience LLC researchers. From a life-cycle perspective, the energy saved by adding insulation during roof replacement across all buildings analyzed is 20- to 28-times greater than the one-time energy required for making raw materials, and manufacturing, installing, and transporting the insulation based on a very conservative 30-year product life, according to the study. The study confirms that substantial energy reduction opportunities exist with energy-efficient roof replacements on existing buildings.
For more information contact: Bayer MaterialScience
(800) 662-2927, www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com
Spray Foam Used for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” TV Show
Tune into ABC this Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 7 p.m. EST for the season finale of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” This episode will showcase an Indianapolis, Indiana family whose home and library were insulated with spray polyurethane foam (SPF). The SPF, which was donated by Demilec (USA) LLC, was applied with the help of the crews from Enviro-Seal Foam Insulation, Indiana Insulation, and Indiana Spray Foam. With the help of local Butler University volunteers, the installation process took a total of 24 hours to complete. “Demilec was nice enough to help us out with material,” said Kyle Hoover of Indiana Insulation. “It was a great experience to be able to be a part of something like that, showing how well all these professionals were able to come together…it was really neat to see that.” In June, SprayFoam Magazine plans to run a follow-up about the role SPF played in the McFarland’s new home.
For more information on the project contact: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 323-785-2285, http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=extras. For more information about the article online contact: SprayFoam Magazine, (858) 768-0826.
The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its sixth season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., EST on ABC.
Progress Continues on Iowa State’s Solar Decathlon Entry
An important piece to the energy-efficient design of the Interlock House, Iowa State University’s Solar Decathlon entry, fell into place when the structure was insulated with BioBased Insulation on Earth Day. The 800-square foot structure was designed and is being constructed in Ames by a multi-disciplinary team of students. Then, it must be taken apart, transported to Washington D.C. and reassembled on the National Mall for the competition Oct. 9-18. BioBased Insulation manufactures and markets used spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation that incorporates renewable materials as a replacement for a portion of the petroleum that’s traditionally used in spray foam insulation and is applied using water instead of a chemical blowing agent. Sage Companies, a BioBased Insulation certified dealer based in Cedar Rapids, donated their time and expertise to install the product in the Interlock House. Twenty teams from around the world will compete in ten categories that include architecture, market viability, engineering, lighting design, communications, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, and net metering. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and is in its fourth competition cycle.
For more information contact: BioBased Insulation
(800) 803-5189
www.biobased.net
First LEED Platinum Home in Iowa Features DEMILEC SPF
Demilec (USA) LLC.’s SEALECTION 500 spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation has been selected as the insulation-of-choice for what is planned to be the first LEED Platinum home in Iowa. The home — showcased in the exclusive Cypress Villages subdivision in Fairfield, Iowa — will use SEALECTION Agribalance SPF in the walls and 
on the roof deck of the 1,537-square-foot home. A portion of the insulation was donated by Demilec through its Authorized Contractor, Freedom Foam Insulators of Fairfield, Iowa. “We opted to use SEALECTION Agribalance high-expansion foam, which has a high R-value and delivers a really tight air seal resulting in an energy-efficient home,” said Kevin and Raenae Frisbie, Owners of Freedom Foam Insulators.
For more information contact: Demilec (USA) LLC
(877) 336-4532
www.DemilecUSA.com
BaySystems Receives ICC Approval for Bayseal CC SPF With Spray-Applied Thermal Coating
BaySystems, the umbrella brand for the global polyurethane systems operations of Bayer MaterialScience, announced its Bayseal closed-cell (CC) spray polyurethane foam (SPF) has received an International Code Council (ICC) Evaluation Report ESR-2072. This includes approval of the CC SPF as an alternative to a thermal barrier for ceiling and wall applications, when used in combination with Flameseal TB spray-applied thermal coating. This approval is an industry first for SPF insulation. Building code requires that insulation used in walls and ceilings have a 15 minute thermal barrier for protection against fire. “We’re very excited to be the first to offer this innovation to the building industry,” said Renee Zierden, general manager for BaySystems. “The approval by ICC-ES provides new options to builders and architects. Using a spray-applied alternative to a thermal barrier delivers cost-efficiency and ease-of-use in insulation products. Bayseal with Flameseal TB will be especially useful in applications where a wallboard thermal barrier may be cost-prohibitive or in curved or oddly shaped structures where the application of wallboard is a logistical challenge.”
For more information contact: BaySystems
(800) 289-8272
www.baysystemsspray.com.
CertaSpray Foam Insulation Backed by Comprehensive Training, Technical Resources
CertainTeed is proud to offer insulation professionals comprehensive training on the new CertaSpray Foam Insulation. Taught by the company’s top building scientists and technical experts, the comprehensive two-and-a-half day program provides information essential to the selling, marketing, and installation of spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Topics of note include the building science behind the product, SPF equipment maintenance, health and safety requirements and procedures, product installation, and more. The class provides learning and experiences that make it a great program for installers, sales representatives, distributors, business owners, and others interested in the growing SPF segment. Offered in both open- and closed-cell formulas, CertaSpray is a polyurethane foam that is sprayed into a building cavity and quickly expands to fill every opening that can potentially leak air. By reducing air leakage, CertaSpray minimizes hot and cold spots and provides outstanding comfort and indoor air quality by impeding the penetration of moisture and outdoor allergens.
For more information contact: CertainTeed
(800) 233-8990
www.certainteed.com