Spray Foam Insulation Preparation

[Evan Lentz]

Hello,

I am considering hiring a spray foam insulation company to insulate my steel workshop building. Though I was wondering - I may not be able to do it before I move into the place. Is it possible to do this type of insulation while all equipment/tools are inside? Or am I better advised to figure out a way to do it beforehand? Also - any other tips on getting this type of insulation put in from those who have done it?
Thanks!

[sean meltvedt]

Evan, if possible I would do it before you move in. Assuming it is the same foam that I had installed, whatever it made contact with, it stayed permanently. (Ended up with a new front door-they got some overspray on it and it wouldn’t come off at all). At a minimum, I would move everything to the center and cover completely to the floor with drop cloths of some sort.
Good times in the new shop
Sean

[Steve Rozmiarek]

It's a mess, strongly recommend clearing the area. It'll also help the installers do a faster/better job.

[Jim Becker]

Yes...I'll triple up on the recommendation to install the spray foam before you move in. Not only because of the mess/cleanup, but because the folks applying need to be able to work safely and with complete access to the envelop to install it properly.

[Bill Dufour]

Ask a contractor. I bet you will pay less if the building is wide open so they can get in and out faster. Especially if the ceiling is high where they need ladders or lifts.
make sure the foam has fire retardant so it meets code.
Bil lD.

[Mike Heidrick]

You cover every single thing you do not want foam on. It goes everywhere. We covered the walls and garage doors with big plastic - It was still on the top of the garage door springs and opener case, on top edge of garage door seal, on the tops of the trusses and support 2X6s I ran wiring on top of, on the outlet boxes up there. We removed the lights which was VERY smart. Otherwise they would have been coated. So yes you can but they need to be 100% covered well. You want EVERYTHING out of the workers way.

[Evan Lentz]

Thanks for the tips! I guess I'd better figure out how to get it done before move-in.

[Tom Bender]

Mike is right about removing lights. Tell the contractor to bring in his own lights. He will counter with covering your lights. Your call here.

Even if it gets on glass, you will have to replace the glass, including your glasses.

Some may get outside the building. Keep all cars far away and upwind.

Consider drift onto your house and the neighbor's

Once done this stuff is great.

[Steve Jenkins]

Also cover the entire floor. I had to scrape my floor after because it was like large sand except it was stuck, couldn’t sweep it.