Expertise in Cold Storage Spray Foam Applications Is Key to Contractor's Success
LOXAHATCHEE, FL – January 23, 2014 – "When it comes to spray foam, you name it, I've done it". That's how Larry McRae, owner of Florida-based McRae Foam & Coating (MFC), summarizes his years of experience with spray polyurethane foam. Since the age of seven, McRae was immersed into the SPF world by his father, who started MFC, and now McRae is gradually giving the reigns to his 20-year old son so that this third-generation, successful SPF business comes full circle.
"I think what has made us so successful is the simple fact that we are family-owned and family-operated business," said McRae. "If there is something I've wanted to be known for, it is for taking pride in providing quality service to our customers."
McRae claims that spray foam has taken him everywhere. During MFC's first years in operation, McRae, along with the MFC team, utilized SPF to create stage props for movie sets. Their work with props included the creation of a waterfall, consisting of a plywood frame with a mesh substrate to which the MFC crew applied SPF, which was later carved, and painted with the collaboration of set designers. McRae also helped design experimental airplanes, which consisted of molding an SPF-based structure.
Today, McRae focuses more on commercial cold storage SPF applications, as well as SPF insulation and roofing projects. With a four-man staff, consisting of three applicators and himself,. MFC operates with three trailers, equipped with Graco Reactor E-30 and Gusmer H-2000 proportioners, and they usually apply closed-cell SPF formulated by Lapolla and Premium Spray Products.
McRae noted that his understanding of thermodynamics has led him to obtain many different SPF projects involving freezers, which he deems the most prominent and the most difficult application of SPF there is. He explained that putting a vapor barrier in place on the interior of a big blast freezer is absolutely crucial for the freezer to retain its coolness, and that spray foam guarantees a seamless vapor barrier.
"When it comes to commercial cold storage jobs, a vapor barrier has to be spot-on," said McRae. "We apply six to eight inches of foam on the floor, walls, and the ceiling, and add an acrylic coating over the SPF. This process ensures that the freezer is not left exposed. The challenge is to make the foam look good when you're applying that much thickness, but we take it on every time."
McRae pointed out that with the housing market making a comeback, the SPF industry and his own business will flourish with new residential SPF projects.
"I think that there is a direct correlation with housing and SPF, and that the numbers of houses being sprayed will double in due time," said McRae.
McRae hopes to retain his key ingredient of quality work and keeping MFC small but strong, so that every SPF job he is responsible for is done with the proper amount of dedication. He currently lives and operates his business in Florida, where he shapes urethane-based surfboards in his spare time.
About McRae Foam & Coating: MFC services not only the state of Florida, but also as far North as New Jersey and as far West as Texas. They are committed to providing quality work in each project whether it is spraying in-place urethane foam, installing panel boxes and panel walls, or providing insulation to cooler and freezer doors. For more information on Mr. McRae and McRae Foam & Coatings, please use the contact information and links provided below.
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