Oklahoma Machine Shed Structurally Enhanced With Closed-Cell Spray Foam

CHEROKEE, OK – April 10, 2013 – Oklahoma can be windy, as the song implies, but can also be hot and humid with temperatures reaching 100-plus degrees during summer months, and cold and wet during winter months. Considering the diverse climate, proper insulation can be crucial when trying to keep a building's inhabitants comfortable. A farmer recently decided to insulate his metal machine shed with spray foam insulation after learning it could not only provide a seamless air barrier to create a comfortable environment for his workers, but also give the building the structural integrity it might need considering its blustery location.

Both the farmer and Kool Foam LLC are customers at the same bank. According to Roger Unruh, Kool Foam's General Manager, it was through this acquaintance that the farmer became knowledgeable about spray foam and subsequently asked the company to install it at his new shed.

"He's kept up on what we've been doing," said Unruh. "He wanted to not only protect the building, but to have a more comfortable environment in the winter and summer for his guys to work in. We've had some extreme summers, up to about 115 degrees with a lot of wind – we're also in the center of tornado alley."

The metal shed was 6,300 square feet and had tri-fold doors, which could be used when transporting farm equipment in and out of the building. There was also a work area in the back of the building where workers could pull equipment in and out for maintenance.

Kool Foam was asked to insulate the shed's walls and ceiling, but first needed to protect its concrete floor from overspray with heavy plastic sheeting.

Crewmembers then applied two inches of Bayer MaterialScience's BaySeal 2 lb. closed-cell spray foam to the walls and ceiling using a Graco Reactor H-25 spray foam machine. The thickness of the application varied slightly due to the texture of the metal.

A subcontractor then applied 20 mils of Bayer MaterialScience's Bayblock II white elastomeric coating with a Graco Hydra Max 300 machine. The coating was applied to all but the first nine feet of the walls, which Unruh believed would be covered with tin, perhaps because the area would need to be cleaned if in contact with the equipment. It was unnecessary to coat the first 9 feet since the coating was strictly applied for purposes of appearance.

"They just wanted the coating for a white appearance to make it stand out," Unruh said.

Crewmembers used a scissor lift to reach the ceiling and wore fresh air masks while spraying. For ventilation, the crew opened doors on either side of the building. The total spray area of the project was over 11,000 square feet.

It took two crewmembers about three days to complete the project in March of 2013. Unruh said that once the job was finished, he spoke with the farmer who told him that the insulation came out better than he had imagined.

"We met his expectations and even went above them," said Unruh. "It was a tough project, but we did a really good job on it."

About Kool Foam LLC: Kool Foam LLC was started in August of 2007. Its founder, Cory Boehs, recognized the need for a quality, high performance spray foam insulation service. Kool Foam works out of Northwest Oklahoma, and services most of Oklahoma, West Texas, and the Southern half of Kansas specializing in commercial, agricultural, industrial, oil field, and residential work. They apply closed-cell, open-cell, and high-performance coatings. All applicators are trained and certified. For more information about Kool Foam LLC, please use the contact details and links provided below.