The Year in Foam
Spray Foam Magazine – Winter Issue 2024 – As we bid farewell to 2024, it's hard not to marvel at the milestones and achievements that marked a banner year for the spray foam industry. This year saw legends in the field recognized with lifetime achievement awards, a 60th anniversary celebration honoring decades of innovation and excellence, and our special series recognizing some Women in Foam for their outstanding contributions to our industry. From groundbreaking product advancements and a cutting-edge tech series dedicated to advancing contractor expertise through training the next generation of spray foam pros with knowledge and tools, 2024 was a year of honor, growth, and anticipation for an even brighter future. Here’s a look back at some highlights that made this year unforgettable, leaving us excited for what 2025 might bring.
1
Steven Ellis, owner of Lotze Insulation Design Inc. was last year’s Spray Foam Magazine’s Contractor of the Year (COTY) winner. Spray Foam Magazine is again on the lookout for their next star contractor. With the jaw-dropping bonus of WINNING A NEW RIG, in addition to other prizes they will receive, this prestigious annual competition celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership within the spray foam contracting community. SAVE THE DATE for the COTY reveal party at SprayFoam 2025 on February 9, 2025, in Daytona Beach, FL.
2
Foam supplier NCFI Polyurethanes celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year. Starting out with SPF roofing foam, then formulated residential and commercial insulation to insulate American buildings more efficiently. NCFI grew that from a regional base to a global market and they now stand toe-to-toe with some of the largest global companies.
3
In 2024, Spray Foam Magazine proudly launched its “Women in Foam” series, a special feature dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of women in the spray foam industry. This initiative honors a group of trailblazing women who have not only excelled in their careers but have also paved the way for future generations in the field. Their stories of dedication, innovation, and leadership reflect the growing impact and influence women are having in this traditionally male-dominated industry.
- Jennifer Hristovski, author and part owner of SprayWorks Equipment Group
- Carla Airey, Account Manager at Genyk
- Tarrah Davy of ThermoTech Insulation
- Lindsey Smith, owner of Summit Insulation
- Lisa Mun, Technical Development Manager at BASF
- Blandine Carton, EVP of Operations at NCFI Polyurethanes
- Jennifer Dempsey, President at PMC and KOMO Machine, Inc.
4
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announced its newly elected Board of Directors. Encompassing industry leaders from the contractor, supplier, and consulting sides of the business, as well as spanning the insulation and roofing sectors, the Board includes an Executive Committee among 19 voting members.
The new SPFA Executive Committee includes four individuals, each serving a two-year term, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Executive Committee members include:
- Ken Wells, President of SPFA and Owner of Elite PolyPro LLC in Virginia
- Corey Poepping, Vice President of SPFA and President of Tri-County Foam Insulation in Minnesota
- Gary Harvey, Secretary/Treasurer of SPFA and President/CEO of Wedge Roofing in California
- Bonnie Strickler, Immediate Past President of SPFA and President of PUFF, Inc. in Virginia
5
Enverge announced the launch of its new Enverge Tech Tip Video Series! Enverge, a leading manufacturer of high-performance spray foam insulation products, is committed to leading in the education and training space to support the continued growth of the spray foam industry. The Enverge Tech Tip Video Series is a comprehensive resource designed to address everyday challenges with a focus on practical, on-the-job solutions to help spray foam contractors and installers at any experience level.
6
One of OSHA’s top fines in 2024 is to U.S. Tank Painting Inc.Initial fines: $485,580 Status: Contested. A New Jersey water tower painting contractor faces three willful and 19 serious violations after OSHA found it failed to provide or install safety equipment that could have prevented an employee from falling 80 feet and suffering severe injuries in January. Inspectors from OSHA say U.S. Tank Painting Inc. had workers sandblast and paint the interior and exterior of a Bayville, New Jersey, water tower and replace a ladder attached to the structure. The agency claimed the company failed to safeguard workers by not using proper fall protection, as well as exposing workers to several other hazards, like high noise levels with no protection and lack of training and protection from silica hazards. This resulted, in the contractor facing $485,580 in proposed penalties, levied in July. The company is contesting the fines. In response to a request for comment, a U.S. Tank spokesperson told Construction Dive, “It is a pending matter, and we can’t comment publicly, other than to state that we prioritize safety at our company, and we have a lengthy track record of quality work.”
7
The standard misconception in the SPF equipment world is that you cannot spray with two guns on a single machine setup. Nevertheless, PMC has proven with their newly released “Premier Mach 2” proportioner it can be done. They have designed the Mach 2 machine with their PH40 “Classic” format that will incorporate ultrasonic-style flowmeters on each of the two sets of spray hoses as they exit the machine manifold. Both gun systems will be protected by Pressure Alarms, Pressure Balance Controls, and most importantly, Ratio Assurance. With the “Premier” proportioner driving the Mach 2 system, the owner/operator will be able to see and record all operating parameters in real-time and prove it via precise data recording. The Mach 2 unit has the 40lb/min output capabilities of the PH40 behind it, and come with 3-phase power and 18KW of total heat. PMC has significantly tested this two-gun machine in their R&D lab in Lakewood, NJ and in the field using not only their Xtreme & AP2 guns but other manufactured spray guns as well. They will have the Mach 2 machine for show at SprayFoam 2025 in Daytona Beach.
8
SPFA’s Professional Certification Program (PCP) is arguably one of the best ways spray foam installers can set themselves apart from the competition and prove their effectiveness to customers. Thankfully, SPFA, along with several valued sponsors and volunteers, is bringing certifications back to the upcoming SprayFoam 2025 Convention & Expo from February 9th -12th in Daytona Beach. While the PCP is an affordable business decision for contractors in general, the cost savings to participate in SprayFoam 2025 will be considerable. As of this writing, it appears likely that enrollment in the certification program will be offered again FREE of charge at the upcoming convention. That discount alone equates to a savings of $250 (SPFA members) or $350 (non-members). Additionally, those taking Field Exams onsite will save $750 (SPFA members) or $1,000 (non-members). To qualify for field exam savings, participants must be officially enrolled in the certification program. Be sure to visit sprayfoam.org/sprayfoam25 for more details on PCP offerings in Daytona Beach this February. In other PCP news, SPFA is developing a certification specifically for concrete lifting contractors. The new certification will be compliant with ISO-17024 standards (like all SPFA’s PCP offerings). Contractors interested in helping to shape this certification are encouraged to contact certdirector@sprayfoam.org for more information.
9
Elastochem Specialty Chemicals Inc., a leading Canadian manufacturer of spray polyurethane materials, announced they have received a revolutionary 45-minute (Canada) and 1-hour (Canada and USA) fire rating for their Insulthane® Extreme spray foam insulation in a new type of metal wall construction. The specific type of construction can be utilized in projects such as warehouses, big box stores, and industrial and agricultural buildings. In many cases, these types of industrial spaces may sit close to a property line and, as a result, require exterior walls to have a fire-resistance rating. Insulthane® Extreme’s performance stems from Elastochem’s years of research and development with spray polyurethane foam insulation. The product delivers a seamless, airtight barrier that not only prevents air leakage but also acts as a moisture barrier to protect metal structures against corrosion and wear. The report detailing the new fire rating for Insulthane® Extreme can be found in Elastochem’s new report under Intertek Spec ID: 80070. More information about Insulthane® Extreme can be found by visiting the Elastochem website – www.elastochem.com.
10
The Polyurea Development Association (PDA) is proud to announce that Dudley Primeaux, II has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to the polyurea industry. This honor recognizes Primeaux’s decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership in advancing polyurea technologies.
Dudley has been a pivotal figure in the polyurea community since the inception of the technology. His expertise in application techniques, product development, and industry standards has significantly influenced the growth and acceptance of polyurea as a versatile solution for various industries, including construction, automotive, and industrial applications. Congratulations Dudley!
As we head towards 2025, we are again reminded that an increasing focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, training, and education makes our industry stronger than its ever been before!
Disqus website name not provided.
