Closed-Cell Spray Foam Withstands Storm Surge and Floodwaters

AMITYVILLE, NY – December 7, 2012 – Among closed-cell spray foam's several advantageous characteristics, its structural benefits stand out, and there is no better evidence than how the material holds up in the event of a natural disaster. After Hurricane Irene destroyed a residential crawlspace in 2011, Smart Energy Spray Foam gave it new life with closed-cell SPF, the installation of which proved beneficial when Hurricane Sandy hit just over a year later.

The Amityville residence was given a home energy audit as part of the Babylon Green Homes Project following Hurricane Irene in August of 2011. Murtha Construction hired Smart Energy Spray Foam as a sub-contractor to apply spray foam to the damaged crawlspace of the home, which is located in close proximity to the water. Prior to Hurricane Irene, the crawlspace had wet, moldy fiberglass insulation according to Robert Geiger, Owner of Smart Energy. Irene wiped all of that out.

In January of 2011, Smart Energy crewmembers applied 4.5 inches of 2 lb. closed-cell FoamSulate 210 spray foam, made by Premium Spray Products, to the residential crawlspace. Three crewmembers took about a day to complete the project. The total spray area was approximately 1,500 sq. ft. Since the crawlspace was unfinished, only tarps were needed for overspray protection.

Geiger said the homeowner was very pleased with the results of the spray foam and thought about the benefits daily. "All season long they were getting benefits because they were enjoying the fact that the house was no longer drafty," he added.

When Hurricane Sandy hit in October of 2012, the closed-cell spay foam actually held off water intrusion until the waterline was so high it entered through the doors. Once water came in through the doors, it destroyed the flooring, making it necessary for the owners to rip-out the floors and to replace pipes and electrical wires that were damaged. The spray foam was the last existing structural support the owners didn't need to replace according to Geiger.

"When the storm came, the owner knew they had the right product," he said. "It was the only thing they didn't have to replace."

When Smart Energy returned to the home to assess the damage from Hurricane Sandy, the floor had already been removed and the spray foam was exposed. Geiger said he saw people walking on the spray foam as if it was permanent flooring.

With these types of situations continuously unfolding following Hurricane Sandy, Smart Energy is keeping extremely busy. Geiger said the company is currently operating three rigs a day in order to keep up with the ever-growing demand for spray foam.

About Smart Energy Spray Foam, Inc.: Smart Energy Spray Foam, Inc. is a Building Performance Institute certified professional accredited contracting company. Smart Energy Spray Foam, Inc.'s BPI certified professionals meet stringent, nationally recognized standards and pass both written and field examinations. For more information about Smart Energy Spray Foam, Inc., please use the contact details and links provided below.