When adding spray foam insulation to your new construction, existing home, or pole barn, it’s important to understand what a thermal barrier is and when fire coating must be applied by the team of professionals at Epic Spray Foam.
What is a Thermal Barrier? A thermal barrier is required to cover spray foam in all applications and is what separates the spray foam insulation from occupants and the interior of a living space. It’s typical for drywall, plywood, or gypsum board to be the materials used as barriers for your room walls and ceilings. The spray foam insulation will only be visible if you were to remove a section of the wall or ceiling for repair, but you would repair it and the spray foam would have a complete thermal barrier again.
What is Fire Coating? Fire coating is a specialized paint that is applied on top of spray foam insulation when the insulation will remain exposed (as allowed by code). For example, a pole barn or metal garage building would suffice for exposed spray foam BUT would have a layer of paint applied on top of it. This type of paint is called an intumescent coating. It’s job is to act as a fire resistant and protect the material underneath should it be exposed to extreme radiant heat or a fire take place. Although fire coating is a paint, the application requires a specific preparation and sprayer due to its viscosity and thickness. The paint must also be tested and appropriately matched to the foam insulation. Epic Spray Foam has a team of certified applicators so that you can rest assure you’re getting a professional insulation application that’s also up to Georgia insulation code requirements.
