Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation | WolfSteel Buildings
Due to the energy saving benefits of using spray foam insulation, more and more of our clients are choosing it to insulate their Texas metal building. However, this also raises the question of “When should I apply spray foam when running electrical in my metal building?”
Should we spray foam BEFORE or AFTER running electrical in your steel building? In this blog, we’ll look into the PROS and CONS of either applying the spray foam before or after electrical installation.
Advantages of Spray Foam BEFORE Electrical in Tubular Metal Building
There is less prep work involved for your spray foam contractor.
Since this will be done before running electrical, then, there is no need to mask off any electrical fixtures, outlets, switches and breaker panels. Thus, saving time and materials in preparing the area to be insulated.
The chances of an even finish increase.
Not having conduits and switches in the way could mean less hard to reach areas and uneven surfaces which can create a cleaner finish once spray foam is applied.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Doing the spray foam before the electrical installation can give a nice edge to the look of the inside of your metal building. This is based on our experience where we like seeing electrical conduits exposed.
Disadvantages of Spray Foam BEFORE Electrical in Tubular Metal Building
The electrical contractor might charge more.
Your electrical contractor might charge you more to scrape off the spray foam once they tie the conduits on to the frame members.
Scraping off spray foam is tedious and not always aesthetically pleasing.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is rigid, thus, scraping it off can be hard work for your contractor which can also result in damaged walls.
Advantages of Spray Foam AFTER Electrical in Steel Building
Spray foam can provide protection on the conduit.
Closed-cell spray foam is rigid and dense so it provides better protection where electrical wirings are.
Easiest Option
Applying spray foam after running electrical is the most common and easiest way we get requested.
Aide in air sealing the building.
Electrical may require punctures to the exterior of the building creating air leakage such as installing the breaker panel. Spray foam helps seal these holes.
Lower labor cost from your electrical contractor.
Your electrical contractor might charge you less in labor since there will be no scraping off of the spray foam.
Disadvantage of Spray Foam AFTER Electrical in Steel Building
Challenging in performing maintenance.
If the wiring is already covered by spray foam then you will need to cut it and re-apply it which can result in additional cost. It’s not common though but can happen.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- Doing it BEFORE or AFTER will always be based on your PREFERENCE. So, take into consideration your NEEDS and DO RESEARCH on what suits you.
- Discuss with your contractor what your needs and preferences are so they can help you find a solution. For instance, our standard process in WolfSteel Buildings is to spray foam on all framing members to prevent condensation. We do this because there is no thermal break between the sheet metal and the frame inside. However, if requested, we can opt not to spray foam the face of the purlins or wall frame on our red iron metal building so your electrical contractor can easily run the conduits.
- Remember, WolfSteel Buildings does not offer electrical installations but we work with your electrical contractor to adjust our construction timeline according to when electrical will be done – before or after spray foam.
- Keep in mind this is a recommendation based on how we spray foam our metal buildings for a workshop or garage use where the closed cell spray foam will be exposed. We apply closed cell spray foam directly to our metal frame and sheet metal. If you are doing internal framing such as to create office space then it would change the recommendations.
Do check out the following videos where we performed closed-cell spray foam insulation for a tubular and red iron metal building.
If you’re debating whether to add electrical BEFORE or AFTER the spray foam process, we hope this blog provides valuable insights. If you would like to further discuss this topic to help you decide, give us a call at 844-941-0999.