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Will Open-cell Foam Plus Coating Solve Thermal, Acoustic & Aesthetic Goals at Once?
It can, but only if expectations are realistic. Open-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) paired with an intumescent coating can help a project meet several objectives at once, but the coating is not what delivers all those benefits. Open-cell SPF provides thermal...
Can I Apply a Vapor Barrier Over Foam and Skip the Intumescent Step?
A vapor barrier cannot replace an intumescent coating when the building code requires an ignition barrier or thermal barrier over spray polyurethane foam (SPF). The two products serve entirely different purposes and are evaluated against different performance...
Is “Fire-Resistant Paint” Enough for Exposed Foam?
Let's get right to it: Usually, no. Simply specifying a "fire-resistant paint" is not enough to protect exposed spray polyurethane foam (SPF) or satisfy code requirements. The term fire-resistant paint has no consistent code definition. It is often used as a...
Can Intumescent Paint Act as a Vapor Barrier?
Bottom Line: No. Contractors should not assume an intumescent coating can also function as a vapor barrier unless the product has been specifically tested and approved for that purpose. Intumescent coatings and vapor barriers perform two completely different...
Do I Need an Attic Ignition Barrier If the Space Has Ducts or an Air Handler?
The presence of HVAC equipment alone does not determine the fire protection requirements for spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Instead, contractors should evaluate how the attic is classified under the applicable building code, how the space will be accessed and whether...
Why Passive Fire Protection Must Be Viewed as a Complete System
Fire safety is often discussed in terms of individual products or building components. Firestop sealants, intumescent coatings, fire-rated walls and thermal barriers each serve a specific purpose, but none are designed to work in isolation. Effective passive fire...
Could Smart Firestopping Change Building Safety?
Firestopping has traditionally been viewed as a passive building system. Once installed and inspected, firestop materials remain concealed behind walls, above ceilings and within floor assemblies, quietly maintaining the integrity of fire-rated compartments for...
NFPA 855 2026: Key Updates for Energy Storage Systems
Energy storage systems are becoming part of more commercial, industrial and institutional projects. As that happens, the fire safety standards around those systems are evolving quickly. The 2026 edition of NFPA 855: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy...
Battery Energy Storage Systems Are Changing Passive Fire Protection
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly common part of our built environment. From utility-scale renewable energy projects to commercial buildings, healthcare facilities and industrial sites, battery storage is helping improve energy...
What Counts as a Thermal Barrier? A Complete Guide for Spray Foam Projects
The term "thermal barrier" appears throughout building codes, product literature and fire protection specifications, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood concepts in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) construction. Many people assume that any fire-resistant...