- What is a Spray Foam Gun?
- Buyers Guide: How to Choose Insulation Foam Guns
- What is the Best Spray Foam Insulation Gun?
- Professional Foam Application Tips
- Find Your Ideal Spray Foam Gun at Bolair
Insulation is a crucial factor in preserving the thermal efficiency of all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Among the different types of insulation available, polyurethane spray foam is popularly used, thanks to its large-scale application efficiency and high R-value.
Spray foam guns are an essential piece of equipment used during the insulation process: these devices can be seen as the user interface between the insulation surface and the spray foam proportioner/machine.
There are many different elements to consider when purchasing a foam gun, but by equipping yourself with the right knowledge, you can ensure you're selecting the correct gun for your project.
What is a Spray Foam Gun?
A foam spray gun is a handheld device that technicians use to apply the two main components of spray foam - isocyanate and polyol resin. They boost the insulation efficiency of a project, and come with numerous features, as well as various benefits and disadvantages.
Insulation foam guns may be used with standalone proportioners, most likely in a manufacturing situation. Typically, they are found in mobile spray foam insulation rigs that are brought to the job sites.
There are three main types of spray guns:
- Mechanical Purge: Mechanical purge spray foam guns have an internal valving rod that controls the mixing of spray foam components. This rod cleans the mixed material from the mix area. They're best used in high output commercial jobs and with foam and polyurea materials that require more thorough mixing at the spray gun.
- Liquid/Solvent Purge: Liquid purge guns use a solvent for cleaning the mix chamber. Using this type of spray gun could greatly reduce the wear on internal components thereby increasing the lifespan of parts.
- Air Purge: Air purge guns use compressed air to clean the mix chamber and is the most user-friendly option. These guns can spray mid to large spray jobs with its wide range of available mix chamber sizes. Although the Liquid Purge guns require the least amount of maintenance, the air purge guns are simple to use and understand.
How Do Spray Foam Insulation Guns Work?
Foam spray guns start working by the functionality of their trigger. When depressed, the two parts of the spray foam begin mixing in a special designed mix chamber and exit the spray gun already mixed with the foaming process started. The two materials have been pre-heated in the proportioner and heated hose The result is a oval pattern spray on the surface.
The gun stops mixing and spraying the materials when the trigger is released. The spray gun has a special feature that purges/cleans the mixed material from the mix chamber. The type of purging is based on the type of spray gun chosen, mechanical purge, liquid purge or air purge.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Spray Gun for Your Project
When it comes to selecting spray foam insulation guns for your project, there are several different variables that you'll need to consider. No job is the same, so it's important to know your requirements before making a decision.
- Foam Compatibility: There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open-cell, and closed-cell. Each has its own pros and cons and has eco-friendly insulation options available.
- Durability and Quality: DIYers and homeowners alike can get by with more affordable insulation solutions. Commercial enterprises, however, should always purchase guns with industrial-grade durability and only from recognized and trained professionals.
- Ease of Use / User-Friendly Features: It's important to find a gun that has ergonomic advantages in order to minimize repetitive stress injuries and make application easier for the user.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose Insulation Foam Guns
After determining your job requirements, you're ready to buy your spray foam insulation equipment. However, with a large variety of products and brands, choosing the best foam dispensing gun can be difficult. Below are a few key tips for buyers.
Purchase from a Reputable Brand
When looking to buy spray foam insulation equipment, branding and product reviews matter most. Look for a manufacturer with good warranty protection and customer support.
In Canada, Graco and PMC stand as industry leaders in plural component spray insulation equipment and accessories, offering a large selection of spray foam gun models for any type of job.
Finding a Distributor
It's important to purchase your spray foam insulation equipment from a respected distributor. Do a cost comparison, and search for a company with decades of experience, an extensive product inventory, and customizable solutions.
What is the Best Spray Foam Insulation Gun?
Graco and PMC have the best reputation out of any spray foam brand, and offers many different models:
Model | Description |
Graco Fusion AP | Graco's best-selling air-purge gun for spray foam; features air-blast tip technology for easy maintenance and cleaning. |
Graco Fusion MP | Rugged, simple, and reliable. The Fusion MP is a durable mechanical purge spray gun that can handle both foam and liquid coatings. |
Graco Fusion PC | The ProConnect is the only air purge gun that comes with a disposable replacement cartridge for efficient rebuilds. |
Graco Fusion CS | The first-ever liquid purge spray gun with variable flow features a quick change ClearShot cartridge for clean, efficient mixing. |
Graco P2 | Ergonomically shaped, air purged, and integrated with a double-piston design for maximum performance. |
PMC Xtreme | Solid, robust, easy to use spray gun with a lower purchase cost than Graco. |
GX-7 & GX-8 | The GX-7 is designed strictly for foam, whereas the GX-8 is designed solely for low-output liquid coatings. Both are mechanical purge guns. |
Professional Foam Application Tips
No matter which spray gun you purchase, there's still a baseline level of skill that's needed for proper application.
Always keep your spray gun perpendicular to, and between 12 and 18 inches from, your surface to create even spray patterns. Moving too quickly in the coverage area, and at an angle, is one of the most common problems people face.
Industry standards also recommend frequent cleaning and equipment maintenance in order to preserve the longevity of your equipment. Always clean your spray gun after it's been used following the recommendation of your Distributor. Each type of spray gun requires a unique method of cleaning which is very simple but procedures must be followed. Safe handling precautions, such as wearing protective gear, should always be implemented.
Find Your Ideal Spray Foam Gun at Bolair
At the end of the day, selecting the right spray foam gun is an imperative step in industrial and construction insulation projects. By knowing the differences in types of equipment, what models are available, and what factors should influence your purchase, you'll be able to find a highly functional foam gun that meets your needs.
At Bolair Fluid Handling Systems, we are your main supplier of Graco and PMC spray foam guns in Canada, and have been providing individual contractors, commercial remodelers, and industrial companies with high-grade equipment, service and industry expertise since 1982. Reach out to our sales team today for help in finding the perfect spray foam guns, accessories, and machines.
