Both open cell and closed cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. Closed cell foams have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed-cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications. In climate zones 6-8, a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system.

Closed cell insulation also adds structural integrity throughout the wall system. Tests by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center in 1992, 1996 and 2005 show that spray-applied foam between wood and steel stud wall panels increase rack and sheer strength two to three times more than traditional stick-built components with fiberglass insulation when sprayed on to gypsum wall board and vinyl siding. The tests also showed that closed cell foam also increased racking strength when sprayed on to oriented OSB.

Open cell foam, on the other hand, should only ever be used for interior applications. Open cell foams are more cost effective per unit of R-value than closed cell foams, but do not provide buildings the additional structural support that closed cell foams do.

Please work with your local Rhino Linings approved contractor to determine which product works best for your specific application.

Indefinitely. As an inert, thermoset plastic, our spray foam products will maintain their properties throughout the life of the building.

Rhino’s spray foam insulation products, ThermalGuard™ and DuraTite^®, are available with a constantly expanding global network of Rhino Linings contractors. Currently, our network reaches across the United States as well as several countries around the world. If you are interested in having our insulation installed in a home or business, call 877-358-1320 to find the approved independent contractor nearest you.

ThermalGuard and DuraTite products are effective in air-sealing and insulating because they are applied as a liquid and expand multiple times their original size in seconds. As the foam expands, it conforms and fills cavities and voids to create a perfectly sealed thermal envelope. ThermalGuard and DuraTite create a highly-effective seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss in a structure. This insulation adheres to any clean, dry surface and will not sag or settle.

While the initial cost of installing spray foam insulation may be higher than traditional insulation, building owners are able to save enough money each month on their utility bills to quickly make up the difference. When paired with other responsible building components, Rhino Linings insulation can reduce monthly heating and cooling bills by up to 50% when compared with traditionally insulated and constructed structures.

In many cases with new construction or large-scale retrofits, you can save additional money by reducing the required size of the HVAC (heating and air conditioning) unit because ThermalGuard and DuraTite create a continuously sealed thermal envelope around your home or structure. You might also be able to reduce or eliminate the use of other building materials when you use foam such as soffit vents, ridge vents, attic ventilation fans, radiant barriers or vapor retarders.

ThermalGuard and DuraTite insulations provide a healthier, draft-free indoor environment. Because Rhino spray foam insulation expands to fill cavities and voids upon installation, it seals the thermal envelope and will not sag or settle over time.

A well sealed envelope gives the HVAC system and your ventilation system full control over the clean filtration and amount of fresh air entering the structure. This helps to maintain great indoor air quality by blocking and filtering out harmful foreign irritants such as mold, pollen or other allergens.

A significant cause of moisture issues in structures are the result of warm, moist air being exchanged with cold, dry air inside a wall cavity. This moisture can condense within the cavity and result in mold, mildew and rot. Because ThermalGuard and DuraTite insulations provide a solid air seal, this moisture movement and subsequent condensation potential is greatly minimized.

During application, applicators and other persons within a close proximity to the spray operation could be exposed to fumes and spills beyond OSHA and NIOSH guidelines. Precautions should be made for applicators and building occupants to be protected from these fumes, mists and spills. This can be done by following simple safety guidelines.

Typically, for the applicator this would include wearing a respirator, solvent-resistant gloves and protective clothing. The zone where protective equipment is required can vary depending on the amount of open space and free ventilation. For example, fumes dissipate rapidly outside of a few feet on a rooftop, while in an enclosed room, fumes and mists can build. Each job should be assessed and a safety plan developed specific to the application by the installer. Rhino Linings approved contractors are all expertly trained in proper safety procedures.

In most instances that spray foam is applied in a new construction project, ventilation is plentiful. In a retrofit or remodel situation, re-occupancy time is dependent on a number of factors, including SPF formulation, the amount of foam applied per volume of space, temperature, humidity, the degree of ventilation and other variables.

In addition to the release of airborne SPF chemicals during spray application, certain components can be liberated from newly-installed SPF products for a short period of time following installation. Always check with your contractor, because they will be familiar with your specific situation. As a rule of thumb, we recommend 24-48 hours before occupants re-enter the building.

All of our insulation products are Class 1 fire rated. They will char if exposed to a flame but will not sustain a flame.

Polyurethane foams are combustible materials, which means that they will burn in the presence of a flame. Flame retardants are added to the product to help ensure that they meet or exceed the all of the applicable building code requirements. Always refer to the fire testing for each product and make sure it meets the specific requirements of your project.

No. ThermalGuard, DuraTite, and all Rhino Linings sealant products are inert substances that do not support mold.

No. There is no formaldehyde added during the manufacturing process.

No. Our products are inert substances and provide no food value for rodents and insects.

Yes. Our products adhere well to almost any material, especially wood and steel studs, which are commonly found in residential and commercial construction.

Our products do not pose any issues with electrical wiring as long as the electrical wiring is installed per National Electric Code. Any overheating issues with ThermalGuard and DuraTite in regards to wiring would be directly related to improper installation of the circuit or the size of the wiring. Polyurethane foam is compatible with electrical wiring plastic.

A certified electrical contractor can easily pull wire through spray foam insulation. For wires that may be moved frequently, such as home theater wiring, ENT conduit should be place in the wall before the insulation is installed.

ThermalGuard and DuraTite insulation systems are stable in the presence of most solvents found in binders, bituminous materials, wood preservatives and sealers. It is resistant to facers containing plasticizers, fuel, mineral oil, weak acids and weak bases, which are typically found in residential and commercial construction materials.

Our products are spray-applied by approved independent contractors. Application takes place after the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are installed, but before drywall installation is started.

Only trained professionals can install spray foam insulation because of the equipment needed to apply it properly. We train our approved independent contractors to ensure that products are properly installed.

Our corporate offices are located at 9747 Businesspark Ave., San Diego, CA 92131.

Click here and provide us your information. A territory sales manager will be in touch with your shortly.