Contractors Rejoice

Spray Foam Magazine – Winter 2025 – NCFI’s new OPTIMAXX® seasonal spray foam solutions give contractors the right tools for the right jobs and the right climates.

For spray foam contractors, weather can make the difference between a flawless installation and a frustrating job. Cold winter temperatures slow chemical reactions, affecting adhesion, spray patterns, and foam quality. Hot summer heat and high humidity can do the opposite: SPF cures too quickly, causing inconsistent coverage, blistering, or poor expansion. The same product can behave very differently depending on the conditions, making reliable results a constant challenge.

NCFI Polyurethanes, a leader in SPF technology, has addressed this problem with its new OPTIMAXX line. The recently expanded InsulBloc OPTIMAXX and InsulStar OPTIMAXX products are engineered to perform reliably across the full spectrum of seasonal and environmental conditions. NCFI has developed seasonal blends in collaboration with its contractor program called the United States of Spray Foam® partners, ensuring real-world performance in every climate.

“Our goal has always been to give contractors the tools they need to succeed, regardless of weather conditions,” said Mitch Clifton, EVP of Construction Products at NCFI. “By working with our contractor partners, we’ve developed formulations that perform consistently, whether it’s the dead of winter or the peak of summer. Fine-tuning blends to match the conditions is the holy grail of SPF for the contractor.”

Winter Challenges and Solutions

Cold weather slows SPF curing, creating issues with adhesion, spray pattern, and foam quality. NCFI’s winter blends are formulated for temperatures below 55°F. Adjustments to catalysts accelerate reactions that would otherwise lag, while viscosity modifications maintain proper flow. Closed-cell foam ensures structural integrity, and faster reaction times improve bonding to cold surfaces. Contractors often pair winter blends with heated hoses to maintain chemical temperatures during application.

“Winter installations can be tricky, especially with cold metal surfaces," Clifton notes. “Our winter blends are formulated to overcome these challenges, ensuring consistent adhesion and quality in every spray.”

Hot Weather and Humidity Solutions

High temperatures and humidity create a different set of challenges. SPF can cure too fast, causing inconsistent application, blistering, or poor expansion. NCFI’s hot weather blends slow chemical reactions and maintains foam quality even in extreme conditions. Contractors are advised to apply below 120°F, use closed-cell foam for moisture resistance, and monitor material and equipment temperatures closely.

According to Clifton, “High heat and humidity create real-world challenges that can impact the final installation. Our hot weather blends allow contractors to maintain control over the foam’s performance, even in tough conditions.”

The new blends are lab approved and field tested.

Choosing the Right Blend

Selecting the correct seasonal blend is critical. Best practices include consulting technical data sheets, measuring both ambient and substrate temperatures, and working with suppliers to identify products optimized for specific climates.

“Using the right product for the right conditions isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for a successful installation,” says Clifton. “Contractors who follow these guidelines see better yield, performance, and customer satisfaction. Fine-tuning blends to the conditions is what separates good installations from great ones.”

Beyond the Seasons

NCFI has also introduced a high-altitude blend, meeting building codes and performance requirements for applications up to 12,000 feet. For higher altitude applications, NCFI Polyurethanes provides application guidance. Whether working at sea level or high elevation, contractors can rely on NCFI’s OPTIMAXX SPF brands for consistent, high-quality results year-round.

With InsulBloc OPTIMAXX and InsulStar OPTIMAXX, NCFI Polyurethanes continues to provide contractors the tools to overcome temperature, humidity, and elevation challenges, delivering reliable, professional SPF installations 365 days a year.  

Direct any questions about the products in this article to NCFI at 800-346-8229 or visit www.ncfi.com.

Spray Foam Magazine does not take editorial positions on particular issues; individual contributions to the magazine express the opinions of discrete authors unless explicitly labeled or otherwise stated. The inclusion of a particular piece in the magazine does not mean that individual staff members or editors concur with the editorial positions represented therein.