Freeze Happens

Spray Foam Magazine – Fall 2026 – Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon and the 64th-largest city in Canada, enjoys a relatively mild subarctic climate thanks to its location within the Whitehorse Valley. Even so, winter temperatures can plunge to -40°C, making freeze protection a critical consideration for underground infrastructure. Energy North Construction, based in Whitehorse, recently spoke with Spray Foam Magazine about one such project.

Founded in 1990 by Kirk Potter, Energy North Construction is a leading Canadian contractor specializing in insulation and protective coatings. Each year, several fiberglass septic tank manufacturers rely on the company to apply closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) to the septic tank exterior before they are buried, providing an additional layer of thermal protection against Yukon’s harsh winters.

While septic tanks are routinely buried to contain odors and protect the system within the surrounding environment, burial depth alone is not always enough in Canada’s northern climate. The high insulating value and seamless air-sealing properties of closed-cell SPF help reduce heat loss from the tank, lowering the risk of the contents freezing during prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures. By maintaining more stable operating temperatures, the insulation helps wastewater continue flowing, supports the biological processes essential for breaking down waste, and reduces the likelihood of frozen tanks, sewage backups, and costly emergency repairs.

Among Energy North Construction’s key Yukon clients are fiberglass septic tank manufacturers Hurlburt Enterprises and Far North Fiberglass. Their tanks, primarily destined for rural properties, are typically buried at least 1.2 meters (approximately four feet) below grade. Combined with SPF, this burial depth provides reliable protection against freezing, even during extreme winter conditions.

For one recent project, Energy North insulated a fiberglass septic tank measuring 12 feet long by five feet wide, with an unspecified height above the stack. Lead sprayer Vasyl Gliebov donned full personal protective equipment, including a hazmat suit, chemical-resistant gloves, and a full-face fresh-air-supplied respirator, before preparing a E-XP2 proportioner equipped with a 200-foot insulated heated hose and a Fusion Air Purge spray gun.

Project preparation was minimal, requiring only that the work area be secured to prevent overspray before completing the standard proportioner setup and system checks. Gliebov then applied two inches of Genyk Polyurethane Boreal Nature Elite closed-cell medium-density spray foam over the entire septic tank. No protective coating was required, and the installation was completed smoothly in just two hours.

By applying a quality SPF to 20-40 septic tanks every summer, Energy North Construction keeps things regular. This professional application helps septic tanks do their big job, so no one wastes time!