Top 10 Foam Roofing Myths
Top 10 Foam Roofing Myths
Many Types of Foam
According to the polyurethane foam association over 1.8 billion pounds of flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) products are produced annually in North America. There are many different types of foam out there; they are all based on altered forms of plastic filled with micro bubbles.
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Some examples of FPF products are: polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, styrofoam, and polyurethane foam. Polystyrene foam (often blue) is used in rafts, life preservers, and insulation wraps for residential homes. Polyethylene foam is used in cushions, pillows, and beds. Styrofoam is usually white, and typical uses are white foam for coolers, mugs, or cups (e.g. coffee/ or hot chocolate). Finally, polyurethane foam is a yellow type of foam for roofing, insulation, refrigeration warehouses, foam boards. Foam roofing is one of the most common polyurethane foam applications.
Foam Roofing Myths
There are probably as many myths as there are types of foam. Some of these misconceptions may be partly due to the fact that there are so many different kinds of foam. With about three decades of foam roofing experience we have heard some myths so absurd we wont bother listing them here. This article is an attempt to dispel some of the most typical myths and rumors about foam roofing. Without further adieu, here are ten of the most common polyurethane spray foam roofing myths, listed in no particular order.
Picture: A Sprayed Polyurethane Foam roof (SPF) installation on a warehouse. SPF foam roofing is plagued by myths and misconceptions .
Myth #1: Foam Roofing is New
Although the groundwork for polyurethane foam was done by Otto Bayer and his team in , polyurethane foam would not become available until much later. In polyisocyanates became commercially and commercial production of polyurethane foam began in based on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyester polyols. Commercial production of flexible polyurethane foam began in , based on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polyester polyols. The invention of these foams (initially called imitation Swiss cheese by the inventors) was thanks to water accidentally introduced in the reaction mix. These materials were also used to produce rigid foams, gum rubber, and elastomers.
Dr. Otto Bayer began working with polyurethanes in . However, it was not until further innovations, and Walter Baughman’s discovery of the Blendometer in that mass production of polyurethane foam began. As a product, polyurethane foam is over half a century old.
Initially polyurethane spray foam was used in the s for refrigeration and industrial insulation projects, although by the late 60s and early 70s polyurethane foam had evolved into exterior roofing applications. The earliest foam roofs are now around 50 years old. So, as a product, polyurethane foam has existed for the better part of a century, and it has been in use on roofing in applications for about half a century. For most of the living world, foam roofing is indeed not new.
Myth #2: You Can’t Stop a Determined Bird From Pecking a Foam Roof
This is very much a myth, and if you believe it, you should be ashamed. Now, keep in mind that If you have a sadly deteriorating foam roof, with large patches of exposed foam (where the acrylic coating has worn away), then birds may peck at your deteriorating and exposed foam.
One popular foam roofing myth involves birds pecking a foam roof into oblivion.
However, it’s very easy to stop the birds from doing this (i.e. the “can’t stop” part is a myth). Simply replace the coating with a fresh layer or use some acrylic caulking to seal up the exposed area. When an added layer of rubberized coating covers the foam, surface toughness increases such that birds tend to stop pecking as they find that their beaks bounce-off the roof surface. Keep in mind that this type of work is best performed by qualified technicians who understand surface preparation procedures and have access to suitable materials. If you do find a bird pecking at your foam roof, think of it as a compliment. Even a bird’s brain is smart enough to realize that foam is both lightweight and has great insulating qualities (e.g. for a nest).
Myth #3: You Can’t Walk on a Foam Roof
You CAN walk on a foam roof without having the skills of those ninjas that walk on rice paper; just leave your spiked heels and cowboy boots in the closet–its best to use soft rubber sole sneakers. Unless you’re walking on a condemned (or soon to be) building, a foam roof is completely capable of sustaining the weight of a normal person.
Employees walk on an SPF foam roof while making an inspection.
Soft sole shoes are advised because an extremely sharp object can damage or penetrate the foam. Since spray foam roofing structure is composed of millions of tiny closed cells, only a hole in the roof that penetrates to the underlying substrate can potentially cause a leak. However, foam can only last forever if it is protected from UV rays (sunlight). If your foam roof has a hole or is damaged, a proper type of coating or caulking should be used to coat the roof again and protect it from UV rays.
Myth #4: Foam Roofing Material is Just Like Memory Foam Mattress Material
Sure, and monopoly money is accepted by your local bank. On a more serious note, memory foam mattresses are very low density and open cell, while foam roofing foam is still flexible, it is relatively much higher density and composed of closed cells. Polyurethane closed cell foam used in roofing applications is a completely different material composition vs memory foam. Polyurethane foam used for roofing applications is exponentially stronger and more durable than the type of foam used in a mattress. For example, Dura-Foam has many roofs approaching the 35 year mark which are still in near perfect condition.
Myth #5: Foam Roofing is Expensive
A foam roof actually costs about the same as a typical BUR or single ply roof. Also, consider that BUR or Asphalt roofs are actually an oil based product. Rising oil prices are driving up the costs of most typical flat roof alternatives, while the cost of foam roofing has remained more constant. An additional benefit to consider, is that a foam roof is the last roof you’ll ever need to buy. Furthermore, a foam roof provides exceptional insulation, and we always use reflective cool roof coatings (on completed foam projects) which results in even further reduced energy costs. Cool roof coatings alone can cut down cooling costs by 30 percent or more in warmer climes.
If you’re only considering a 5 or 10 year window, a foam roof may or may not be more expensive than a traditional roofing material. However, when you start considering 15, 20 or more years in your evaluation, the foam roof becomes much more cost effective than other alternatives. You wont need to replace the foam roof in 20 years–you can simply maintain a foam roof by periodically adding re-coats to protect the roof from prolonged UV exposure. This is not a viable option with a traditional roofing installation.
Myth #6: Foam Roofing is Not Durable
When you think about ‘tough’ materials, foam products probably don’t come to mind. However, Dura-foam has built many 30 year old (and counting) foam roofs which remain in great condition. Many of the earliest foam roofs are still standing (50 years and counting). Foam roofing has already stood the test of time, and its a fact; a foam roof can last the life of your building.
Image: This is a pair of polyurethane soled shoes. Polyurethane is often used in the soles of shoes due to its extreme durability.
Mtyth #7: Foam Boards Insulate as Well as a Sprayed Foam Roof
Not really–whether you DIY (Do-it-Yourself) or have a contractor install a foam board roof, you’ll only see a fraction of the benefits possible with sprayed foam roofing. Sprayed foam roofing is manufactured on site, and is sprayed to perfectly conform to your roof as a single monolithic barrier to the elements. A foam board roof is full of seams which allow moisture and vapor transmission, which greatly reduces the insulation capacity.
Although the R-value rating of a foam board roof appears to be on par with a foam roof, the actual performance of such roofs is substantially inferior. In other words, in this case, the R-value of the insulation does not factor air-infiltration with thermal resistance which makes it an inaccurate comparison. One should also consider a sprayed foam roof also seals a roof better (prevents leaks) better than any traditional pre-manufactured material (even foam boards).
Myth #8: Polyurethane Foam is Toxic
Here’s just one more myth to add to our list. Polyurethane foam is really just a form of altered plastic with millions of tiny trapped air bubbles. Although the formulation is designed for roofing applications and optimized for the best combination of thermal resistance and durability, the base material is the same thing used in most refrigerators or foam mattresses. Polyurethane foam materials are completely inert, and are just as safe as the foam pillows you probably have on your couch by your TV or in the seat cushions inside your car.
Myth #9: Soy Foam is Substantially ‘Greener’ Than Polyurethane Foam
We have looked at the most recent Soybean oil based foams, and they presently contain a maximum of about 15% soybean oil. Considering the expense, and the risk that these formulations wont stand the test of time (last the life of your building), we are not completely sold on this product.
Perhaps one day, Soybean oil based foams will be substantially different from traditional foam. For now, its 85% exactly the same as your every-day polyurethane foam, and for us, it’s not enough to justify the added expense. Although we will look for new developments in bio-based foams in the future, our present conclusion is that soy (and other bio-based) foams are just a gimmick. Once technology changes and the second generation of soy based (and other bio-based) foams are released, we will re-visit the subject.
Myth #10: Foam Roofing Absorbs Water
If foam on a roof system is found to soak up water, either the wrong material was used or the material components were not applied using the proper equipment and expertise. The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) used in roofing applications is “closed cell”. In other words, it is a plastic with millions of tiny closed cells which are impenetrable by water. A block of SPF submerged under water will remain buoyant and dry indefinitely. For this reason, spray polyurethane foam is used in flotation docks and the hulls of sea vessels. In roofing applications, closed-cell SPF is manufactured at the job site using specialized equipment. Foam that soaks-up water is not classified as “closed cell” SPF.
Summary
During the last few decades foam roofing has grown in popularity and become the flat and low slope roofing material of choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Unfortunately, there are some obstacles for foam roofing contractors due to large amounts of misinformation that have propagated through society. There are many foam roofing myths; the ones we have listed here are just some of the most common ones. Foam roofing is truly a highly quality, high performance product. Hopefully this article will help at least a few people separate fact from fiction in reference to foam roofing.
FAQ - Worldwide Foam - Leading Closed Cell Foam Manufacturer
Extrusion Questions
Q: What standard XE roll SKUs are available for immediate shipment?
A: We currently offer the following standard XE roll SKUs for immediate shipment:
- XE-20-0.125-60-300-CH
- XE-20-0.25-60-150-CH
- XE-20-0.375-60-200-CH
- XE-20-0.5-60-150-CH
- XE-40-0.125-60-450-CH
- XE-40-0.25-60-225-CH
- XE-60-0.125-60-300-CH
Contact us today for pricing!
Q: Can you produce custom-sized XE rolls?
A: Yes, we can produce custom-sized XE rolls to meet your specific requirements. A minimum order quantity applies. For example, a minimum of 10,000 linear feet is required for a 4lb roll with a thickness of 0.25 inches and a width of 60 inches. Please contact us for more details.
Q: What is your quality management and standard tolerances?
A: We maintain strict quality control throughout the production process. Each roll is assigned a lot number for traceability. Our standard tolerances for thickness and density are +/- 10%.
Q: Can you add additives to the XE material?
A: Currently, we offer vinyl acetate (VA) as an additive. Our standard product, XEV, contains a specific percentage of VA. For custom VA percentages, please expect a price increase of 10-15%. Please contact us for more details.
Q: Can you produce XE rolls in custom colors?
A: While we do not offer precise color matching at this time, we can produce XE rolls in custom colors. Please expect a price increase of 5-10% and a minimum order quantity. Please contact us for more details.
Q: Do you have plans for product development or additional capabilities?
A: We plan to install a lab extruder in the near future to support product development efforts. This will enable us to explore new formulations and create customized solutions for our customers.
General Questions
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Q: What do your XLPE product codes mean?
A: An example of our full XLPE product code is: XP-40-X-4-CH
XP-40-X-4-CH
The first two letters signify the type of material. The following are our current materials:
XP = Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE)
EV = Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
SC = Static Control
XI = Irradiated Crosslinked Polyethylene Roll
XE = Chemically Crosslinked Polyethylene Roll
XP-40-X-4-CH
The number in the middle signifies the density of the foam. If this is followed by a R, it indicates that the material is the single stage.
20 = 2lb, 30 = 3lb, 40 = 4lb, etc..
XP-40-X-4-CH
The letter code represents the billing size
XP-40-X-4-CH
The number after the size represents the thickness in inches, if this is followed by a B, it indicates that the material has skins.
XP-40-X-4-CH
The letters at the end signify the color of the foam.
XP-40-X-4-CH = Crosslinked Polyethylene, 4lb density, 4 x 48 x 96, Charcoal
For more information on color and size, please check out our Managed Product Chart
Q: Are Worldwide Foam's XLPE foams Class A Compatible?
Yes, our XLPE & EVA have low abrasive properties and are Class A compatible.
Class “A” surface protection is defined as packaging and materials utilized in the production, handling, and delivery of automobile parts (most often) must not in any way, affect the quality of the product.
XLPE and EVA have long been considered the gold standard in providing Class A surface protection. XLPE and EVA are used to make durable, long-lasting expendable and returnable packaging for those parts designated as Class A.
Q: Do you manufacture your own foam?
A: We manufacture our XLPE bun product line overseas using our own presses and molds. Our extruded XLPE rolls (XE) are manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana. We also work with a variety of top foam manufacturers across the world to provide a wide range of products and SKUs.
Q: How many locations do you have?
A: We currently have 6 locations across North America. Company Locations
Q: Do you fabricate and convert foam outside of skiving?
A: WF does offer a variety of converting services to offer process-ready goods such as skiving, looping, spooling, PSA application, heat-lamination, and slitting. Contact us for more information on our add-on services.
Q: What new products are you developing?
A: We are constantly expanding our product line with new materials. Please contact us here if you would like a free sample kit with all of our products.
Buying Questions
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Q: What is your lead time?
A: Standard stock and skived sheets will generally ship out with a 1-2 day lead time. PSA, Heat-Lamination, and Looping tend to have a 1-2 week lead time for stock items.
Q: Who pays the freight?
A: Shipments are considered FOB our warehouse. We do cover the freight on qualifying full truckload orders over $35,000.
Reach out to [ protected] to talk to one of our logistics specialists.
Are you interested in learning more about foam rubber supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Q: How much can you fit on a truckload (T/L)?
A: 53’ trailers can hold around 36,000 bdft depending on the material type.
Q: How to place an order?
A: Send your orders to [ protected] for the fastest service.
Q: What are acceptable forms of payment? What is your minimum order?
A. We accept checks, wire transfers, ACH payment, and online credit card payment. We do offer credit for those approved.
Standard stock and skived items will not have a minimum order, but there is a processing fee on orders less than $500. Looped rolls and non-stock items will vary depending on material type. Contact us today for more information.
Q: What if you do not have the foam in a density or color I am looking for? Can I put in custom order?
A: If certain quantities are met we can do a custom foam run.
Buns:
-100 bun minimum of 4″ x 48″ x 96″ or equivalent
– At least 10-12 week lead time
Rolls:
-12,800 board foot minimum.
-At least 10-12 week lead time
Please contact us for more details.
Q: What densities and sizes are available?
A: Please refer to our Managed Product Chart, or contact us for more details.
Q: Does your material come with skins?
A: Our XLPE bun materials generally do not come with skin. Some materials are available with skins upon request. Elastomeric, Zotefoams, and Sealed Air extruded PE come with skin, but can be removed upon request.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: A 20% restocking fee on stock items. Subject to review on all other items.
Q: Do you have any conductive or anti-static materials (ESD)?
A: We stock a wide variety of ESD materials. For more information about the static control materials, please refer to the Static control foam whitepaper.
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Q: For orders processed in Indiana, can I pickup in either LaPorte or Elkhart?
A: Yes. Pickup may be delayed by 1-2 days due to truck availability.
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Q: Can you transfer material to a location closer to me for pickup?
A: Materials are periodically transferred between Worldwide Foam locations for inventory management purpose. However, the date of these transfers is unpredictable. Consequently, all orders are processed FOB from the actual shipping point.
Material Questions
Q: What is the thermal resistance of the foam (R value)?
A: The foams were tested in accordance with ASTM C518-10. The R value for 2lb XLPE is around 4. Higher density foam has a lower R value. Our 15lb XLPE tested just under 2 in R value. Generally, the higher the R value, the better the insulation.
Q: What is the thickness tolerance?
A: You can view our tolerance white paper here.
Q: What is the density tolerance (%) on XLPE
A: Block density on all our 2 stage XLPE materials is +/- 10% – i.e. The actual density of a 4lb/ft³ material falls somewhere between 3.6 to 4.4 lb/ft³. Any cut part of the bun will be +/ 20%.
XLPE manufacturing process produces denser and harder foam towards the outside of the bun, and softer, lighter materials on the inside. This is true for all manufacturers of 2 stage buns.
Q: What is the working temperature of the foam?
A: For maximum continuous operating temperature of our materials, please refer to material typical properties sheets.
Q: Do you have cleanroom foam?
A: A clean room is a controlled space in which airborne contaminants are carefully kept within strict limits. These rooms are often used in manufacturing to prevent contamination. Our XLPE foam is biologically inert or dormant and is commonly used in many applications where a clean room is required.
Q: Does your foam work with adhesives?
A: Our foam does work well with adhesives. However, your adhesive supplier would be the best person to speak with regarding any specific questions. We carry a wide variety of pressure sensitive adhesive as an add-on service. Contact us for more info. PSA Selection Guide PDF.
Q: What is the shelf life of the foam?
A: XLPE foam does not have a shelf life.
Q: Does the foam float?
A: Yes, it does; Due to the closed cell structure, XLPE is a water-resistant foam. Click here for foam buoyancy calculation.
Q: Do you have fire retardant foam?
A: We stock a wide variety of materials that are compliant with UL 94 testing standard and FMVSS-302 motor vehicle specification.
UL 94 is a plastics flammability standard released by the Underwriters Laboratories (USA). The standard classifies plastics according to how they burn in various orientations and part thicknesses from the lowest flame-retardant to most flame-retardant in six different classifications. The FMVSS-302 measures the horizontal burn rate of materials that will be used in the occupant compartments of motor vehicles. A horizontal burn rate of fewer than four inches per minute qualifies as a pass.
Q: What is the difference between one-stage and two-stage foams?
A: One-stage production uses only one set of molds and is considerably faster. Two-stage, as the name implies uses two sets of molds to manufacture the finished product. Within the same density range, two-stage foams typically come out with a smoother surface, less pinholes, and slightly better physical characteristics. One-stage tends to be heavier for a given hardness and have a coarser surface. Click here for One Stage v.s. Two Stage white paper.
Q: What is the difference between open- and closed-cell foams?
A: Cellular foams are composed of millions of small cavities or cells. These cells may be interconnecting (open-cell) or non-connecting (closed-cell). Most of the cells or bubbles in closed-cell foams are not broken; they resemble inflated balloons compressed together in a compact configuration. Open-cell foams are connected to each other with an opening so that water, air, or gas can pass through them, similar to the way water is absorbed by a sponge. The cell walls, or surfaces of the bubbles, are broken and air fills all of the spaces in the material.
Q: Is XLPE foam recyclable?
A: XLPE trim and end-of-life components can be collected and repurposed into a variety of new products, including sports field and playground underlayment. This way, the material avoids the landfill, and the produce avoids the disposal fees. Good for the planet, good for your bottom line. For more XLPE recycle information, please check out our
Q: What materials can you recycle?
A: We accept all types of crosslinked PE, EVA, Zotefoams, ETC, from 2 – 8 lb/ft3 densities. It must be XLPE only, with no other materials or trash mixed in.Q: How do I get my materials to Worldwide Foam for Recyling?
- A: Shipping is FOB our dock in Elkhart, IN or Atlanta, GA, and prior notice (ideally 2-3 days) and a dock appointment are required. Please [ protected] for arrangements. Unloaded may take as long as 2 hours, depending on the packaging format.
- If you receive materials via our WF truck, we are able to backhaul scrap. However, prior notice and arrangements are required via [ protected]
- We can accept materials loose, baled, palletized, in gaylords, or bagged. All formats are acceptable. If you are sending both XLPE and PE materials, segregation is necessary.
Q: What are the differences between EVA and XLPE?
A: EVA stands for ethylene vinyl acetate. WF’s XLPE and EVA foam products are similar materials and are difficult to distinguish. The primary differences are that EVA is softer, more resilient, and has stronger recovery after compression. Whereas polyethylene foams are firmer and more resistant to heat. Both of them provide excellent protection and shock absorption for packaging applications. EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and contains wide range percentage of VA. The VA additive enhances the typical properties such as tensile, tear, elongation, and compression set while providing greater resilience and a smooth soft feel.
Q: Can you recycle foam that has adhesives on it?
A: Adhesive is ok, PSA liner is not. There can be no paper backing on the foam, and the foam cannot be all stuck together in a giant chunk.Q: Is your foam antimicrobial/ safe for food packaging/UV resistant, and/or how will it react to diesel fuel/transmission fluid/ chlorine etc?
A: XLPE is naturally UV resistant, dormant to bacteria, and non-toxic. We regularly test our foam for characteristics outlined in our typical property sheets. If you need to meet a certain standard or would like to do testing on your own we will gladly supply a sample of the desired foam. If certain volume requirements are met we may be able to test for a certain standard you are looking for. If you wish to have any additives added to the foam, this will count as a special order and special rates and requirements will need to be met.
Q: What does "Shore" mean?
Durometer is one of several measures of the hardness of a foam or material. The durometer scale was defined by Albert F. Shore, who developed the measurement device called a durometer. The common test standard is ASTM D (00) for a total of 12 scales, depending on the intended use; types A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO, OOO, OOO-S, and R. Each scale results in a value between 0 and 100, with higher values indicating a harder material. With foams, the most common type of shore scale used is OO.
Q: What is cell count and cell size?
Cell count is the number of cells per linear inch or centimeter, expressed as pore per inch or pores per centimeter. Cell size is the average diameter of the cells in the final foam product, often measured in miron units.
Q: SCE – 41; Types 1 and 2; Classes A, B, C, and D; Grades 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – what does all this actually mean?
The test standard ASTM D covers flexible cellular products, both open and closed cell. Designated numbers have changed over the years, but the basics remain the same.
SCE is now 2C or 2A depending on the oil requirement
SCE-41 is now 2C1 or 2A1 depending on the oil requirement
SCE-42 is now 2C2 or 2C2 depending on the oil requirement
The first number defines cell structure: 1 (Type 1) = open cell 2 (Type 2) = closed cell
The letter defines oil resistance:
A = no oil resistance required;
B = oil resistance with low mass change;
C = oil resistance with medium mass change;
D = requires extreme temperature resistance (-75 to 175°C or -103 to 347°F) but not oil resistance.
The last number defines compression deflection which ranges from 0 to 5.
Grade 0: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 0 to 16 kPa 0 to 2 psi.
Grade 1: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 15 to 35 kPa 2 to 5 psi.
Grade 2: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 35 to 65 kPa 5 to 9 psi.
Grade 3: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 65 to 90 kPa 9 to 13 psi.
Grade 4: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 90 to 120 kPa 13 to 17 psi.
Grade 5: For Types 1 and 2 cellular rubber, a compression-deflection range from 120 to 170 kPa 17 to 25 psi)
Q: What is Compression Deflection (CFD)?
The amount of force required to compress a rubber cellular specimen by a given % over the entire top area of the specimen. (i.e. the force required to compress a ½” thick specimen 25% of its original thickness. It can be expressed in lb/in2 (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascal).
Q: What does Compression Set Mean?
A permanent partial loss of initial height of a foam sample due to a bending or collapse of the cell structure. Large percentages of compression set will cause a foam to quickly lose its original appearance, leaving its surface depressed or “hollowed out”.
Q: Define Foam Density?
A measurement of the mass per unit volume. It is commonly measured and expressed in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3).
Q: Define Clickable & Non-Clickable Foam?
Non-Clickable will maintain a pinched edge when die cut, Clickable will pop back-up without pinching. These characteristics apply to Polyester Urethane foams.
Q: What is Indentation Force Deflection (IFD)?
A measure of the lead bearing capacity of foam. IFD is generally measured as the force (in pounds) required to compress a 50 square inch circular foot into a 4 inch thick sample, typically 15 inches square or larger, to a stated percentage of the sample’s initial height. Common IFD values are generated at 25 and 65 percent of initial height. (Note: previously called “ILD – Indentation Load Deflection).
Q: Do all foams have a skin layer?
The outer layers of the master buns and rolls typically have a skin like surface. Depending on the thickness you require, some layers may be without skin or will be skin one-side only once the skiving process begins to peel down the master material. We can offer skin one-side of a foam but the remaining material from the master must also be accounted for. The fail-safe way to have skin on both sides of a foam is to purchase a product extruded to thickness. Please contact for details as most foams cannot meet this requirement.
Q: What does 'surface energy' mean?
The tendency of a surface to repel, rather than attract, an adhesive. A low surface energy is a hard-to-stick-to surface, which reduces the force of attraction between two substrates. A high surface energy provides an easier-to-stick-to surface, increasing the force of attraction between substrates. A high surface energy substrate allows the adhesive to wet-out, which helps obtain a stronger bond. A low surface energy substrate requires a specially designed adhesive or a primer / promoter to alter the substrates surface energy.
What percentage of Vinyl Acetate (VA) is in your Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)?
20%
Q: What does the term 'Wet-Out' mean when referring to an adhesive?
Wet-out means the level of physical contact between an adhesive and substrate. A visual wet-out can be controlled when the adhesive is applied by machine or hand and is application controlled. A microscopic wet-out is related to temperature and length of time and is predicated on the chemistry of the adhesive and substrate.
Q: What is WZ-30? What are the differences between WZ-30 and LD-30?
A: WZ-30 is a Zotefoams 1.9 lb density XLPE exclusive to Worldwide Foam. Using the same proprietary formula and nitrogen expansion process, WZ-30 retains all the benefits and typical properties of Azote LD-30, which includes the lowest VOC, consistent density, vibrant color, and unified cell structure. Unlike LD-30 using metric bun size, WZ-30 comes in a 2″x48″x80″ bun size which directly translates to a better material yielding. Furthermore, WZ-30 comes in a more competitive pricing structure and could be a great alternative to conventional 2lb XLPE foams.
Q: Is your Plastic Corrugated import material or domestic? We have had some issues in the past with the material cracking using import material.
Yes, the plastic is imported and we understand concerns related to brittleness and cracking. These issues can be attributed to the presence of fillers or incorrect resin formulas. In order to make sure our plastic is not too brittle, we maintain the proper ratio of the resins to achieve the correct firmness while retaining resilience. There are no fillers added.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of colorful rubber foam. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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