The simple and quick answer to can you spray foam insulation in cold weather is yes, but it does come with some complications, specifically when talking about closed-cell spray foam and metal structures.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

What are some of the complications of spraying foam insulation in the winter?

Foam will not cure in extreme cold. You need a temperature above 40 degrees F to activate the closed-cell foam and propellant.

You must have no frost on your metal when you spray the foam. If there is any frost, it could cause what we call “frostbite”. Once this happens, you can’t fix it so it’s best to avoid spraying if possible in areas with potential for frost or freezing temperatures.

How do you spray foam insulation in the winter?

You must spray foam when temperatures are 40 degrees F or higher, with no frost present.

If you’re in an area prone to freezing temps, you may want to consider spraying open cell insulation instead.

Will the foam ever cure if it’s sprayed in extremely cold weather?

No, not typically. The closed-cell foam will not typically harden until the temperature of the foam is above 40 degrees F and that could take several hours or even a day or two depending on how thick the foam is sprayed and other factors. In colder climates where it gets 20 degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year, you can use heat lamps to help warm up the metal before application. Some installers also wrap insulation around the outside of a tank like a shed or a barn to help keep the metal warm for quicker drying of the foam.

What happens if you spray foam insulation in freezing temperatures?

If you spray foam at temps below 40 degrees F, the foam will not cure properly. The closed-cell foam contains a chemical reaction between two components that requires a minimum temperature to take place. If it doesn’t happen, the chemicals will separate and cause a mess. This is what we call frostbite or freeze up.