Spray Foam Rig Trends for 2024: What to Know

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) forecasts a bit of a slowdown in construction in 2024 from this year’s record growth. Many contractors have seen consistent work and growth in 2023—as much as a 55% increase in industrial and nearly 20% in commercial projects. In 2024, however, the AIA is projecting a 2% growth in nonresidential and 5.4% growth in industrial work.

With fewer jobs available, contractors will need to be at the top of their game if they want to compete effectively. As spray foam contractors put together their plans for the coming year, several key trends are helping shape the business.

Eco-Friendly Practices

The construction industry consumes massive amounts of raw materials and natural resources. The World Green Building Council estimates that construction generates nearly 40% of the world’s carbon emissions.

Businesses today are facing public pressure to be more energy-efficient and reduce emissions when they take on projects. It is not unusual to see such language pop up in contracts and RFPs. When bidding on jobs, expect to get asked about your sustainability practices and what steps you take to ensure your spray foam rigs support more eco-friendly applications.

Sustainable Solutions

Spray foam insulation itself is highly energy efficient, insulating buildings and air sealing to prevent heat or cooling loss. The American Chemistry Council says spray foam quickly offsets its manufacturing footprint for emissions. Since spray foam can last for 75 years or longer, it provides a sustainable solution for buildings.

Spray Foam Rigs

Contractors can set themselves apart from competitors by deploying newer spray foam rigs that are built for sustainability. Look for rigs that are highly energy efficient and can handle bio-based or renewable spray foam content, which have lower carbon footprints than traditional petroleum-based foams. Contractors may also want to explore low-VOC (volatile organic compound) options for polyurethane foam to maintain air quality.

Spray Foam Trailers

There are also options when it comes to spray foam trailers. Some trailers have solar panels to generate renewable energy and utilize lithium battery banks for the cordless operation of tools. Trailers can also be built using recycled flooring materials and energy-efficient LED lighting.

There have also been significant improvements to all-electric or hybrid trucks to haul trailers, which eliminates or reduces emissions from idling diesel trucks. Newer generations of heavy-duty electric and hybrid trucks can manage the weight load for smaller payloads and reduce fuel costs and emissions. Supply chain disruptions and concerns about microchips have eased significantly, increasing the availability of electric and hybrid vehicles. At the same time, costs are dropping, making such options more affordable.

Efficient Technology

Today’s spray foam rigs are much more efficient, creating greater yield and faster delivery. Since the costs of materials for applications can account for up to 70% of the total costs, margins, and profitability are directly tied to yield.

Modern spray foam rigs also have advanced technology that can make your jobs easier, including:

• More precise temperature control to ensure optimal temps for materials
• Upgraded pumps are more durable and produce higher outputs
• Lighter weight materials using advanced composites reduce rig weight
• Heated hoses to prevent spray foam from hardening during application and reducing clogs
• Flex hose designs, which are significantly lighter weight than whip hoses
• Remote monitoring and touchscreens with built-in alarms
• Spray foam guns with disposal replacement cartridges for faster rebuilds
• Improved error detection and faster identification of component failure

Growing Applications

How spray foam rigs are used is evolving.

Besides spray foam insulation for buildings and roofing, a third use is continuing to gain traction—geotechnical applications. Contractors are injecting spray foam under concrete slabs to level them. While so-called slab jacking has been around for a while, it has gained popularity in the past few years and has become a more common solution. This process is minimally disruptive and has environmental benefits over slab replacement.

Trust Intech Equipment & Supply

You can trust Intech Equipment & Supply to stay on top of spray foam industry trends and help you find the perfect spray foam rigs and spray foam trailers to power your business. Intech is a leading equipment supplier providing contractors with everything they need to build and sustain a successful spray foam business.

With a wide selection of spray foam machines, parts, accessories, and trailers from major manufacturers, Intech’s expert team can customize an equipment package or trailer for your business.

Call the certified spray foam equipment specialists at Intech Equipment & Supply at 866-652-9975 or contact us online today. 

About Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a leading expert in the spray foam insulation industry with 34 years of experience in spray foam fluid handling and a passion for innovation. He currently offers his extensive knowledge to Intech Equipment and Supply customers by supporting them in selecting quality spray foam equipment to optimize their business. Learn more about Kevin here.