Commercial spray foam has to satisfy fire-code requirements a homeowner rarely thinks about, and getting them right is non-negotiable on a permitted job. The core rules are the thermal barrier, the ignition barrier, and the documentation to prove compliance.
The requirements
- Thermal barrier over foam in occupied space (drywall or an approved, tested coating) - slows heat to the foam for the required time.
- Ignition barrier where a lighter covering is permitted (limited-access areas), using a listed intumescent coating.
- Tested assemblies: commercial work often needs foam within a specific tested/listed assembly for the occupancy.
The documentation
A GC or building official will want the product listings, the CAN/ULC-S705 basis, and confirmation the barrier meets the assembly requirement. A commercial-capable installer supplies it.
Why it matters
Get the fire-protection detail wrong and the job fails inspection - or worse. Spec it with an installer who works commercial. See thermal vs ignition barrier and commercial spray foam.
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