Spray-Foam Insulation

Can Great Stuff Spray Foam Insulation Be Used as a Fire-Blocking Material?
Yes, the International Code Council approved a number of Dow Chemical products (mostly the Great Stuff family of foams) as an alternative fire blocking material in Type V construction (All wood framing). The conditions of use are contained in ICC's Evaluation Service, Inc. Report-ESR-1961 (PDF). This report refers to the 2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Residential Code.

The properties evaluated:
  • Annular space protection
  • Surface-burning characteristics
Verification Needed
Not all polyurethane foam sealants are approved for fire blocking. Verification of the material should been done prior to installation. Review with the AHJ.
Great Stuff Products
If field verification cannot be conducted, the material may not be approved or accepted by the Lafayette Fire Prevention Bureau and the material will have to be removed.

Due to the availability of a wide variety of foam products, we strongly suggest speaking with an Inspector prior to installing any product to avoid the possibility of having to remove the product and reinstalling an approved material.

When using Dow Foam Sealant for Fire Blocking
  • The installation of the foam sealant must comply with the ESR-1961 Report and the manufacturer's published installation instructions.
  • The Conditions of Use outlined in the ESR-1961 Report shall be followed.
  • All used containers must be kept onsite for Inspector's verification.

Can Great Stuff Spray Foam Insulation Be Used as a Fire-Stop System?
No, a fire-stop system includes a product which has been tested under certain conditions, and performed to maintain the rating of the assembly at the point of penetration or joint.  The Dow polyurethane foam is not included in the ICC-ES Evaluation Report as a suitable material for membrane or through penetration of a fire-resistance-rated assembly.