Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) was used in the early 1900's in many residential and commercial buildings as a subsequent or main insulating material in walls and ceiling spaces. Liquid foam was sprayed into an area to be insulated where it expanded to completely fill the space and hardened. Unfortunately it was found that this type of foam insulation emitted toxic formaldehyde fumes causing serious respiratory health effects. Subsequently many homes and commercial buildings had the foam removed by qualified contractors.

However, many structures still have the UFFI material in place. In many instances, however, building owners are unaware that their building contains UFFI. Identification of UFFI can avoid potential health and safety issues for the contractor and liabilities for the owner and architect.

Environ will arrange an independent consultant for hazardous materials and other potential environmental concerns on residential, commercial and industrial properties. Each assessment includes sampling of all suspected hazardous materials, confirmatory laboratory analysis and complete reporting of all findings. We can also complete specifications for any required remedial activities and perform project management services.

In order for all UFFI to be removed, a careful exposure of all UFFI on the premises is required along with a mechanical removal of the foam. In addition, surfaces that have been in contact with UFFI must be properly washed and allowed to dry.

Independent inspections testifying to the completeness of the removal is both appropriate and required. Air quality tests after the removal procedures and the neutralization of the surfaces with which UFFI has come into contact are also needed.

UFFI was installed by using pumps and hoses with a mixing gun to mix the foaming agent and the resin, to produce a "Shaving Cream" product called Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI).

The UFFI was installed under air pressure, up to 100lbs. of air pressure per square inch (psi) and injected through 1/2" - 2" holes in mortar joints, drywall, wood siding, aluminum siding, concrete blocks, etc.. Almost all forms of construction had UFFI installed.

UFFI was also used as sound insulation, air sealant in commercial and industrial and has been found in attics, common walls of row houses or semi-detached homes, office walls, apartment buildings, condominiums and garage ceilings where rooms are over garages.

Because if the installation procedures which involved extreme air pressure, UFFI has been found in many areas in which it was not supposed to be:

-air sealant around columns and electrical outlets and switch plates
-windows and electrical boxes
-foundation blocks and sill plate
-attic and knee wall areas
-basement perimeter sill and floor joist plate duct work
-fireplace chimneys
-floor joists and ceilings between floors
-abutting wall attached walls where UFFI was installed
-between double brick
-between brick and cinder block
-between block or brick and plaster
-in soffits
-in veranda overhangs
-under bathtubs
-in bay window boxes
-around noisy pipes in bathroom
-around plumbing
-used as a sealing material (anywhere there was a cold draft UFFI could have been used)

Of course, UFFI is most extensively found in walls or residential homes in one of two ways. It could be installed through the exterior sheathing, brick block, wood or aluminum siding, shingles, or cedar shakes - in some cases, prior to new siding being installed or the shake or shingle removed, and then, reinstalled covering the holes with wood and plastic plugs, mortar, etc.. Alternatively, it could be installed from the interior by drilling holes through plaster and lather, gyprock or drywall - in most cases holes were re-plastered or covered with wallpaper.

If you have recently found or suspect UFFI and are looking for more information, please call.

Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) is as controversial today as it was in December of 1980 when the first temporary ban was put into place. Discussing health concerns and questions are beyond the scope of our expertise; however, we can advise you that there is a great deal of disagreement over UFFI.