A Spray Above: Furman University’s Cutting-Edge Insulation Project

Furman University, a prestigious private liberal arts institution founded in 1826 in Greenville, South Carolina, has taken significant steps to improve campus sustainability. The university, recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship across its scenic 750-acre campus, recently completed a new addition to its South Housing residence halls. The goal of the comprehensive project focused on enhancing safety, accessibility, security, and privacy while advancing the university’s sustainability objectives. Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation’s Open Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam  (SPF) played a central role in achieving a new benchmark for energy efficiency in campus housing.

CHALLENGES

The project faced three main challenges:

1. The residence hall needed to meet specific green building codes and sustainability targets.
2. The spray foam application was scheduled for December, posing temperature and weather-related difficulties.
3. The insulation needed to provide superior coverage in a complex roof structure with numerous nooks and crannies.

SOLUTIONS

Furman University project managers turned to Foam Insulation Company, Inc. (FIC), an innovative insulation installer serving the Carolinas. FIC recommended CSFI’s SealTite™ PRO Open Cell for the project. CSFI’s SealTite PRO Open Cell SPF was applied to the metal roof deck of the new residence hall, covering approximately 20,000 square feet at a thickness of 10-10.5 inches.

To overcome the cold weather challenges, FIC worked closely with Harper General Contractors. “We coordinated with Harper’s superintendents and engineering teams to make sure the space was heated and controlled correctly,” said Wagner. The team carefully monitored substrate temperatures and conditions to ensure proper installation. David Ragan from Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation provided crucial support, helping FIC set up Carlisle systems and offering on-site technical assistance when needed. Carlisle’s Cartersville, GA manufacturing facility’s same-day delivery also ensured smooth operations.

IMPACT & RESULTS

• Energy Efficiency: The spray foam insulation significantly improved the building’s thermal performance.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The SPF method ensured insulation of all difficult-to-reach areas.
• Sustainability: The project advanced Furman University’s environmental goals.
• Certifications: Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation is the only manufacturer with a product-specific third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) offering transparency to the total lifecycle and environmental impact of its open-cell spray foam insulation which complemented Furman’s sustainability goals.
• Visibility: The open-cell foam allows for easy inspection from
  within the attic.
• Space Efficiency: The spray foam achieved the required R-value with less thickness compared to board insulation

The Furman University new residence hall showcases the benefits of choosing the right insulation solution and partners. The university has significantly improved energy efficiency, sustainability, and student living conditions by enlisting Foam Insulation Company’s experts to apply Carlisle’s Open Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam.

The success of this project demonstrates the value of innovative insulation technologies in modern construction and renovation, particularly in achieving ambitious sustainability goals in educational institutions.

Download a copy of this case study or check out the full installation video from Foam Insulation Company below and see for yourself!