HFOs: Why and What’s Different?
Questions and Answers from and for Spray Foam Contractors
To spray foam contractors trying to make sense of the shift from to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) to hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agents, Keith Van Stavern advises, “Don’t wait. Get ahead of it.”
The chief executive officer of TALON Pros uses his decades of experience to answer spray foam contractors’ questions about HFOs – how they affect job setup, spraying and your business’ bottom line.
Although hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) blowing agents are more environmentally friendly than the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) they’ve replaced, they pose many challenges. Keith Van Stavern from TALON Pros explained how to handle the newly required blowing agents during Spray Foam Tech Day.
What are blowing agents and why do they matter in spray foam?
Blowing agents are gases that expand the foam and create its insulation value. Over the past 30 years, the industry has moved from CFCs to HFCs and now to HFOs, each with different environmental impacts and application behaviors.
Why did the industry switch to HFOs?
HFOs have a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1 and zero ozone depletion, making them far more environmentally friendly than HFCs, which had GWPs around 1950. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated this transition, and manufacturers like Honeywell phased out HFC production by the end of 2024.
What makes HFOs more challenging to work with?
HFOs have a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1 and zero ozone depletion, making them far more environmentally friendly than HFCs, which had GWPs around 1950. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated this transition, and manufacturers like Honeywell phased out HFC production by the end of 2024.
How do HFOs affect lift and yield?
HFOs typically require more heat to perform well. Contractors report better results with 2-inch lifts but pushing beyond that can cause dimensional stability issues. Proper technique can yield 4200 to 4400 board feet, compared to HFCs which often capped around 4000.
What’s the shelf life of HFO-based foam?
HFOs have a shorter shelf life—often 3 to 6 months. After that, foam may change texture, color, and yield. Keith recommends using drums within 90 days to avoid performance issues.
Can you mix brands or leftover resins?
No. Mixing different brands’ resins can ruin the drum and cause major problems. Stick to one brand per pour.
How do I know if I’m spraying an HFO or an HFC?
Check the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Look for labels like “Next Generation,” “Solstice Blown,” or “HFO.”
If the barrel isn’t labeled clearly, it’s likely an HFC — especially if it’s a 2-pound foam without HFO markings.
Are HFOs better in terms of R-value?
Some tests show HFOs reaching R-values of 7.5 to 7.8, compared to HFCs at 6.7 to 6.9. But be skeptical of inflated numbers. Real-world performance depends on density, chemistry, and application.
What about spraying thicker lifts, like 3 to 5 inches?
In Texas and similar climates, 2-inch lifts are standard. Some contractors report success with 3-inch lifts. Going beyond that risks foam collapse over time. That’s why I recommend multi-pass spraying for thicker applications.
What’s your bottom-line advice to contractors?
Spray smart. Control drum temperatures and avoid over-agitation.
Don’t wait. Transition to HFOs now.
Watch shelf life. Use foam within 90 days.
Ask for help. Experts from ICAFe PCR, Red Rock Building Products, and TALON Pros are here to help.
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