As brothers passionate about building science, we at CAL FOAM Inc. understand the unique challenges faced by the agricultural communities across California, from Strathmore's central Valley to the diverse growing regions of Anaheim, Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, and Stockton. That's where agricultural insulation comes in – a revolutionary solution for optimizing your farm's environment and maximizing efficiency.
From livestock barns to greenhouses, CAL FOAM Inc. is your trusted agricultural building insulation contractor, dedicated to helping you create a controlled and energy-efficient space for your crops and animals.
Agricultural buildings are not ordinary structures. They deal with:
Fiberglass batts fail in all of these conditions. They absorb moisture, lose R-value when wet, harbor rodents and pests, fall apart under pressure washing, and cannot withstand ammonia exposure. Closed-cell spray foam was essentially designed for these conditions — it is waterproof, chemically resistant, pest-resistant, structurally rigid, and maintains its performance regardless of what happens around it.
Structural contribution: Adds rigidity to metal wall and roof panels, which matters in large agricultural metal buildings.
Ready to take the next step? Call CAL FOAM Inc. at (805) 225-3626 or visit calfoaminc.com to schedule your free on-site assessment. We serve Strathmore, Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Anaheim, Riverside, Modesto, Turlock, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Lancaster, Victorville, Napa, Santa Rosa, Redding, and communities across California. License #1123937.
Yes, once fully cured. Cured spray foam is chemically inert and does not release harmful compounds in normal agricultural conditions. During installation, animals must be removed from the building, and adequate ventilation must be maintained. We typically recommend a 24-hour ventilation period before reoccupancy. For poultry houses, a cleanout before bird placement is standard practice. CAL FOAM Inc. follows all industry safety protocols for agricultural applications.
Closed-cell spray foam withstands pressure washing at pressures used in standard agricultural cleanout procedures. The foam itself is impermeable and does not absorb water. However, high-pressure washing concentrated at close range on seams and edges can cause edge delamination over time. In areas subject to aggressive direct pressure washing, we recommend a protective liner or cladding over the foam. We will advise on the appropriate configuration for your specific facility during the assessment.
Spray foam insulation does not directly reduce ammonia — ventilation is the tool for managing ammonia levels. However, proper insulation supports better ventilation management by reducing the thermal extremes that sometimes lead producers to compromise on ventilation to control temperature. A well-insulated building can maintain adequate ventilation without excessive heat loss in winter or inadequate cooling in summer.
For heated poultry houses in California's Central Valley climate zones, a minimum of R-13 in walls and R-20 in ceilings is generally recommended, with higher values providing better energy economics. Closed-cell spray foam at 2 inches provides approximately R-13 — meeting the wall requirement in a very thin profile. For ceilings, 3 to 4 inches of closed-cell foam provides R-19.5 to R-26. We will recommend specific thicknesses based on your building configuration, heating system, and production goals.
Yes. Retrofitting existing buildings is one of the most common applications for agricultural spray foam insulation. The building needs to be empty during installation, and any damaged or rodent-infested existing insulation should be removed first. We work with producers to schedule installation during flock turnarounds, facility maintenance windows, or seasonal downtime to minimize production impact.