However, the cost of PUFI includes applying it, whereas there is still the labour to install other types of insulation. is a foamed plastic material and if it is left exposed on the interior of a farm building, it must have a fire-protective covering. New more environmentally friendly formulations are now available. Although the movement of water vapour through PUFI is very slow indeed, it will pass through PUFI under the right environmental conditions as discussed later. No commercial endorsement is intended When considering using PUFI or any other insulation, one must take into account all of their financial and environmental costs and benefits. Application surfaces should be free of grease, oil, and loose particles.
Poor adhesion results on surfaces such as plastic or galvanized metal that has an oily film on it.
There have been several reports of PUFI absorbing water in bulk potato storages in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Water vapour tries to move through walls and ceilings in order to be at the same concentration on both sides. The greater the amount of water vapour contained on one side of the wall relative to the other, the greater is the incentive to move. Figure 2 demonstrates this concept during winter and summer with the same environmental conditions inside a refrigerated storage. PUFI being applied to an experimental galvanized steel wall panel with a spray-gun.