Why DC-315 Matters: Thermal Barrier When You Don’t Drywall

Martha Laverde • September 12, 2025

Spray Foam Edmonton. Thermal Barrier. Safety, Code Compliance & Peace of Mind

When people in Edmonton look up “spray foam insulation near me”, often it’s because they want clean, efficient insulation. But there’s another piece many don’t consider: fire safety and code requirements, especially when you’re using spray polyurethane foam (SPF) and not covering it with drywall. That’s where DC-315 comes in.


What is DC-315?

  • DC-315 is an intumescent coating (water-based) applied over SPF, acting as an alternative thermal barrier.
  • It’s designed to meet building code fire safety standards like a 15-minute thermal barrier or ignition barrier in many jurisdictions.
  • Certified by testing bodies and meets requirements under IBC, IRC, NBCC, plus has evaluation reports (ICC-ESR, ULC, CCMC) in Canada.


Why You Might Need DC-315 If You Skip Drywall

Drywall is often used to create that barrier between foam and living spaces for fire resistance. But sometimes drywall isn’t used in places like metal shops, barns, travel units, attics, sheds, or when people want an exposed‐look or ease of finishing.

If SPF is left exposed, building codes often require a thermal barrier or ignition barrier to protect occupants. Without it, insulation may fail inspection or be unsafe. DC-315 provides that protection while allowing foam to remain exposed.


Key Features & Application Rules

  • DC-315 must be applied at correct wet film thickness (WFT) (for thermal barrier ~14-18 mils, etc.) to ensure it performs as expected.
  • Surface prep is crucial: foam should be clean, firm, dry, free of dust, oil, glossy or overly smooth surfaces. Sometimes flash-coating is needed.
  • Environmental conditions matter: proper temperature & humidity. Poor conditions can affect adhesion and performance.
  • It’s extensively tested and certified for safety. Using a non-approved coating or applying incorrectly risks failing fire code.


What This Means for Edmonton Home & Building Owners

  • If you plan an exposed spray foam project (garage interiors, barn/quonset interiors, feature walls, etc.) instead of drywall, you’ll likely need a code-approved thermal barrier. DC-315 is one of the most tested solutions.
  • Hiring a contractor that knows DC-315 ensures fewer surprises during permits or inspections.
  • Adds safety & value to your project; gives confidence to buyers or future occupants that the building was done to modern safety standards.


Conclusion

Spray foam offers tremendous benefits like energy efficiency, airtightness, comfort, but safety and code compliance matter just as much. When drywall isn’t going to be used, DC-315 gives you a tested, safe, and code-approved way to meet thermal/ignition barrier requirements in Edmonton and beyond.


If you’re considering spray foam insulation and are unsure whether drywall or DC-315 is needed, talk to us. Aires Spray Foam & Insulation specializes in Edmonton spray foam installs with code-compliant thermal barriers. Contact us for a free quote and get your project done safely and right.

Residential Spray Foam
By Martha Laverde November 20, 2025
As energy costs continue to rise across Alberta, homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of how much proper insulation impacts their monthly bills. Spray foam insulation has quickly become the preferred solution for anyone looking to improve comfort, reduce drafts, and increase long-term efficiency; but many people still wonder what makes it different from traditional insulation. Today’s blog breaks down why spray foam is considered the highest-performing insulation choice for Alberta’s climate and why now, in 2025, is the best time to upgrade. What Makes Spray Foam Superior? Spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that stops heat loss, prevents cold drafts, and blocks moisture infiltration. While batt or blow-in insulation only slows heat transfer, spray foam eliminates the air movement that causes heat loss in the first place. This makes a major difference during Alberta’s long winters, where unsealed attics, walls, and rim joists can drastically increase heating costs. Energy Savings You Can Feel Most homes that upgrade to spray foam insulation see a 20–40% reduction in energy bills , depending on the areas treated. Because spray foam maintains its R-value over time, the savings continue year after year without degrading. A Smarter Long-Term Investment Spray foam provides benefits beyond heat retention, including: Strengthened walls and added structural rigidity Better sound control Moisture resistance (reducing the risk of mold) Longer building life and fewer maintenance needs Unlike traditional insulation, spray foam does not sag, settle, or lose effectiveness as it ages. Why 2025 Is the Year to Upgrade Builders, homeowners, and rural property owners across Alberta are already booking ahead for spring. With increased demand and a short building season, many people who wait end up stuck in long queues or facing higher heating bills for another winter. Booking early ensures you lock in your quote, secure your installation date, and maximize your savings before temperatures drop again. Final Thoughts Spray foam insulation isn’t just another home improvement, it’s an investment that pays you back every single month. Whether you’re upgrading an attic, walls, steel building, Quonset, or new home build, the performance advantage is unmatched.  If you’re searching for “spray foam insulation near me” in Edmonton or rural Alberta, Aires Spray Foam delivers clean, professional, and high-quality work backed by years of experience
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When homeowners and builders search for “Spray Foam Edmonton,” one of the most common questions is: how much does spray foam insulation cost? A standard way to measure this is by the cost per board foot. O ne board foot being one square foot at one inch thickness. Understanding this measurement helps you compare quotes and assess value. What Is a Board Foot and Why It Matters A board foot is a unit often used in the insulation and lumber industries. In spray foam terms, it refers to one square foot of area covered at one inch thick. If a project needs 3 inches of foam over 1,000 square feet, that equals 3,000 board feet. This measurement gives a consistent baseline to compare pricing. Typical Price Ranges in Alberta Across Canada, recent data indicates: Open-cell spray foam typically costs around CAD $0.80 to $1.35 per board foot . Closed-cell spray foam often runs between CAD $1.35 to $1.75 per board foot or more, depending on region, thickness, and complexity. For Alberta and Edmonton specifically, local contractors report rates of CAD $1.35 to $1.65 per board foot for closed-cell, and closer to CAD $0.80 to $1.20 for open-cell, factoring in labour, materials, and local climate challenges. Key Factors That Affect Pricing Foam type (open vs closed‐cell): Closed-cell foam offers higher R-value and moisture resistance, making it more expensive. Sprayfoam Solutions Toronto Thickness required: To meet Alberta building codes, colder zones often need more inches of foam, increasing board foot totals and cost. Area accessibility and complexity: Attics, rim joists, vaulted ceilings or steel building interiors often cost more due to prep, safety, and extra labour. Season & contractor schedule: High demand seasons (spring/fall) may raise prices. Booking early can lock better rates. Local climate and codes: Alberta’s cold winters and code requirements influence material choice and thickness, affecting board foot needs. How to Estimate Your Project Measure the area in square feet and decide how many inches of foam you need. Multiply the square footage by thickness in inches to get board feet. Multiply board feet by your local rate (for example CAD $1.50/board foot for closed-cell). Add labour, prep work (old insulation removal, framing prep) and any extras (thermal barrier coatings, ventilation upgrades). Request detailed quotes from contractors showing board foot rate, foam type, thickness, area size and total project cost. Why It’s Worth Paying for Quality While lower board foot rates may seem appealing, cheaper foam or poor installation can lead to gaps, poor adhesion or lower long‐term performance. A properly installed spray foam system improves comfort, air sealing, moisture control, and energy efficiency, often paying for itself over time. Choosing the Right Contractor When searching “Spray Foam Edmonton,” choose a contractor who: Provides a detailed cost breakdown (board foot rate, foam type, thickness) Is certified and experienced in Alberta climate and building codes Includes prep work, cleanup and warranty in their quote Is transparent about total cost, not just board foot rate  Final Thoughts Board foot pricing is a useful benchmark to compare spray foam insulation quotes in Alberta. Understanding local range, factors affecting cost and how to calculate your own project will help you make informed decisions. When installing in Edmonton and surrounding areas, the right contractor, foam type and thickness matter. If you’re ready to get a quote or evaluate your project, contact Aires Spray Foam & Insulation for a professional assessment, detailed cost estimate and reliable service in Edmonton and rural Alberta. #SprayFoamEdmonton #SprayFoamCostPerBoardFoot #InsulationExperts #AlbertaInsulation #EnergyEfficiency #HomeUpgrade
By Martha Laverde October 23, 2025
As temperatures start to drop across Alberta, homeowners begin to notice drafts, uneven room temperatures, and rising heating bills. That’s when many realize their attic insulation may not be doing its job. The good news? Fall is the ideal time to upgrade or top up your attic insulation before the full force of winter hits. Why Attic Blow-In Insulation Matters Your attic plays a major role in how efficiently your home holds heat. Without proper insulation, warm air escapes through the roof, forcing your furnace to work harder and increasing your monthly energy costs. Blow-in insulation provides a seamless, efficient solution. It fills every gap and crevice in the attic, creating an even layer of thermal protection that prevents heat loss and maintains consistent indoor temperatures. Why Fall Is the Right Time Energy Savings All Winter Long By insulating in the fall, you’re sealing in warmth before the cold sets in; meaning immediate savings on your heating bills. Ideal Installation Conditions Moderate fall temperatures make it easier for technicians to work safely and efficiently, especially in attic spaces that can become uncomfortable during summer or winter extremes. Avoid the Winter Rush Once the cold hits, insulation companies across Edmonton get booked quickly. Scheduling your attic blow-in project in the fall ensures faster turnaround and better availability. Prevent Ice Dams and Moisture Issues Proper insulation helps keep attic temperatures consistent, reducing the risk of ice dams forming on your roof; a common issue in poorly insulated homes. How We Help Homeowners in Edmonton and Rural Alberta At Aires Spray Foam & Insulation , we specialize in attic blow-in top-ups, full insulation upgrades, and ventilation checks to ensure your home is winter-ready. Whether your attic has old fiberglass or cellulose that needs a boost, we’ll make sure your insulation meets the R-value standards for Alberta’s climate.  Don’t wait for freezing temperatures to find out your attic isn’t doing its job. By insulating now, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills, better comfort, and peace of mind all winter long. 📍 Serving Edmonton and rural Alberta 📞 Contact Aires Spray Foam & Insulation today for your free attic insulation quote.
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