ITW Futura Gains Florida Certification for Foamseal Hurricane Adhesive

Mar 4, 2009

Reuters–March 3, 2009

OXFORD, Mich.–(Business Wire)–
Foamseal Hurricane Adhesive, a product of ITW Futura Coatings, has been approved by the State of Florida for use in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). This approval is based upon wind load testing at a Miami Dade Certified Test Laboratory, which demonstrated that Foamseal has the highest design pressure uplift rating of any foam adhesive on the market.

Foamseal protects against roof damage and water intrusion through a patented polyurethane adhesive applied to the joints and seams of the internal roof structure. This provides greater uplift wind resistance than roof construction using only nails and also provides a secondary barrier against water intrusion damage if roof shingles or tiles are lost. A 1998 study after Hurricanes Andrew, Hugo and Opal by Clemson University`s Department of Civil Engineering reported that a primary source of damage resulted from failure of the roof sheathing and that exposing the structure`s interior to severe wind and rain was a major cause of the economic loss due to hurricanes.

“We are pleased to have this additional validation for Foamseal as we expand its distribution to other states in the Southeast and Gulf Coast. Several years ago the product was included in My Safe Florida Home, a government program that highlights products proven to reduce hurricane damage on residential structures.

In addition, Foamseal is used in the University of Florida`s four Windstorm Damage Mitigation Training and Demonstration Centers, known as Hurricane Homes, which feature storm-resistant construction methods and protective products,” said Art Goldman, ITW sales manager for engineered adhesive foam products.

In addition, the Citizen`s Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s state-organized insurance entity that serves high-risk areas, has designated Foamseal as a mitigating factor. As a result, the use of the product reduces
wind insurance premiums by up to 35 percent. When combined with other mitigation techniques and products, wind insurance discounts can exceed 70%.

Foamseal, which was developed 11 years ago, has been used successfully in
Florida since 1998. Certified technicians apply the product, most frequently in
existing homes. The cost for application is approximately $1.50 – 1.70 per
square foot of roof area or $3,000 to $3,400 for a 2,000 square foot house.