GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

House fires caused by the heat of the exothermic reaction during spray foam installation

Martin Holladay | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

Long-time GBA readers will remember our news story on the tragic fire in Hudson, Québec last year — a fire that destroyed Sevag Pogharian’s net-zero-energy house when it was only weeks away from completion.

The initial investigation indicated that the fire may have been caused by excessive heat buildup from the exothermic reaction that occurred during installation of the home’s spray polyurethane foam insulation.

Today I received an e-mail from Pogharian, who wrote:

“Hello Everyone:
“The Alstonvale Net Zero House, an ambitious demonstration project forming part of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s EQuilibrium initiative, was totally destroyed by fire on May 25th 2010. The house was approximately six weeks away from construction completion.

“In connection to this event, I am currently compiling a detailed list of incidents of fire involving polyurethane insulation.

“If you have any relevant information, I would be grateful if you would forward it to me. I also ask that you diffuse this appeal for information amongst your contacts.

Thank you.
Sevag Pogharian”

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. GBA Editor

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |