New Spray Foam Insulation Cuts Attic Labor Steps
Contractors can now skip ignition barrier installation in specific attic assemblies using this new foam formulation.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Construction
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Huntsman Building Solutions has launched Icynene PrimeNM, an open-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation designed to simplify attic construction. The product meets 2024 ICC-ES AC377 Appendix U fire testing standards, eliminating the need for separate ignition barriers in specific unvented-attic assemblies.
Why it matters
By removing the requirement for additional ignition barriers, this formulation reduces material and labor costs for contractors managing residential and commercial projects. The design aims to streamline scheduling by cutting steps out of the insulation process.
The insulation meets 2024 ICC-ES AC377 Appendix U standards, marking a shift from previous versions that required additional ignition barriers. This formulation change specifically impacts the labor requirements for unvented-attic assemblies.
The players
Huntsman Building Solutions
A global manufacturer of spray polyurethane foam insulation and high-performance building envelope technologies.
The details
Icynene PrimeNM utilizes a no-mix application process intended to improve sprayability and broaden the temperature application window for installers. Because the material is engineered to meet 2024 fire testing protocols, contractors can avoid the time-consuming step of applying secondary ignition barriers to attic assemblies. This change effectively compresses the installation schedule and lowers material procurement needs for builders.
Timeline
2024: The building code compliance standard for insulation performance.
October 27, 2026: The official product introduction date.
Market Landscape
The introduction of Icynene PrimeNM aligns with broader industry efforts to simplify compliance under the 2024 ICC-ES AC377 Appendix U fire testing standards. This moves the competitive focus toward reducing project steps, contrasting with older methods that necessitated costly additional ignition barrier treatments.
Contractors should review their current insulation procurement strategy to evaluate if this no-mix product can reduce labor hours on unvented-attic projects. Verify if local jurisdiction building codes have fully adopted the 2024 ICC-ES standards before removing ignition barriers from project bids.
The takeaway
The product update highlights how material formulation advances can translate directly into lower labor overhead for builders. Operators should update their project planning tools to account for the removal of ignition barrier requirements when using compliant materials.
Further reading
For broader trends in materials and building standards, explore our Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Building Enclosure.
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