SFC, SPFA and NPMA Align Efforts to Prevent Subterranean Termite Infestations
WASHINGTON (February 6, 2019) – The American Chemistry Council’s Spray Foam Coalition (SFC), the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) today announced a cooperative effort aimed at developing innovative solutions to help prevent subterranean termites from entering homes. Together, the three organizations will foster ideas that marry both the benefits of spray foam insulation, including overall thermal efficiency and energy savings, with the need for pest management companies to visually inspect crawl spaces for subterranean termites throughout the home.
“SFC, SPFA and NPMA all have a common goal in mind – making homes more resilient, durable, and comfortable,” said Stephen Wieroniey, Director of SFC. “We’re pleased to be working together in order to find new and innovative solutions that bring homeowners peace of mind.”
Air leaks can waste up to 40 percent of the energy used to heat and cool a single-family home. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF), a spray-applied plastic foam widely used to insulate homes and seal cracks and gaps, makes the home more energy-efficient by reducing unwanted air infiltration through cracks, seams and joints. Further, SPF helps prevent allergens and moisture from entering a home’s interior, provides additional building strength, reduced maintenance costs, and also can act as a sound barrier.
“The benefits of SPF are undeniable. SPF plays a valuable and effective role in helping meet energy efficiency goals, reducing the homeowner’s energy usage year after year” said Kurt Riesenberg, Executive Director of SPFA. “Our three organizations are working together to help find ways that will enable homeowners to continue to experience the benefits of SPF, without compromising other important home protections such as pest prevention.”
Subterranean termites, which can be found throughout the United States, are a destructive species that consume and damage wood. According to NPMA, termites cause more than $5 billion in damage across the U.S. each year. Termite control and periodic inspections are necessary to preserve a homeowner’s investment, as well as protect the structure from damage.
“NPMA and its members are committed to ensuring homeowners are well protected against unwanted and potentially destructive pests in their home,” said Jim Fredericks, Vice President, Technical and Regulatory Affairs of NPMA. “As part of our efforts with SFC and SPFA, we’re working to educate homeowners on the importance of understanding the specific terms and conditions of their termite warranties before altering their homes (including the application of SPF in their homes), protecting both the homeowner and pest management service providers.”
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About the American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $526 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for ten percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.
About Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA)
Founded in 1987, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is the voice, educational and technical resource for the spray polyurethane foam industry. The Alliance is a 501(c)6 trade association comprised of contractors, manufacturers, and distributors of polyurethane foam, related equipment, and protective coatings, inspections, surface preparations, and other services. The organization supports the best practices and the growth of the industry through a number of core initiatives, including educational programs and events; the SPFA ISO-17024 Professional Certification Program providing professionals with the tools to differentiate themselves from competition and a reference for customers looking to hire qualified contractor services; technical services covering publication of literature and guidelines, safety materials, and representation of the industry with various construction code bodies; federal and state advocacy; industry promotion efforts including an annual convention and expo drawing 1,400 SPF professionals, publication of Sprayfoam Professional Magazine; and research and networking opportunities for members.
About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.