LJM Onion Farm

LJM is a large farm in WA’s southwest. With a number of large cool rooms required to store there produce, polyurethane foam is an ideal way to reduce energy costs on cooling the area as well as eliminating air movement or condensation.

Tate’s Coating Services were required to install the spray applied polyurethane to the roof an existing building.

The surface initially requires a high pressure clean to get rid of any built up dirt, dust or contaminants.

The process involved, firstly masking all important areas and the floor to minimise the chance of overspray causing a mess or damaging anything.

Polyurethane was then directly applied to the required surfaces, usually including walls and roof. On occasions, we also apply polyurethane to the blinding slab to then be covered with another layer of concrete.

Access to roof areas for installing the polyurethane foam is all completed from an EWP, which all our employees are licensed and fully competent to use.

Spray Foam Insulation for Produce Cool Rooms

Tates Coating Services completed polyurethane foam insulation work at LJM Onion Farm, a large agricultural property in Western Australia’s south west.

The farm used cool rooms for produce storage. Spray-applied polyurethane foam was installed across areas of the existing building, including the roof and walls, to reduce unwanted air movement, support condensation control, and help manage energy costs.

Why Cool Room Insulation Matters on Farms

Produce storage areas need more stable conditions than a standard shed. Gaps around wall and roof sections can allow treated air to escape and warmer outside air to enter.

Projects like this often focus on creating more consistent coverage across the building envelope. Better control of air movement can reduce the pressure placed on cooling equipment and help limit the temperature differences that contribute to condensation.

Results still depend on the building, the cooling system, door use, ventilation, and the condition of the existing structure. Insulation forms one part of the wider cool room system.

Preparing the Existing Building

The project included high-pressure cleaning and masking before the polyurethane foam was applied. Preparation helps remove contaminants and protect surfaces that should remain free from overspray.

An elevated work platform provided access to higher sections of the walls and roof. Agricultural buildings can have large spans, machinery, services, and difficult access points, so the work area needs careful planning before spraying begins.

Where Agricultural Spray Foam Is Commonly Used

Polyurethane spray foam is commonly considered for agricultural buildings such as:

• produce storage and cool rooms
• harvest storage buildings
• machinery and equipment sheds
• processing and packing areas
• existing metal buildings with gaps or irregular surfaces

Our article on how spray foam insulation can support harvest storage covers the topic in more detail. You can also explore our commercial and industrial insulation services.

Common Questions About Farm and Cool Room Insulation

Can spray foam be applied to an existing farm building?

It can suit some existing buildings, subject to the surface condition, access, moisture, and intended use of the space.

Does spray foam stop condensation?

It can support condensation control by reducing air movement and temperature differences, but the full building design and moisture load still need assessment.

Why is cleaning needed before application?

Dust, residue, and loose material can affect adhesion. Surface preparation gives the foam a cleaner substrate to bond to.

Need Advice About Agricultural Insulation?

For free information, practical advice, or a quote for an agricultural building, cool room, or storage facility, contact Tates Coating Services.