Setting Posts and Poles With Pole Foam

Revolutionizing Fence and Utility Pole Installation

Jen Mazur

Adding to the Long List of Applications of your HMI Poly System

The list of foam applications grows every day. Setting and reinforcing posts and poles is another way you can leverage your equipment to increase ROI.

While you could use cement to set poles, polyurethane foam offers a fast, cost-effective solution that doesn’t require mixing with water. The foam cures and dries rapidly, unlike cement which takes longer.

Why Is Polyurethane Important in Post Setting?

Foam is a consistent, lightweight solution that embeds into the ground, preventing movement and ensuring durable post setting. It also offers:

• Reliable speed and efficiency: Polyurethane foam hardens and cures quickly, reducing project time and increasing efficiency.
• Rot protection: Hydrophobic polyurethane foam repels water, creating a water controlled area around the base of the post and preventing rot or metal corrosion.
• Ease of use: Unlike concrete, polyurethane foam is a lightweight solution that is easy to carry and use.
• All-weather application: Pole foam can be used in diverse temperatures, including cold conditions. Since the chemical reaction isn’t water-based, it can also be used in damp weather.

Different Ways Businesses Use Pole Foam

Expanding polyurethane foam is a versatile solution for pole applications. It serves as a fast-curing, lightweight, strong pole setting for contractors and utility companies.

New Pole and Post Installation

Use poly foam to set utility poles, fence posts, mailboxes, signs, garden lights and deck posts. This material offers fast, efficient installation while delivering water control abilities and a strong bond with the pole and surrounding ground.

Repair and Stabilization of Existing Poles

Polyurethane is a highly effective utility pole stabilization foam. It offers rapid remediation to leaning poles for fast service restoration after an outage. Polyurethane also stabilizes the soil, creating a strong foundation for the pole.

Polyurethane Fence Post Setting: How It Works

Setting fence posts in foam is a fast, modern solution that protects your business’s bottom line by improving project efficiency. Its success lies in a rapid exothermic chemical reaction that causes the foam to expand, filling the void completely before it cures into a solid.

The foam creates a tight, secure fit and hardens within minutes. As a closed-cell formulation, polyurethane foam offers a rigid, dense, water controlled solution that ensures reliable stability.

Here are the steps to set a post or pole in foam:

1. Prepare the hole and post: Dig a hole to the desired depth and place the post inside the hole. Position it at the center and use a level to ensure it’s perfectly erect. Next, brace it securely to ensure it remains in position.
2. Prep the injection equipment: Wear protective gear and ensure the polyurethane system is ready for operation. Check material levels, temperature and pressure to ensure project success.
3. Inject the foam: Insert the gun’s nozzle into the hole and dispense the foam evenly around the base of the post. The foam will start expanding and rising to fill the hole.
4. Cure and finish: Wait for the full cure to complete and then trim any excess foam above ground level for a clean finish. Next, attach panels, gates or other hardware as needed.

Looking for Quality Pole Foam? Choose HMI

HMI is your source for various high-performance pole foams to meet your application requirements. Our comprehensive offerings also include quality concrete raising equipment and comprehensive training support for your crew, plus financing options.

Call 888-793-9484 or contact us online to learn more today.