Spray Foam Canada
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library Envelope Retrofit (University of Toronto)
Opened in 1973 on the University of Toronto campus, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library holds 740,000+ rare volumes, including Shakespeare folios and a Babylonian cuneiform tablet dating back to 1789 B.C. Protecting these items depends on maintaining stable indoor temperature and humidity—something the building’s aging insulation system struggled to support during extended cold periods.
Project Snapshot
- Location: University of Toronto campus (Toronto, ON)
- Facility: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
- Challenge: Cold-weather condensation driving moisture and mold risk
- Constraint: Avoid moving or disturbing fragile rare collections
- Solution: Exterior-applied WALLTITE® closed-cell spray foam
- Timeline: Work began early 2017
The Challenge
During prolonged below-freezing conditions, condensation began penetrating into the library, creating dampness and mold risk—serious threats to paper, papyrus, and vellum materials. The library’s controlled humidity requirements made the issue even more challenging because the existing insulation system was no longer performing as needed.
Why a Traditional Renovation Wasn’t Ideal
A typical interior renovation could have addressed the problem, but the collection’s age and fragility created major constraints. Any significant movement or vibration risked damaging rare, priceless items—making a disruptive interior approach unacceptable.
The Approach
To find a lower-disruption fix, the library challenged engineering students to propose an outside-the-box solution. A team of five undergraduates developed the winning concept: apply spray foam insulation to the exterior walls to improve envelope performance and reduce condensation risk. After additional review and planning, the university proceeded with the retrofit.
The Solution
In early 2017, the exterior wall was fully coated with BASF WALLTITE®, a closed-cell polyurethane spray foam selected to support moisture control through an airtight seal. The system was described as providing a barrier against air, vapour, and weather conditions—along with thermal insulation and soil gas control.
After application, the foam—initially purple and later fading toward yellow in sunlight—was covered with concrete casings to match the Fisher Library façade and the adjacent Robarts Library exterior.
Results
With the exterior retrofit in place, the library could better maintain its controlled environment and reduce risk of condensation, mold, and water damage—without displacing or disturbing the rare collection.
Outcome: No books or items were lost, and the library’s managers were able to intervene in time to prevent damage.
