Specialist spray foam for open-sided barns — eliminates drip, protects stored crops and equipment
Dutch barns present unique insulation challenges. Open sides mean no internal humidity control, high wind-driven rain ingress, and temperature cycling that creates severe condensation on the inner face of the roof.
Water dripping from the cold underside of corrugated sheets ruins stored hay, straw, grain and machinery. Spray foam permanently eliminates the cold surface that causes condensation to form.
Stored grain, silage clamps and baled straw require dry conditions. Moisture ingress from condensation triggers spoilage, mould and combustion risk in hay bales.
Condensation dripping onto tractors, combines and implements accelerates corrosion. Insulating the roof keeps stored machinery dry throughout the year.
Dutch barn roofs are typically corrugated or trapezoidal steel or asbestos-cement profiled sheets. Spray foam is applied from inside, coating the entire underside of the roof:
The result is a permanently dry roof underside — water vapour from stored crops and livestock cannot condense on the foam surface because it is warm.
| Roof Type | Suitable? | Recommended System | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (modern) | Yes | Nexseal LE 50mm | Standard application |
| Trapezoidal steel (Trisomet / similar) | Yes | Nexseal LE 50–75mm | Fill profile + coat |
| Galvanised corrugated iron | Yes | Nexseal LE 50mm | May need wire brush prep |
| Fibre cement (non-asbestos) | Yes | Nexseal LE 50mm | Good adhesion |
| Asbestos cement sheets | Conditional | Encapsulation survey first | Requires licensed asbestos survey |
| Translucent rooflights | No (skip) | Leave clear or replace | Foam will block light |
Yes — spray foam is applied to the underside of the roof from inside the building, regardless of whether the sides are open or enclosed. The insulation prevents condensation by warming the roof surface.
We require a licensed asbestos survey before any work on older fibre-cement sheets that may contain asbestos. Where ACM is confirmed, we can work with an encapsulation specialist to prepare the surface safely before spray foam application.
Priced after a free site survey, based on roof area, profile and access — typically 50mm Nexseal LE closed-cell applied to the underside of a corrugated steel Dutch barn roof. Free fixed-price survey provided.
Significantly. Condensation is the main cause of moisture damage to stored hay, straw, grain and silage. Eliminating drip from the roof underside dramatically reduces spoilage losses.
For machinery and loose materials stored near the roof line, we ask that these be moved to allow access. Bulk grain, straw bales and silage in clamps can usually remain — we work around them. Confirm details at survey.
Fixed-price quote within 48 hours. No obligation.
Talk to an expert — same day when possible.
Tell us about your building and we’ll recommend the right system — foam, waterproofing or both — surveyed, specified and quoted at no cost.
