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Spray foam insulation is regarded as one of the best insulation materials. This foam insulation can create both a thermal barrier and a vapor barrier, and it expands upon application to fill the entire void. This creates an excellent seal that fiberglass batts simply cannot compete with—but that’s only if this product was installed correctly. For that, homeowners will want to hire one of the best spray foam insulation contractors.
Many companies can install foam insulation, but it’s hard to know which is the right one for a given project. This guide will help by breaking down the essential considerations to keep in mind when shopping for one of these contractors.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr. Energy Saver
- SUSTAINABLE PICK: USA Insulation
- ALSO CONSIDER: USI
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Spray Foam Insulation Services
Choosing the best spray foam insulation service requires more than simply typing “spray foam insulation companies near me” in an internet search bar. Homeowners have many things to consider during their search, and the following sections will highlight the most important of these points.
Service Area and Scheduling
Spray foam insulators generally work within a set distance of their shops that’s known as a service area. For some contractors, it may be 25 or 30 miles. For others, their service area may include the entire state. Each contractor’s service area is different, but homeowners will want to find one that works in their area.
Before the contractor can provide the homeowner with a price, they need to schedule a time to see the home and take some measurements. Some contractors may allow customers to schedule these appointments online, while others may require the customer to call. For some folks, the convenience of online scheduling may be a significant factor.
Type of Foam and Blowing Agent
While there are many options for spray foam insulation, they generally boil down to types: open cell and closed cell. Open-cell spray foam consists of tiny pockets throughout the foam that are not completely sealed, while closed-cell foam consists of completely sealed cells. Both are effective thermal and sound insulators, but closed-cell foam is water- and vapor-resistant.
Both products are propelled out of a hose with a blowing agent. These blowing agents range from harmless water and carbon dioxide to more environmentally dangerous hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Folks focusing on eco-friendly products will want to consider a company that uses spray foam that is low in harmful byproducts. Knowledgeable spray foam contractors will be able to provide information on what materials they use.
Areas of the Home Treated
Spray foam insulation services may only install insulation in certain areas of the home. For example, many contractors specialize in attic insulation as there is rarely any drywall to deal with, allowing them easy access to spray foam between roof rafters or joists. Spraying foam insulation behind enclosed drywall can be risky, as too much insulation can cause the drywall to bow or break.
Some spray foam insulation businesses specialize in multiple insulation types, including spray foam. These companies may offer blow-in insulation services or fiberglass batt insulation, each with its own application process. Homeowners considering having several areas of their home insulated will want to look for companies that insulate more than just attics.
Licensing, Insurance, and Accreditations
Some states may have some explicit rules around licensing and insurance for spray foam insulation contractors. When this is the case, homeowners will want to request proof of their business license, professional license, and general liability insurance. In some areas, it may be illegal to hire a contractor that doesn’t have these required documents.
Also, narrowing down a list of potential companies could come down to accreditations. Customers can look for contractors with SPFA (Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance), NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), or ICAA (Insulation Contractors Association of America) accreditations. These accreditations signal a high level of professional and industry commitment.
Additional Services
Some companies offer additional services, which might make them a better choice for a homeowner’s needs. For example, many companies offer HVAC insulation for ductwork, helping homeowners retain heat or conditioned air as it passes through their HVAC ducts. Also, insulating pipes with foam might be on the services menu as well.
Many of these companies know that spray insulation isn’t suitable for every area of the home. For this reason, they often offer other insulation types, like fiberglass and blow-in, allowing homeowners to find an insulation type that works for their needs.
Our Top Picks
With that background on the best spray foam insulation contractors, it’s time to start shopping for one. The following are some top-rated contractors, and customers will want to keep the previously mentioned considerations in mind when comparing them.
Best Overall
Dr. Energy Saver
Pros
- Whole-home insulation services available
- Comprehensive whole-home energy audits
- Home HVAC installation and repair services available
- Blown-in and rigid foam insulation installation also offered
Cons
- Scheduling and customer support options vary by location
- Service area: 25 states
- Accreditations: SPFA, ICAA
- Additional services: Cellulose insulation, insulation injection, HVAC installation and repairs, ductwork repairs, replacement windows, replacement doors, water heaters, home energy audits
Why It Made the Cut: Between its accreditations and wide range of services and insulation types, Dr. Energy Saver gets the nod for the top spot. Folks looking for a company that keeps homes conditioned and comfortable will want to consider Dr. Energy Saver. This company provides whole-home insulation and HVAC services and has a presence in 25 states, providing a solution for spray foam insulation for homes of all sorts. Dr. Energy Saver offers spray foam, blown-in, and fiberglass insulation, as well as replacement windows, doors, water heaters, and HVAC systems. It’s accredited by SPFA and ICAA, and it offers whole-home energy audits to help homeowners pinpoint weak links in their energy usage. While scheduling and customer support vary by location, the wide range of insulation types for almost any area in a home makes it a solid choice for many homes.
Sustainable Pick
USA Insulation
Pros
- HFC- and CFC-free blowing agents used
- Proprietary flexible hybrid foam reduces noise transfer and maintains temperature
- Blown-in and wall injection foam insulation also available
Cons
- Unspecified industry accreditations
- Service area: 25 states
- Accreditations: Not specified
- Additional services: Insulation injection, blown-in insulation, air sealing
Why It Made the Cut: USA Insulation offers spray foam insulation with water-blown propellants to improve the product’s environmental friendliness. Folks who want to appreciate spray foam insulation’s benefits without negatively impacting the environment may want to consider USA Insulation. This insulation company offers two types of insulation blown in with a water propellant, lessening the product’s impact on the environment and insulating the home without harmful hydrofluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons. USA Insulation offers multiple services, including spray foam, insulation injection, blown-in insulation, and air sealing. This variety allows customers to choose different insulation types based on the rooms they’re insulating. While the company doesn’t have any industry accreditations to mention, it uses its own proprietary hybrid foam to reduce noise and thermal transfer and improve comfort, insulation value, and soundproofing.
Also Consider
USI
Pros
- SPFA-, NAHB-, and ICAA-accredited
- Batt, blown-in, and radiant barrier insulation also available
Cons
- Relatively limited service area
- Service area: 12 states
- Accreditations: SPFA, NAHB, ICAA
- Additional services: Batt insulation, blown-in insulation, sound attenuation, air sealing, radiant barriers, window installation, garage-door installation, fireproofing, fireplace installation
Why It Made the Cut: With its multiple accreditations, USI offers a wide range of services that makes it worth considering for many homeowners. Anyone looking for an industry expert might want to consider USI. USI has multiple accreditations, including SPFA, NAHB, and ICAA, showing commitment to the industry. However, with a presence limited to 12 states, only certain homeowners will be lucky enough to work with these pros. USI offers several insulation types, including spray foam, batt, and blown-in, as well as sound attenuation, air sealing, window and garage-door installation, and much more. This variety allows USI customers to tackle several projects using one contractor, potentially saving money and avoiding headaches.
Our Verdict
Thanks to its wide range of services and accreditations, Dr. Energy Saver claims our top spot for insulation contractors. USA Insulation’s options make it a standout choice for customers looking specifically for eco-friendlier spray foam insulation.
How We Chose the Best Spray Foam Insulation Contractors
We wanted to make sure we were suggesting only high-quality companies for spray foam insulation services. To do so, we had to call upon DIY and professional knowledge and come up with the most crucial considerations for homeowners. We wanted to know what homeowners should look for, what products were available, and what other services they could benefit from.
Once we knew what to look for, we extensively researched insulation contractors to find companies that might fit our criteria. We compared these companies based on services, products available, and value. Those that met our standards were given awards based on their strengths.
Before You Hire One of the Best Spray Foam Insulation Contractors
While spray foam insulation is an excellent insulator, many homeowners wonder if spray foam insulation is worth it because spray foam is potentially dangerous for the environment. These products use propellants to shoot the foam from a hose. HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), a common spray foam propellant, have a global warming potential (GWP) in the tens of thousands. For comparison, carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, and methane has a GWP of 27 to 30. Thankfully, more eco-friendly propellants are becoming widely available. Some foams are even able to use water as a propellant, which has a GWP of close to 0.
Customers will also want to understand that spray foam may not be the best solution for every area in the home. For example, it may be more work to install spray foam insulation behind a wall where blown-in insulation may be most effective. Blown-in insulation may be cheaper, and since it’s often made from recycled materials, it’s also more environmentally friendly. An experienced insulation contractor will be able to provide feedback on the best materials to use for different spots in the house.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Spray Foam Insulation Contractors
In general, the cost of installing spray foam insulation ranges between $1,300 and $3,700, with a national average of $2,500. However, many factors determine the price, and homeowners can discuss these prices when the company representative schedules a consultation.
The walls’ thickness will significantly impact how much insulation each stud or rafter bay requires. Also, the size of the space being insulated will determine how much material is needed and how long the project will take. Any additional hurdles like poor access or required repairs can increase the price.
The Advantages of Hiring One of the Best Spray Foam Insulation Contractors
Spray foam is tricky, and while it can be a DIY project, it’s better left to one of the best insulation contractors. These experts know where to spray, how much to spray, and when to apply a second or third coat. DIYers may struggle to get the knack for it.
Also, the kits that DIYers can purchase (there are some available) aren’t generally eco-friendly. They have a high likelihood of containing high levels of VOCs, HFCs, or CFCs. For this reason, it’s better to contact a professional that works with a more eco-friendly solution.
Finally, spray foam insulation is primed for waste. Many times, DIYers think that adding layer upon layer of foam is better, only to find out that it far surpasses the depth of the studs and requires cutting. While most jobs require trimming at least some spray foam, it’s best not to waste more than necessary, and pros know how much to spray.
- Spray foam can be complicated and messy to apply for those without experience.
- DIY kits aren’t typically eco-friendly.
- Professionals know how much spray foam to apply to minimize waste.
FAQs
Even with all that background on choosing the best spray foam insulation contractors, there may be some additional questions. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic that homeowners may have when searching for “spray foam installers near me” or “injection foam insulation near me.”
Q. How long does spray foam insulation last?
Spray foam insulation can last between 80 and 100 years. Closed-cell foam may last a bit longer than open-cell foam, but both are durable and long lasting.
Q. Why do mortgage companies dislike spray foam insulation?
Spray foam attic insulation does a great job of sealing roofing, but because it restricts airflow, it can promote condensation. Condensation can cause roof rafters and framing to weaken over time and can also cause mold. Neither of these outcomes are favorable, especially for a mortgage company.
Q. Why is spray foam better than fiberglass?
Spray foam does a better job of insulating than fiberglass over the same thickness. Also, waterproof spray foam can act as a vapor barrier, while fiberglass alone cannot.
Q. Do I need roof vents if I have spray foam insulation?
No, because spray foam insulation makes an airtight seal, roof vents serve no purpose.
Q. Will spray foam insulation lead to air quality issues?
Yes, spray foam insulation can lead to air quality issues. If the foam isn’t applied correctly, it can continue to off-gas (release gases trapped inside during the curing process), which pollutes air quality in the home. Also, if condensation builds up, it can lead to mold.
Q. Where should spray foam be used?
The best places to use spray foam include the attic, the basement, and the exterior of the home around dryer vents and other penetrations.
