Spray Foam is the most effective means for insulating a home because of it high R-value and its air-sealing characteristics. We highly recommend Spray Foam for new build construction, home additions, finishing-off attics into living spaces, and major remodels that involve removing the existing drywall.
Attic and Spray Foam
Spray Foam is the most effective means for insulating a home
Spray Foam is the most effective means for insulating a home because of it high R-value and its air-sealing characteristics. Some of the corresponding benefits include the following:
- Air-seals the home’s thermal and pressure boundary, reducing heat exchange and drafts
- Reduces heating / cooling demand, which allows for reduced capacity (tonnage) HVAC systems
- Reduces temperature extremes around attic-installed HVAC components
- Improves HVAC system efficiency and service life
While Spray Foam is a superior insulation, it is also the most expensive insulation. For this reason, it may not be the most cost efficient insulation for some applications and projects. Please request a free consultation, inspection, and or estimate from one of our professional service technicians to learn more about what insulation options may be best for your needs and budget.
Fully Sealed Crawlspace
Encapsulated crawlspaces are the best solution for temperature and humidity control
A fully sealed (also known as “encapsulated”) crawlspace provides the best ability to moderate the crawlspace temperature and relative humidity by sealing the crawlspace from the outside, making it part of the thermal and pressure boundary of the home.
This option starts with removing and hauling away the existing fiberglass insulation. We then air-seal the subfloor which separates the living space above from the crawlspace by sealing all penetrations with foam spray. New polyethylene vapor barrier is installed on the crawlspace ground: 10-mil (option for 12 and 20 mil) heavy duty vapor barrier set it in place with heavy-gauge galvanized liner staples, 6″+ roll-up on all piers, 12″+roll-up on the perimeter wall, and tape all piers.
We then seal with crawlspace with 2″ closed cell spray foam applied to the crawlspace exterior wall and rim joists. The still plate and 3″ below the still plate remains exposed for future termite inspections.
Once sealed, a means to condition the air is required. We install MegaDry® Crawlspace Dehumidifiers for this purpose, as they are of high quality and specifically designed for this purpose. The MegaDry® system is properly drained to the exterior. The crawlspace entry door is insulated and air-sealed. Lastly, we install a thermo-hygrometer with a wireless sensor hung in the crawlspace and a base unit provided so that the homeowner can monitor crawlspace temperature and relative humidity, which optimally will remain below 60%.
A fully sealed crawlspace allow an environment that is clean and not conducive to high relative humidity. This precludes corrosion and the growth of mildew and mold. As the air is now clean in the crawlspace, the indoor air quality in the living space above is correspondingly improved. With the temperature in the crawlspace also moderated, the living space will feel more comfortable while the homeowner enjoys improved energy efficiency. On average, a sealed crawlspace will save a homeowner about 10% on their heating and cooling costs.
