Who Can Install Spray Foam?

Spray foam insulation is becoming increasingly popular in homes because of its many benefits. This type of insulation, however, is much different than conventional types of insulation. For spray foam insulation to work effectively, it must be done by a professional. Finding the right contractor to install your insulation can be a challenge but for the health and safety of your home, or commercial building,  and its occupants, it is important to hire someone that is an expert on spray foam. Here are some questions you should ask when hiring a spray foam contractor.

How long has your company been doing business?

While quantity does not always equal quality, it is a good idea to hire a company that has been in the insulation business for at least 7 to 10 years. If anything, this proves that the work the company is doing is good enough to keep them in business. When it comes to spray foam, any problems from a poor application will generally arise within a few years. If the company you are working with has already been around for a while, you will be able to rely on them to still be in business in the future to handle potential issues. Older companies tend to have better warranties or guarantees on their material as well.

What qualifications and experience does your company have?

Choosing a spray foam contractor with the correct qualifications will make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your insulation. Contractors that offer a low price might seem attractive, but when it comes to spray foam you must do your research. Spray foam is a much riskier choice financially than other conventional forms of insulation because if it is not installed correctly, your entire investment will be wasted. That is why it is imperative to work with a company that has the qualifications and experience to install spray foam.

Ask the company what spray foam training they have completed. The American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry is one of the most reputable training programs for spray foam. Contractors who have been trained by the American Chemistry Council have had education on the use of spray foam, as well as the handling, disposal, health hazards, and control measures.

Does your company meet all code requirements?

Working with a company that knows the ins and outs of spray foam code requirements is critical for the health and safety of your home and its occupants. There are certain steps and measures that need to be taken when working with a material like spray foam. Ask the company about their knowledge on code requirements and make sure they are experts because if spray foam is not installed correctly it can be an extreme fire hazard.

Ask the company if they have International Fireproof Certification. This Certified Applicator Program trains contractors on product information, insulation techniques, and code compliance. This certification has raised the bar for the spray foam industry, and contractors with the certification have the best education and tools when it comes to code requirements. It also shows how seriously a company takes safety and due diligence.

Can the company offer references from customers that have had similar work done?

Any company that is worth hiring will gladly provide references and it is another way of doing your research before hiring them. Do not be afraid to ask for references to see how prior customers felt about their experience with the company. Looking online at reviews and social media is a great option as well. Customer reviews will tell you a lot about a company’s professionalism, work ethic, customer satisfaction, and quality of work.

How do I know if the company is reliable?

It is important to hire a company that is reliable and lives up to your expectations. A reliable company will be transparent with you, answer questions and concerns, and takes the extra steps to ensure they are delivering what they promised. Look for companies that do home energy audits before starting a project on your home. These energy audit tools will locate the weaknesses in your home so that the contractors can find the most effective remedy. The audit will show if spray foam is truly the best option before making a huge investment in it.

Other tests can be done before and after to show the effectiveness of a company’s work. A thermal camera can be used to show the level of insulation, or lack of, with temperature differences. If this testing is done before insulation is installed, it will show exactly where your home needs insulation and when it tested after you will be able to see the difference insulation made.

Another common test is the blower door. A powerful fan is mounted into the frame of an exterior door and pulls the air out of the house to lower the inside air pressure. This test will find and measure any air leaks that need to be insulated. Companies that offer these tests show that they care about their customers and the work they are doing.

What type of warranty or guarantee does your product and company offer?

Spray foam insulation is a home improvement that is not cheap and you want to hire a company that backs their work and materials. Every company has different warranties and guarantees but you do not want to end up paying to fix an issue that was not your fault. A lot of the time when subpar contractors are hired and do a poor installation they will not own up to their mistakes and leave you to deal with it.

Ideally, you want a lifetime warranty but as long as the company you are working with stands behind their work and product they should offer a warranty or guarantee that is acceptable. Mistakes can happen and the company should own up to the mistake and not put the blame on others. After asking about warranties and guarantees, make sure you will be able to get a copy of it to store away in case it is ever needed.

Spray foam is something that needs to be taken seriously which is why finding the best contractor you can is important. Asking questions, expressing your concerns, and doing research are some of the most effective ways to find someone worth hiring.