Spray Foam Insulation

 

At May Energy Solutions, we are a team of experts offering insulation solutions to Texas homes for years. Our technicians use cutting-edge equipment for insulation that seals every nook and cranny, delivering unmatched thermal performance and slashing energy bills. When you perform online searches for swift, efficient, and experienced spray insulation companies near me, we should be your top choice.

Spray foam is a relatively new type of insulation where two components are sprayed together, and a chemical reaction takes place and plastic foam insulation is formed inside the wall or on the roof deck between the roof rafters. Spray foam’s advantages are higher insulation values, the insulation fills the space being insulated and completely surrounds wiring or plumbing so there are no gaps to affect performance. Since most homes in Texas have the HVAC system and ducts in the attic, spray foam offers several other advantages. It puts the system and the ducts inside the insulation envelope, so instead of operating in a 120 degree attic in the summer, with spray foam on the roof deck they are operating in an attic that is typically 80 degrees. This helps the system perform more efficiently, and prolongs the life of the system. The drawbacks to spray foam are the volatiles it puts off while it cures so it must be applied by trained contractors with specialized equipment. Typically the home must not be occupied for 24 hours after application to allow for curing of the foam and ventilation of the home.

For new construction, spray foam is a great option to achieve peak energy efficiency. However to achieve its full potential, spray foam must be combined with other good building practices such as efficient doors and windows, sealing the bottom plate and other penetrations that the foam does not seal, and an HVAC system sized and installed to properly work with the spray foamed home.

Spray foam is potentially an excellent option for upgrading the insulation in an existing home. In leaky, poorly insulated older homes, spray foam insulation can save up to 40% on heating and cooling costs. The existing HVAC system must be evaluated by a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to ensure it will work properly with a spray foamed attic and provide proper dehumidification of the attic as well as the living space.

Invest in maximum home comfort and energy savings; contact us today to request a free inspection!

Our Process of Spray Foam Insulation

We are foam insulation contractors with expertise in attic retrofits – helping homeowners who have purchased existing homes and are remodeling and upgrading them to modernize the design and add comfort and value to their property. For this, our process is as follows:

Removing Existing Insulation

For retrofits, the first part of the process is to remove the existing batt or blown-in insulation in the attic.  This usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the attic and the condition of the old insulation.

Prepping the Home and Attic

The next day, while the spray foam rig is warming up, the home and attic are prepped for spraying. If the attic access is in the house, plastic sheeting and blankets are used to protect the living area from damage from the spray equipment and to make clean-up easier at the end of spraying.

Sealing and Venting the Attic

Prep inside the attic can include protecting items such as air handlers, lights, and other equipment from the spray foam, and sealing up any existing exhaust vents since spray foam attics are usually intended to be unvented. Ventilation fans are set up to provide fresh air into the attic and to exhaust the fumes from the curing foam to the outside.

Spraying the Foam and Clean Up

The actual spraying process typically takes 4 to 6 hours, again depending on the size of the attic. After spraying, the spray equipment is removed, the protected equipment in the attic is unmasked, the other protective materials are removed, and everything is cleaned up.

Curing and Ventilation

The exhaust fan remains in place, and the house must remain unoccupied for 24 hours after spraying to allow time for the foam to cure and the volatile gasses from curing to be exhausted from the home. And there you go!

Why Choose Spray Foam Insulation for Your Property?

Spray foam is the most energy-efficient insulation for residential homes.  The foam expands to fill the area to be insulated, effectively sealing all the gaps in the framing against air leakage and moisture intrusion.  It also has a relatively high R-value per inch, so the thermal insulating qualities combined with the sealing capabilities outperform other traditional types of insulation. Since the walls and the roof deck form the thermal envelope of a spray-foamed house, the attic’s HVAC equipment operates more efficiently and effectively than in a traditionally insulated home. If you search online for spray foam insulation companies near me, you will find that May Energy Solutions is a local, New Braunfels based business with outstanding reviews and that we’re happy to provide free estimates.  

FAQs

How long has spray foam insulation been around?
Polyurethane foam emerged in the 1930s, and the energy crisis of the 1970s prompted the development of materials and technology that made residential insulation spray foam economical and widespread in the 1980s.
Will spray foam pull away from the studs as the wood moves and dries out?
Typically, open-cell spray foam is used for insulated residential stud-framed walls. This type of foam is relatively soft and flexible, allowing properly installed foam to move with the expected expansion and contraction of wood framing.
How long does it take to spray foam a house?
For retrofit of an attic in an existing home, it is usually a three day process. The old insulation is removed on the first day, and the attic is prepped and sprayed on the second day. The home must stay unoccupied for 24 hours after spraying completion to allow the foam to cure and the volatile gasses from curing to be vented from the house. For a new home, it depends on the size and the insulation details; however, insulating the walls typically takes one to two days, and insulating the roof deck takes one to two days for a total of 4 to 5 days for prep, insulation, clean up, and curing.
Can spray foam be pumped into existing walls?
There are foam formulations made to be installed into wall cavities; however, there are significant differences between them and the typical spray foam used in attics and new-build walls. The foam is usually water-based for existing walls with minimal expansion, so the chances of popping the drywall off the studs are minimized.
To schedule your home energy evaluation, Call 830-358-7112