LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

​We serve residential and commercial customers throughout the Midwest safely and ethically.

Spray Foam Insulation ​Ann Arbor

At United Spray Foam Insulation we extend our services to Ann Arbor. Spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI has several benefits. Once it is installed professionally, you will notice a reduction in energy bills, a more comfortable indoor environment, a reduction in the transfer of sounds, and other benefits.
​
Before you opt for spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, let’s take a look at what it is, why R-value plays a role, how thick spray foam needs to be, and the advantages of hiring a professional insulation contractor.

Spray Foam Insulation Defined

Spray foam insulation is a mixture of two chemical components. In the industry, these are commonly referred to as part “A” and “B’. One part has isocyanates and the other part is composed of a resin mixture. These two chemicals are kept in separate containers until they are ready to be mixed and applied at the job site.
​
Only when these two chemicals react with each other, spray foam insulation is formed. The mixture expands between 30 to 60 days in volume. 

Open Cell and Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI is of two types. These are open cell spray foam and closed cell. Both are similar but have a few differences.

In open cell spray foam, the cells are not completely encapsulated, thus making the material more flexible. Closed cell spray foam is denser and the cells are completely closed, thus not allowing air to enter.

Open cell spray foam is commonly used in residential homes whereas closed cell spray foam is great for industrial uses. It does not mean that one type is better than the other.
​
Closed cell spray foam in Ann Arbor, MI is more expensive than the former. 

Defining R-Value

R-value is defined as the ability of a material to resist heat flow. All insulation materials have their own distinct R-values. The higher the R-value, the better is the insulation property of the material.

R-value depends on several factors like the density, thickness and the age of the material. External factors like temperature, moisture and climate also affect R-value. Open cell and close cell spray foam insulation have different R-values.
​
The R-value for open cell spray foam insulation is between R-3.2 and R-3.8 and closed cell spray foam has an R-value between R-6.5 and R-7 per inch.

Can Spray Foam Insulation be Used Over Mold?

Spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI may be used to prevent the growth of mold and mildew as moisture is prevented from entering the area where it is spread.

Technically, you can use foam insulation over mold but it is not advisable to do. Insulating over mold does not get rid of the root problem and the mold will remain on the substrate.
​
As a result, the substrate impacted by mold or mildew will continue to decay, and problems with the building structure may arise. Before you install spray foam in your Ann Arbor home, make sure your home or business space is mold-free.

How Thick Does Spray Foam Insulation Need to Be?

One of the most commonly asked questions is how thick spray foam insulation should be. Keep in mind that an air seal is created only when foam insulation is installed at the correct thickness. In other words, if the spray foam insulation is spread too thin, it will not create a good air seal.
​
There is no perfect number for how thick spray foam insulation should be but a good professional will know exactly how much to use for attic insulation, crawl space insulation, wall insulation, and other areas in your home or commercial space.
For example, spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI when applied on the roof deck should be about 6 to 10 inches thick but when it is applied in walls, it is approximately 3 inches thick.

A balance needs to be created between thickness and R-value. Extra layers of insulation provide a higher R-value. However, when it comes to spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI, air sealing plays a more important role. Too little foam is of no use and too much foam would be a waste of resources.

Why Hire a Professional?

If you are considering installing spray foam insulation in Ann Arbor, MI, it is best to hire an insulation contractor. For those who have no experience working with spray foam insulation, it can be a difficult task to successfully install the product in your home or commercial space.

• Safety- An insulation contractor will take precautions when installing the product. Besides, only a professional insulation contractor has the equipment and protective gear necessary to install spray foam insulation. Most professionals also know how to remove old insulation, if present. Exposing yourself to all cellulose or fiberglass insulation can cause problems.

 

• Knowledge- A professional will know whether to use closed cell spray foam insulation or open cell spray foam insulation in the different areas for home insulation or commercial insulation. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you decide which one is best for you. Installing the right type of spray foam insulation will maximize benefits.

 

• Warranty- If you try applying the insulation by yourself, there won’t be any warranty should anything go wrong. On the other hand, by hiring an insulation contractor, you can be assured that if anything goes wrong a professional will fix it for you.

 

• Benefits- Spray foam insulation should be installed correctly if you want to maximize the advantages. It will last many years only if it is correctly installed. An inexperienced person may not be able to install it correctly and insulation that is not installed well will lead to problems like shrinkage, moisture, drafts, and higher utility bills.

Contact Us

Contact us if you need help with your insulation at home or in your office. At United Spray Foam Insulation, we are a team of experienced contractors in Ann Arbor, MI who can take care of all your insulation needs. We can help you regarding both home insulation and commercial insulation.