Frequently Asked Questions

Closed-cell foam, at about R-5 to R-7 per inch according to HomeGuide, against R-3.5 to R-3.7 for open-cell. In Augusta, closed-cell goes on crawl space walls and metal buildings; open-cell is common on roof decks.

Mold needs moisture. Foam installed over a leak or on damp wood can trap that moisture, which is why we check for leaks and wet framing first. Properly installed foam keeps humid air off cool surfaces, which reduces condensation.

Home stores sell small closed-cell foam kits and cans for gaps and small areas. Larger jobs like roof decks and crawl spaces use professional two-part rigs that control mix, temperature and thickness. We list foam type and thickness on every quote.

Several national chemical companies make spray foam systems. For you, the type, thickness and installation matter most, and those are written on our quote.

The Insulation Institute's summary of Georgia's code lists R-38 ceilings for new work in our zone; Richmond and Columbia counties are Zone 3A. DOE suggests R-49 to R-60 for an uninsulated Zone 3 attic. South Carolina uses the 2009 IECC statewide.

If your ductwork and air handler are in the attic, foaming the roof deck puts them inside a cooler space. If the attic is open and ducts are in good shape, sealing the ceiling and blowing loose fill deep usually costs less. We price both when both make sense.

Open-cell is the usual choice in our climate. It seals the deck, costs less and lets the deck dry. Closed-cell is used where more R-value per inch is needed.

Sealing leaks and keeping ducts out of extreme attic heat usually reduces cooling load. How much depends on the house; we explain what to expect for yours.

Some shingle makers have rules about unvented roof assemblies. Check your roofing warranty; we can give you the details of the assembly to share with them.

Floors usually get a vapor barrier, not foam. Foam goes on the crawl walls and band joists.

Georgia's code lists R-38 for new ceilings; DOE suggests R-49 to R-60 for an uninsulated Zone 3 attic. With loose fill, that is roughly 13 to 20 inches depending on material.

Its Home Energy Improvement Program page lists attic insulation incentives when the existing level is R-38 or less and the attic is brought to R-49. Check the current rules on its page.

Leaky ducts in a hot attic waste cooling. Duct sealing is a separate trade, but we point out problems we see.

Humid air condenses in the crawl space, and fiberglass batts soak it up, get heavy and sag. Encapsulation or foam on the subfloor is the long-term fix.

Often yes, or a small supply of conditioned air. Your HVAC contractor can advise.

In a humid climate it usually solves musty smells, soft floors and falling insulation. We explain costs and alternatives before you decide.

Closed-cell foam keeps humid air off the cold panels, which stops most condensation. Ventilation still matters in barns and stables.

It depends on whether you will cool the shop. A storage building needs less than an air-conditioned workspace. We give options with R-values.

Yes, on both sides of the river.

Over a sealed ceiling, yes. It is the most economical way to reach R-38 to R-49.

A little, so it is installed slightly deep. Dense-pack in walls is packed so it does not settle.

Yes, if the old material is clean and dry.

No. Clean, dry insulation can stay. Wet, moldy or contaminated insulation should go.

Light, pebbly gray-brown or gold fill should be tested before anyone disturbs it. Asbestos-containing material is removed by a licensed abatement contractor.

Many attics or crawl spaces are cleared in a day.