Insulation – Backup
Stay Cool! Upgrade Your Old Insulation
Ecotelligent Homes is an award-winning insulation contractor serving homeowners in the Metro Detroit area since 2009 with professionally installed cellulose blown in insulation and closed cell spray foam insulation. Our skilled and trained on-staff insulation crews install the following insulation services to meet ENERGY STAR standards and help your family enjoy a comfortable home all year long:
DOES YOUR METRO DETROIT HOME HAVE COLD AND DRAFTY ROOMS DURING THE WINTER?
Stop looking for the best space heater to improve the comfort of your cold and drafty rooms. A space heater is an inefficient Band-Aid that ultimately does not answer the question of ‘how to heat a cold room?’. Air sealing and insulation improvements professionally installed by Ecotelligent Homes will answer your question of ‘how to warm up a cold room?’ and will help your family enjoy year-round comfort and energy savings.
IS IT TOO WARM TO SLEEP IN YOUR ROOM IN THE SUMMER?
Summers can be hot and humid in Michigan--that's why families in Royal Oak bungalows, Bloomfield Township colonials, and Plymouth cape cods have all asked us ‘how to cool down at night?’ and ‘how to keep the house cool?’. They are impressed with how comfortable their homes are after Ecotelligent Homes installs air sealing and insulating, and you can be too.
Call 248-291-7815 for Ecotelligent Homes to professionally install your insulation for year round comfort!
Blog Posts
Beat the heat. Here’s how.
Prevent ice dams and protect your home with expert air sealing, attic insulation, and ventilation. Learn how to stop roof leaks and costly damage in Southeast Michigan. Schedule a home energy audit today!
Install studs before or after spray foam?
Prevent ice dams and protect your home with expert air sealing, attic insulation, and ventilation. Learn how to stop roof leaks and costly damage in Southeast Michigan. Schedule a home energy audit today!
MI homeowners: Is your garage insulation doing its job?
Prevent ice dams and protect your home with expert air sealing, attic insulation, and ventilation. Learn how to stop roof leaks and costly damage in Southeast Michigan. Schedule a home energy audit today!
Case Studies
Case study: Fixing hot and cold rooms before baby’s arrival
Case study: Fixing hot rooms before baby’s arrival Air Sealing, Attic Insulation, Insulation, Rim Joist Insulation, Spray Foam Insulation Estimated reading time: 8 minutes “We noticed our house was having trouble keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. Ecotelligent Homes was able to identify key issues-it turned out to be a much simpler and […]
Case study: Turning a chilly basement into a cozy rec room
Case study: Turning a chilly basement into a cozy rec room Insulation, Rim Joist Insulation Estimated reading time: 7 minutes “Would HIGHLY recommend this company.” -Jerry H. in West Bloomfield, MI That’s how Jerry H. summed up his experience with Ecotelligent Homes after transforming his cold, underused basement into a rec room that’s now the […]
Case study: From cold to cozy, insulating a 1950s brick home
Case study: From cold to cozy, insulating a 1950s brick home Air Sealing, Insulation, Wall Insulation Estimated reading time: 7 minutes “My 1950s house was a little extra challenging with existing unusual spotty insulation, and they did an excellent job filling in the gaps. The installation team also had a handheld infrared camera and could […]
THE ECOTELLIGENT DIFFERENCE
Ecotelligent Homes is a home performance contractor, which means we are a one-stop-shop and we manage the project from start to finish. We follow a three-step process when assessing and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
We can identify the source of your comfort, health and efficiency issues and present you with a solution to resolve the problem at its root.
Our licensed and insured team will install your improvements to industry-leading standards.
Our quality assurance check confirms the quality of our work and its impact on your home’s energy efficiency, comfort and health.
We’ve had some scorchers this summer, and we'll get more before it's over.
It’s worth making a plan to stay cool when the temperature spikes. Here are some no-and-low-cost tips for the hottest days of the year.
Turn down set points, and start cooling early.
Lower the set points on your thermostat to a cooler temperature before the heat peaks. Starting the cooling process early in the cooler part of the day helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Eliminate setbacks.
Avoid letting your house get warm in the first place by eliminating temperature setbacks, even if you won't be home for part of the day. Consistent cooling helps prevent the system from working harder later to bring down the temperature.
Keep the hot air out.
Close all doors and windows during the hot parts of the day. This keeps the hot outdoor air from creeping in and lets your cooling equipment work efficiently.
Block the sun.
Draw curtains, close blinds, or use temporary window coverings on the sunny side of the house during peak afternoon hours. You can block a surprising amount of heat gain this way.
Avoid adding heat indoors.
Delay oven use, clothes drying, or running the dishwasher until after dark. Even small heat sources can make a big difference on a hot day.
Seal and insulate (for the long run).
Air sealing and insulation don’t just help in winter, they keep unwanted summer heat out, too. If your home heats up quickly, it's probably time to look at improving the building envelope.
Send us a message, or give us a call to talk about a home energy audit or insulation project for your home: (248) 291-7815 in SE Michigan.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Garage Insulation
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Wall Insulation
Install studs before or after spray foam?
We do spray foam for DIY projects all the time.
This homeowner had already installed spray foam before they asked:
"Can I install wall studs after spray foam insulation, and how should I do it without damaging the foundation or drainage system?"
If they had reached out to us sooner, we would have recommended that they build the framing first, then spray foam around it.
But if you're tackling a basement or crawlspace renovation and the foam is already in, you’ve still got options.
Here's what we recommend
Freestanding wall
Build a freestanding wall a couple inches in front of the foam. This avoids having to cut into the insulation and gives space for wiring or shelving.
Sill gasket and pressure-treated lumber
Use a sill gasket under the bottom plate to protect against moisture, and pressure-treated lumber to avoid future rot.
Be careful with the anchors
Anchor carefully, especially if you’ve got a sump pump or interior French drain, minimize drilling into the slab. Adhesive and tapcons can do the job with fewer risks.
The bottom line for DIYers
If you're considering a DIY project for your home in Southeast Michigan, it's best to reach out to us early in the process, but we may be able to help even if you're mid-renovation.
Our team can spray foam your space and offer guidance for the next steps.
Need help figuring out what’s next for your project? Book a free assessment by calling (248) 291-7815 or sending us a message:
Based in Farmington Hills, we’ve helped more than 3,000 homeowners with insulation and other energy-saving projects since 2009. Price match and satisfaction guaranteed.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Garage Insulation
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Wall Insulation
MI homeowners: Is your garage insulation doing its job?
If your garage shares a wall or ceiling with your living space, chances are it’s affecting the comfort of your home more than you think.
From freezing bedrooms over the garage to drafts sneaking in through uninsulated walls, garages are one of the most overlooked areas in home energy upgrades.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
If you live in Southeast Michigan and want to find out whether your garage insulation is doing its job, give us a call at (248) 291-7815, or send us a message:
Based in Farmington Hills, we’ve helped more than 3,000 homeowners with insulation and other energy-saving projects since 2009. Price match and satisfaction guaranteed.
Why garage insulation matters
A poorly insulated garage can make adjacent rooms the most uncomfortable in the house. Bedrooms above garages are often the hottest or coldest in the house - especially if the ceiling or shared walls are poorly insulated or not air sealed.
Insulation and air sealing work together to create a clear thermal boundary between your living space and the outside world, including the unconditioned air (and occasional fumes) in your garage.
Think of it like wearing a jacket on a cold day: no insulation is like going out without one. And insulation without air sealing? That’s like leaving your coat wide open - the warmth escapes, and the cold sneaks in.
Beyond comfort, properly insulating and sealing your garage helps:
- Reduce your energy bills by keeping conditioned air inside your home. According to ENERGY STAR, air sealing and insulation save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs.
- Block unwanted drafts and fumes from entering shared walls or ceiling cavities.
- Improve indoor air quality and safety by limiting the risk of carbon monoxide and other pollutants seeping in from car exhaust or stored chemicals.
- Create a stronger buffer between your home and Michigan’s temperature swings - the high-highs of summer and low-lows of winter.
Whether you use your garage for storage, a workshop, or occasional hangouts, insulating and sealing it right helps protect the rest of your home and the people in it.
Key areas to insulate in your garage
Every garage is different, but here are the most common spots we target:
1. Garage ceiling insulation (especially if there’s a room above it)
This is priority number one. If you’ve got a bedroom or office over the garage, that room is likely suffering due to heat loss and gain through the ceiling below. We typically install high-R-value spray foam insulation between the floor joists, and if there's an attic above the garage, we insulate that too.
2. Wall between the garage and the house
This shared wall is crucial. If it’s not properly sealed and insulated, cold air from the garage can leak into the home. We also make sure any wiring or ductwork penetrations are air sealed.
3. Knee walls and attic spaces connected to the garage
If your garage has storage spaces tucked under rooflines or behind walls, these areas often get skipped during initial construction. Adding insulation here helps eliminate hidden drafts and heat loss.
What about garage doors and windows?
While they’re not the first place we focus, upgrading to insulated garage doors or sealing leaky windows can help round out the project - especially if you spend a lot of time in the garage. This often makes the most sense for homeowners who use the garage as a studio or workshop.
Got a project in mind?
When to consider HVAC in the garage
Air sealing and insulation should always come first. Without them, any updates or additions to your HVAC system will be inefficient—or basically useless. You’ll just be heating or cooling the great outdoors.
In most Michigan homes, garages already have ductwork connected to the main HVAC system. In those cases, improving insulation and air sealing is usually enough to make a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency.
A ductless mini split might make sense if:
- You’ve already insulated and air sealed your garage
- You don’t have existing ducts running to the space
- You spend a lot of time in the garage - like if it doubles as a workshop, gym, or art studio
But even then, insulation is step one. Without it, you're throwing energy and money out the window—no matter how efficient the heating or cooling system is.
How to insulate a garage
Wondering how to insulate a garage the right way? It’s not just about adding more insulation - it's about using the right materials in the right places, with proper air sealing to back it up.
Here’s how we typically approach garage insulation in Southeast Michigan:
1. Start with an energy audit
Every home is different. A professional energy audit will help identify exactly where insulation is missing or underperforming - whether it's the garage ceiling, shared walls, or attic access points.
2. Air seal first
Before we add any insulation, we always seal gaps, cracks, and penetrations in the garage ceiling and walls. This keeps cold air (and garage fumes) from seeping into the living space and improves the performance of your insulation.
3. Choose the right insulation for the job
For garage ceilings with rooms above them, we usually recommend high-density spray foam for its air sealing and thermal benefits. In other areas, we may use blown cellulose, depending on your garage structure and goals.
We always recommend closed-cell spray foam over open-cell because it’s more resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew - all of which can be real concerns in Michigan’s climate.
4. Don’t forget ventilation
If your garage has attic access or roofline storage, we make sure insulation doesn’t block ventilation pathways. That helps prevent moisture buildup and extends the life of your building materials.
5. Consider comfort extras
If your garage doubles as a workspace or studio, we can also look at upgrading doors, sealing windows, and adding HVAC - but only after the insulation is dialed in.
Insulating a garage is a smart, high-impact upgrade, but the results depend on doing it right. If you’re thinking about tackling this project, we’d love to take a look and show you what your home needs.
Start with a home energy audit
A professional energy audit gives you clear answers and measurable results. You’ll see exactly where your home is losing energy and how insulation and air sealing will improve comfort and cut costs.
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has helped thousands of Michigan homeowners make smart, cost-effective upgrades. Ready to find out what your garage needs? Give us a call at (248) 291-7815 or send us a message to schedule your audit.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Garage Insulation
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Wall Insulation
How to Prevent Ice Dams with Air Sealing and Attic Insulation in Michigan
Ice dams are a common winter headache for homeowners in SE Michigan, leading to roof damage, leaks, and expensive repairs. The best way to prevent them? Keep your attic cold with proper air sealing and insulation.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What causes ice dams
- How air sealing and insulation help prevent them
- Other key strategies to protect your roof
- What to do if you already have ice dams
Don’t let ice dams damage your home. With 6,000 energy audits and 3,000 projects completed in Michigan, Ecotelligent Homes has the experience to help you stop ice dams before they start. Call (248) 291-7815 or send us a message to schedule your energy audit today.
Michigan ice dams: Key takeaways
This table gives you a summary of the solutions for ice dams in Michigan:
| Solution | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Air Sealing | Prevents warm air from heating the attic |
| Attic Insulation | Keeps heat inside your home |
| Ventilation | Maintains consistent attic temperatures |
| Snow Removal | Prevents meltwater buildup |
| Ice Melt (If Needed) | Creates drainage channels through ice dams |
What causes ice dams?
Ice dams form when warm air leaks into your attic and heats the roof, causing snow to melt. The melted water flows down and refreezes at the colder roof edge, creating a ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage. The trapped water can then seep under shingles and into your home.
Common problems caused by ice dams
- Roof leaks and water stains on ceilings and walls
- Mold and mildew growth
- Insulation damage, reducing energy efficiency
- Gutter damage or collapse
Signs you might have ice dams
- Large icicles hanging from the eaves
- Uneven snow melting on the roof
- Water stains or leaks inside your home
Roof leak leads to costly moisture damage
How to prevent ice dams
The key to ice dam prevention is keeping your attic as close to outdoor temperature as possible. In Southeast Michigan, where winter temperatures fluctuate, this is especially important.
1. Air seal your attic
Warm air from your home escapes into the attic through small cracks and openings, heating the roof and contributing to ice dams. Sealing these leaks prevents heat loss and keeps your attic cold.
Common air leak areas:
- Attic hatches and pull-down stairs
- Gaps around recessed lights and ceiling fixtures
- Plumbing and wiring holes
- Ductwork and vent connections
Before adding insulation, especially blown cellulose, it’s crucial to air seal your attic. Even the best insulation won’t work effectively if warm air continues to leak into the space.
Sealing air leaks in a Michigan attic
2. Upgrade attic insulation
A well-insulated attic helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic and warming the roof. In Michigan’s climate, we recommend at least R-49 to R-60 of attic insulation, which is about 12-18 inches.
How to know if your attic needs more insulation:
- You can see the floor joists through the insulation.
- The insulation is compressed, damaged, or unevenly distributed.
Your home has high heating bills and uneven temperatures.
Got a project in mind?
3. Ensure proper attic ventilation
Good ventilation allows cold air to circulate through the attic, keeping temperatures stable. Without it, warm air gets trapped and contributes to ice dam formation.
Best ventilation setup:
- Soffit vents (intake) + ridge vents (exhaust) for continuous airflow
- At least 1 square foot of vent area per 300 square feet of attic space
- Baffles to keep insulation from blocking soffit vents
Proper ventilation works together with air sealing and insulation to create a well-balanced attic environment.
In your attic, do you see baffles like these?
The best way to know what your home needs: A home energy audit
Not sure how much air is leaking through your attic or how much insulation you really need? A home energy audit gives you a clear answer.
With an audit, we:
- Measure air leakage using a blower door test to see how much warm air is escaping into your attic.
- Inspect your insulation levels to determine if more is needed.
- Find hidden problem areas that contribute to ice dams and high energy bills.
- Give you a before-and-after comparison, so you can see exactly how much better your home performs after the upgrades.
Schedule an energy audit today to pinpoint the best solutions for your home: (248) 291-7815
A blower door test measures air leakage in your home
What to do if you already have ice dams
If ice dams have already formed, take steps to reduce the damage and prevent leaks.
1. Remove snow from your roof
- Use a roof rake to pull snow off the lower 3-4 feet of your roof while standing on the ground. Here's what to know if you have uneven snow melt on your roof.
- Never use a ladder or attempt to chip away ice, as it can damage shingles.
2. Melt ice dams safely
- If water is leaking inside, place a sock filled with calcium chloride on the ice dam to create drainage channels.
- For severe cases, hire a professional to steam the ice off—never use a hammer or ice pick.
Use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof
The bottom line
Preventing ice dams comes down to air sealing, insulation, and ventilation. By making these upgrades, you’ll not only protect your roof but also improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Want to eliminate ice dams for good? Contact us today to schedule a home energy audit and find out exactly what your home needs.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Garage Insulation
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Wall Insulation
Is Spray Foam Insulation Safe?
Spray foam insulation is becoming a top choice for Michigan homeowners looking to eliminate drafts, cold spots, and temperature differences.
It’s especially effective in our climate, where we face both frigid winters and humid summers. But one question we heat all the time: “Is spray foam insulation safe?”
If you’re thinking about spray foam insulation, it’s natural to have questions about its health and environmental impacts. The short answer is yes—when it’s installed correctly, spray foam insulation is both safe and effective for your home.
In this guide, we’ll break down the common safety concerns around spray foam insulation, including potential health impacts, environmental factors, and the strict safety practices Ecotelligent Homes follows.
With over 6,000 home energy audits and 3,000 projects completed in Michigan, Ecotelligent has the experience and certifications to install spray foam with a focus on safety and quality.
To see if spray foam is right for your home, feel free to give us a call or send a message anytime: (248) 291-7815.
Table of contents
- What is Spray Foam Insulation?
- What Makes Spray Foam Insulation a Safe and Effective Choice?
- Health and Environmental Concerns of Spray Foam Insulation
- How We Ensure Safe Installation
- Comparing Spray Foam to Other Insulation Options
- When Spray Foam Insulation Might Not Be Recommended
- Conclusion: Is Spray Foam Insulation Right for Your Home?
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that expands to fill gaps and cracks, creating a durable barrier between your indoor living space and the great outdoors.
There are two types: open-cell and closed-cell. For Michigan homes, we recommend closed-cell spray foam due to its high R-value and ability to block moisture, making it ideal for Michigan’s variable climate.
Spray foam can be applied in areas like basement rim joists, crawl spaces, knee walls, and attics. By insulating these areas, spray foam helps reduce drafts, improve energy efficiency, and keep indoor temperatures consistent.
What Makes Spray Foam Insulation a Safe and Effective Choice?
Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective options available for enhancing home comfort and reducing energy costs. But many homeowners also want to know about its safety—especially regarding indoor air quality and environmental impact.
Here are some key factors that make spray foam insulation both safe and effective when it’s installed professionally:
Air and Moisture Barrier to Improve Health
Spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that keeps drafts out and blocks moisture. By keeping air and moisture out, spray foam prevents allergens, pollen, and dust from entering through gaps, which helps improve your indoor air quality.
This moisture barrier also reduces the risk of mold and mildew buildup—two common causes of respiratory issues and indoor air quality problems.
Mold Growth Due to Inadequate Insulation and Baffles
Higher R-Value Means Less Wasted Energy
Closed-cell spray foam has one of the highest R-values per inch of any insulation material, meaning it resists heat transfer better than other options.
This high insulation value keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, requiring less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. With less energy use, fewer fossil fuels are burned to heat or cool your home, reducing your overall carbon footprint.
Soundproofing and Structural Support
Spray foam insulation doesn’t just insulate—it also dampens sound and reinforces certain areas of your home. With its dense, rigid form, closed-cell spray foam reduces noise between rooms and from outside. It can also add strength to walls and floors, offering extra stability over time.
Health and Environmental Concerns of Spray Foam Insulation
While spray foam insulation offers excellent energy efficiency and comfort, some homeowners wonder about its health and environmental impacts. Here’s what to know:
Health During Installation
Spray foam installation involves mixing chemicals that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the foam cures. These VOCs can cause temporary respiratory irritation if inhaled before the foam is fully cured.
At Ecotelligent Homes, we use ventilation fans and recommend that homeowners stay out of the home for at least 12 hours after installation to allow proper curing and air clearing.
Environmental Impact of Blowing Agents
Certain spray foams use high global warming potential (GWP) blowing agents that negatively impact the environment. To address this, Ecotelligent only uses closed-cell spray foam with a GWP of 1, significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
When installed by certified professionals, spray foam insulation is safe and provides lasting benefits. Next, we’ll share more about Ecotelligent’s process and the steps we take to ensure a safe, clean installation.
How We Ensure Safe Installation
At Ecotelligent Homes, safety and quality are our top priorities when installing spray foam insulation. Our team follows industry best practices to ensure that every installation is safe, effective, and durable.
Certified Installers with Specialized Training
Our installers are Spray Foam Alliance Certified, which means they have advanced training and meet strict standards for safe spray foam installation. This certification ensures that our team follows the latest safety protocols and maintains high standards for quality and professionalism.
Ventilation and Curing Protocols
During installation, we use high-powered ventilation fans to keep fresh air flowing through the space, which helps reduce VOCs and shortens the off-gassing period.
We also recommend that homeowners leave the house during and for 12 hours after installation to allow for proper curing and air clearing, following manufacturer guidelines.
Advanced Equipment and Quality Control
Ecotelligent uses advanced spray foam rigs that keep chemicals at the ideal temperature and ratio, ensuring consistent foam quality.
Additionally, we apply a thermal and ignition barrier paint over the foam, which adds an extra layer of protection and meets fire safety standards.
By using certified installers, ventilation practices, and quality control measures, we ensure that spray foam insulation is both safe and effective. In the next section, we’ll compare spray foam insulation to other common types to see how it measures up in health, efficiency, and durability.
Got a project in mind?
Comparing Spray Foam to Other Insulation Options
Spray foam insulation is often compared to other common types, like fiberglass and cellulose. Here’s how spray foam stacks up in terms of health, efficiency, and durability.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is widely used, but it can release small glass particles into the air, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Unlike spray foam, fiberglass does not create an airtight seal, which allows air leaks and reduces energy efficiency over time.
Cellulose Insulation
Made from recycled paper, cellulose is an eco-friendly option with fewer health concerns. However, it can settle and lose effectiveness, especially in moist environments. Spray foam, in contrast, maintains its form, resists moisture, and provides a continuous barrier that prevents air leaks and helps control humidity.
Spray foam insulation’s airtight seal, moisture resistance, and durability make it a top choice for Michigan homeowners, especially in areas prone to drafts or moisture issues. Next, we’ll discuss when spray foam might not be the ideal choice and suggest some alternatives.
When Spray Foam Insulation Might Not Be Recommended
Spray foam insulation is a versatile and effective option, but there are situations where it might not be the best fit for every home.
Older Homes with Moisture Control Needs
In older homes with existing moisture issues, additional steps may be required before installing spray foam insulation. Moisture trapped in walls can lead to mold or wood decay, so addressing any current moisture issues is critical.
In these cases, we might recommend pairing spray foam with other moisture control strategies or exploring alternatives.
Certain Attic or Wall Structures
In cases where walls or attic spaces are difficult to access or lack ventilation, we might suggest using a different type of insulation. Spray foam requires professional application and curing space, so it may not be suitable for structures without adequate ventilation or space for air circulation.
If spray foam insulation isn’t a fit, Ecotelligent Homes offers other insulation options, such as cellulose, to ensure every home can improve its energy efficiency safely.
Conclusion: Is Spray Foam Insulation Right for Your Home?
While spray foam insulation is safe and effective for most homes, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable installer who follows strict safety standards.
If you’re considering spray foam insulation but have questions about your home’s unique needs, an energy audit can be the best first step. With over 6,000 home energy audits and 3,000 completed projects, Ecotelligent has the expertise to recommend the best insulation solution for your home.
Feel free to reach out or explore our spray foam insulation page to learn more about how we can help with your home in SE Michigan: (248) 291-7815. Every project comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Ecotelligent Homes
Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has completed more than 3,000 projects in Michigan. If you need help with new insulation, efficient HVAC, or abatement services, give us a call anytime: (248) 291-7815. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Got a project in mind?
Tell us about your project, and we'll send ballpark pricing in 2 minutes or less.
Categories
- Air Quality
- Air Sealing
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Asbestos
- Attic Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Central A/C
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Crawlspace Insulation
- Duct Sealing
- Ecotelligent News
- Energy Audit
- Furnace
- Garage Insulation
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Guest Blog Post
- Heating & Cooling
- Homepage feature
- Insulation
- Mold
- Renewable Energy
- Rim Joist Insulation
- Solar Energy
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Wall Insulation