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What to look for in a spray foam retrofit installer

When retrofitting your home with spray foam, finding the right contractor is a major consideration.  Spray foam rigs are mobile factories where the foam is manufactured on site.  This process requires proper job site prep to protect your home as well as the fact that your home must be vacated during and after the spraying process.  Knowing that your applicator has the right training, insurance, ethics, follow through and that they are trustworthy is of vital importance.

The first thing to look for in any installer is that they are factory trained and that they are Authorized Applicators.   Demilec USA requires that all contractors installing our product become Authorized applicators though our training school.

In addition, Demilec USA has a team of Technical Representatives that visit our contractors on a regular basis to provide them with additional and ongoing training.  During these visits, the technical representative can also randomly perform an InSeal-Right Inspection to verify that the foam is being installed correctly and that proper PPE (personal protective equipment ) is being used by the applicators.

Doing the job right means having the right tools

Installing spray foam into an existing home is not the same process as with new construction.  A contractor who specializes in retrofit applications will have a blower door to test the air leakage of a home before and after the application.  They will also have an infrared camera to view where losses are occurring in walls or other areas.  Another important use of the infrared camera is when foam is being injected into a wall or cavity, the applicator will use the infrared camera to ensure all of the cavities or areas in the wall were filled.

From protecting floors and your home from damage, to ventilating the home during and after the application, doing the job right means having the right tools.

Understanding the liabilities

Your home is precious.  One of the biggest things you need to be sure of is that your contractor understands the liabilities and challenges involved with your project.

Every home is different.  A good retrofit contractor knows they need to completely understand the project before they prepare a bid.  Whether or not the structure has ever had a fire, mold, or rodents, along with many other factors, can change the dynamics of the project.  Questions regarding parking, time before re-occupancy, ventilation, protecting the property, pets, inspections, mechanical systems, access to the attic, drilling holes and possible repairs need to be addressed before the start of your project.

When choosing your contractor, remember not every spray foam contractor is qualified or right for the job.  The knowledge, application and tools needed to properly install spray foam into an existing home require someone who specializes in retrofit applications.

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