More and more people are discovering the amazing benefits of spray foam insulation every year. Due to this increased awareness, it is quickly becoming one of the most popular insulation mediums. However, unlike other more traditional insulation types, such cellulose or fiberglass, it should be installed by an experienced contractor in order to yield the most benefits. That is to say, installing spray foam in your home is not something that should be undertaken as a DIY project.
Finding the right spray foam insulation contractor in Spokane can sometimes be tricky, but doing your research and choosing a reputable company is important to the health and safety of your home and your family.
If you are ready to take the leap and increase your energy savings and quality of life by having spray foam installed in your home or business, this post will reveal some questions you should be asking when you are looking for the right contractor.
How Many Years Have They Been In Business?
Whie It’s true that years in business doesn’t necessarily translate to quality work, in general you may want to look out for a company that has been installing spray foam for 5-10 years. At the very least, having a decade of experience shows that the company has some satisfied clients behind them and their work is good enough to keep them doing business for all that time.
For spray foam insulation, any issues related to sloppy installation will usually manifest themselves within the first few years after the initial application. If they have been around for some time, you can generally trust that they do decent work, and you can be relatively sure they will still be in business in a few years to address any problems that could potentially pop up. Furthermore, spray foam contracting companies that have been around for a while generally offer guarantees or warranties on their work.
What Is Their Experience And Qualifications?
It is important to choose a spray foam that has extensive experience and all the proper qualifications. You might be inclined to choose a spray foam insulation contracting company that offers the lowest price, however you must be ever weary of cheap contractors when it comes to insulation or any other home improvement specialty.
Spray foam insulation comes with greater inherent financial risk than other types of insulation, mostly because of the fact that it is more expensive. If it is installed poorly or improperly, you could be wasting quite a bit of money.
You may wish to ask the contractors you are considering about any training they have completed or credentials they may hold. One of the most comprehensive and in depth training programs available in the polyurethane industry is offered by the American Chemistry Council. Any spray foam insulation contractor who has completed this program has been thoroughly trained in the proper application of spray foam, as well as safe handling and disposal protocols.
Do They Work To Meet State And City Regulatory Codes?
Each city and state municipality has their own rules and regulations surrounding the use of spray foam. Ensuring that the contractor you hire knows the building codes in your area is critical. If not installed properly, spray foam can be a safety hazard. Codes are also in place to make sure that your home is insulated well enough in the right areas to conserve energy and protect your family from the elements!
Do They Have References From Happy Customers?
Any spray foam insulation company worth their salt will be happy to provide references from satisfied customers and talk to you about work that they have done in the past. These days, you don’t even have to take their word for it! You can easily look up their reputation on the internet, through use of Google reviews and social media. Carefully reviewing online customer reviews and testimonials can quickly tell you everything you need to know about a company’s reputation.
Are They Reliable?
Obviously everyone wants to hire a contractor that is reliable! Unfortunately, these days, not all of them are. One way to check if a company is reputable and reliable is discussed above, through testimonials and reviews that can be found online. However, you should also be able to get some cues just through your interactions with them. Are they generally transparent about their processes? Do they do their best to answer all of your questions and concerns?
A truly reputable company will wow you with their knowledge and preparation efforts. Many will perform a whole house energy audit before even starting any work on your home. These tests are designed to reveal any issues in the existing insulation or air seal to determine the most effective insulation plan.
As part of an energy audit, a reliable spray foam contractor might use a thermal camera inside and outside your house to visualize the effectiveness of the insulation that you already have, and determine where you need more. They may also employ the use of a blower door, which is a large fan used to locate any air leaks.
Any contractor that does their due diligence and conducts a comprehensive home energy audit before rendering a quote or beginning any work can usually be trusted. This shows that they care about delivering the best possible value for their customers and have a high level of expertise.
Do They Guarantee Their Work?
It’s no secret that spray foam insulation is a big investment and can require a substantial upfront cost. That’s why it will generally behoove you to choose a contractor that stands behind their materials and workmanship.
Every individual contractor will offer differing warranties and guarantees on their installations. Of course it would be best if you can secure a lifetime warranty, but you should at least look for a company that offers a guarantee you can feel comfortable with. You want to make sure that in the event that a spray foam insulation contractor does faulty work or causes damage to your home that you are covered. Rock solid warranties and guarantees help us all sleep at night. Once negotiating your warranty, be sure you have it in writing so you can put it under your pillow.
Are They Licensed, Bonded, And Insured?
You may want to consider choosing a contractor that is licensed, bonded, and insured. You have probably seen businesses out there boasting that they have these three attributes. This essentially just means that the contractor has all of the proper licensing, they have insurance, and they have paid for additional coverage called a bond. Insurance covers any accidents, while bonds can cover incomplete or poor quality work. Hiring a contractor that is licensed, bonded, and insured can give you, the homeowner, additional piece of mind.
Installing spray foam in your home or place of business is a major decision! Doing your due diligence is essential to having a positive experience. Asking informed questions, getting your concerns addressed, and doing thorough research beforehand are the best things you can do to find a reputable and qualified spray foam insulation contractor. When you’re ready to take the leap – contact PUF Insulation.