What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam is a two-part liquid insulation that expands on contact to fill walls, attics, and crawl spaces. It insulates and air-seals in one step, stopping the drafts that traditional insulation lets through.
Southeast Michigan's Spray Foam Experts Since 2000
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Southeast Michigan's Spray Foam Experts Since 2000
Spray Foam Insulation FAQs
Real answers from the Seal Tech crew, in writing and on video. Search a question or browse by topic below.
5 Video Answers
Spray Foam Basics
The fundamentals: what spray foam is, how R-value works, and how long it lasts.
What is R-value, and why is my home still cold?
R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow; higher is better. But R-value alone doesn't stop air leaks, which is why a home with "enough" insulation can still feel cold. Spray foam delivers R-value and an air seal together.
Is insulation only for winter?
No. The same insulation that keeps heat in during a Michigan winter keeps heat out in summer, so your AC runs less and upstairs rooms stay cooler.
How long does spray foam insulation last?
Properly installed spray foam is designed to last the life of the building. It doesn't sag, settle, or compress, and our systems carry a manufacturer-backed Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Why does air sealing matter as much as insulation?
Air leaks are a major source of heating and cooling loss. Spray foam seals those leaks while it insulates, giving you comfort gains that insulation alone can't deliver.
More Spray Foam Basics Questions
What types of insulation do you offer?
We install open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, plus attic, crawl space, basement, and garage insulation, for both residential and commercial properties.
Why should I choose spray foam?
Spray foam combines insulation and air sealing, resists moisture, and doesn't sag or settle. That means lower utility bills, fewer drafts, and more consistent comfort.
6 Video Answers
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell
Which foam goes where, and why the two perform so differently.
What's the difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam?
Open-cell is soft and lightweight, about R-3.5 to 3.8 per inch, and great for sound control. Closed-cell is dense and rigid, about R-6 to 7 per inch, and blocks moisture. Many homes use both.
How can you tell open-cell from closed-cell? (The Pillow Test)
Press on it. Open-cell squishes like a pillow; closed-cell feels hard like a board. That difference in density is why they perform differently.
When should you use open-cell spray foam?
Open-cell is a strong choice for interior walls, attic rooflines, and anywhere sound control matters, and it costs less per square foot than closed-cell.
Why does closed-cell spray foam cost more?
Closed-cell is denser and uses more material per inch. In return you get the highest R-value per inch, a built-in vapor barrier, and added wall strength.
2x4 vs. 2x6 walls: which spray foam is better?
It depends on the cavity depth and your goals. Closed-cell packs more R-value into a shallow 2x4 wall, while a deeper 2x6 wall gives open-cell room to reach strong R-values for less. We'll recommend the right fit.
Open-cell or closed-cell: which does my project need?
Closed-cell for exterior walls, rim joists, basements, crawl spaces, and metal buildings; open-cell for interior walls, rooflines, and sound control. We assess each area and often use both.
7 Video Answers
Cost & Value
What spray foam costs, what you get back, and how to compare quotes.
Is spray foam insulation worth the cost?
For most Michigan homes, yes. It costs more up front than fiberglass, but it seals air leaks, lowers heating and cooling bills, and lasts for the life of the home.
Is spray foam worth it? (The Stanley Cup Comparison)
Like a quality insulated tumbler versus a paper cup, spray foam keeps your home at temperature far longer. You pay once and get better performance every day.
Is spray foam worth it for homes in Plymouth and Southeast Michigan?
Michigan's cold winters and humid summers make air sealing especially valuable. Spray foam addresses both, which makes it a strong investment here.
Can spray foam cut your energy bill by 50%?
In optimal whole-home conditions, insulation and air sealing can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Many homeowners see savings in the 20 to 40% range, depending on the home's starting point, HVAC, and project scope.
Can I get paid to upgrade my home's insulation?
Utility rebates and local energy programs can offset part of the cost of insulation upgrades. Ask us which incentives are currently available for your address.
Why do insulation quotes differ so much?
Quotes vary based on foam type, thickness, R-value targets, prep and removal work, and what's included. Compare the scope line by line, not just the bottom-line price.
Is your home a Yeti cup or a Starbucks cup?
📍 Milford📍 Hartland📍 Highland
A well-sealed home holds its temperature like an insulated cup; a leaky one loses it fast. Spray foam turns a "paper cup" home into one that stays comfortable longer.
More Cost & Value Questions
Will insulation lower my energy bills?
Yes. Proper insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Homeowners typically save 20 to 40% on heating and cooling costs after an upgrade, and up to 50% in optimal conditions.
10 Video Answers
Installation & Process
What to expect before, during, and after your install day.
Can you DIY spray foam insulation?
Small DIY kits exist, but whole-home spray foam requires professional equipment, precise mixing temperatures, protective gear, and training. Poorly installed foam can underperform or cause problems.
Can you install spray foam during a remodel?
Yes. A remodel with open walls or ceilings is one of the best times to add spray foam, and we coordinate around your other trades.
When is the right time for spray foam in new construction?
After framing and the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins pass inspection, and before drywall goes up. Learn more →
Should you remove old insulation before spray foam?
Not always. Old, damaged, wet, or contaminated insulation should come out; sometimes existing material can stay. We evaluate the area and handle removal when it's needed.
How should I prepare my home before the insulation crew arrives?
Clear the work areas, move stored items away from walls and attic access, and plan for easy entry. We'll give you a specific checklist before your install day.
Why do spray foam installers wear "space suits"?
Spray foam is applied as a liquid that reacts and expands, so installers wear full protective suits and respiratory equipment while spraying. It's part of doing the job safely.
What's inside a professional spray foam rig?
Our rigs carry the heated equipment, hoses, and materials needed to mix and spray foam at the right temperature and ratio, which is key to quality foam.
How are spray foam installers trained?
Spraying foam evenly to the right depth takes practice. Our crews train on technique, equipment, and safety before they spray in your home.
How do you check spray foam quality?
We check thickness, coverage, and how the foam cured, and finish any trimming and cleanup, so the job meets spec before we leave.
Does your insulation pass inspection?
Insulation has to meet code requirements for your project. We handle the required permits and inspections so you don't have to.
More Installation & Process Questions
How long does installation take?
Most projects are completed in about one day. Larger or multi-area projects may take two to three days. We'll give you a timeline at your consultation.
Do you remove old insulation?
Yes. We can remove old, damaged, moldy, or ineffective insulation before installing new material.
3 Video Answers
Safety & Health
Fumes, family safety, pests, and indoor air quality.
Is spray foam insulation safe for my family?
Once cured, the spray foam we install is inert and formaldehyde-free. We follow manufacturer ventilation and re-occupancy guidance during and after installation.
What about spray foam fumes?
Spray foam gives off fumes while it's being applied and curing, so we ventilate the area and follow the manufacturer's re-occupancy time. Once cured, it's odor-free.
Does spray foam attract pests or rodents?
No. Spray foam isn't a food source and doesn't give rodents soft nesting material like fiberglass does, and sealing gaps helps keep pests out.
9 Video Answers
Comfort & Problem Areas
Cold floors, hot upstairs rooms, drafts, ice dams, and noise.
Does spray foam help reduce drafts?
Yes. Drafts come from air leaks, and spray foam expands to seal the gaps around framing, outlets, and penetrations where drafts start.
Why is my upstairs hot in summer and cold in winter, even with insulation?
Usually it's air leaks and thin or uneven attic insulation. Heat escapes through the top of the home in winter and pours in during summer. Sealing and insulating the attic fixes the root cause. Learn more →
Why is my first floor always cold?
Leaky rim joists, where the house framing sits on the foundation, are a common culprit. Closed-cell foam seals them and stops cold air at the source.
What's the best way to insulate a basement?
Closed-cell spray foam on the rim joists and foundation walls insulates and blocks moisture in one step.
How do you stop moisture and pests in a crawl space?
Seal and insulate the crawl space walls and rim joists with closed-cell foam, and add a vapor barrier where needed. Learn more →
What's the best attic insulation for a Michigan home with high energy bills?
It depends on the attic. Air sealing plus blown-in on the attic floor works for many homes; spray foam at the roofline fits others. We evaluate before recommending. Learn more →
Can better attic insulation stop ice dams?
Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts roof snow that refreezes at the eaves. Air sealing and insulation keep that heat in the house and reduce the risk, though no single measure guarantees prevention.
Can insulation make your home quieter?
Yes. Spray foam seals the air gaps sound travels through, and open-cell foam absorbs airborne noise inside walls and ceilings. Learn more →
How can I block out noise at home?
📍 Birmingham📍 Bloomfield Hills📍 Royal Oak
Spray foam in walls and ceilings cuts airborne noise from traffic, neighbors, and the rooms next door. Learn more →
More Comfort & Problem Areas Questions
How do I know if my home needs new insulation?
Common signs include high energy bills, uneven temperatures, drafty rooms, cold floors or walls, moisture problems, and old or damaged insulation. We offer free evaluations to find out for sure.
4 Video Answers
Choosing a Contractor
How to pick the right insulation company, and why Southeast Michigan picks Seal Tech.
What should I ask before hiring an insulation contractor?
Ask how long they've been in business, who actually does the installation, and what warranty covers the work. Seal Tech has served Southeast Michigan since 2000 with our own crews.
What should I look for in an insulation company near me?
Look for local experience, real Google reviews, clear written estimates, and a manufacturer-backed warranty.
How long has Seal Tech been serving Commerce, MI?
📍 Commerce
Seal Tech has insulated homes and businesses across Southeast Michigan since 2000, including Commerce Township and nearby communities.
Do you insulate commercial buildings?
Yes. We insulate offices, warehouses, retail spaces, multi-unit buildings, and metal buildings, new or existing. Learn more →
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Answers Near You
Insulation Questions From Across Southeast Michigan
Many of our video answers were recorded for homeowners in specific communities. Find your city for local answers and service details.
Also serving:DetroitTaylorAllen ParkWyandotteGrosse IleDundeeGrosse PointeGrosse Pointe WoodsSt. Clair ShoresChelseaPinckneyHowellLivoniaNorthvilleWixomCommerceMilfordHartlandHighlandBirminghamBloomfield HillsRoyal OakLansingToledo
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- Business
- Seal Tech Insulation
- Address
- 36440 Northline Rd
Romulus, MI 48174 - Phone
- (866) 775-3626
- info@sealtechinsulation.com
- Since
- 2000
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