Examples of Bad Spray Foam Applicators
Choosing a bad spray foam contractor in Oregon could cost you a lot more money than you think. Along with the paying for the bad spray foam applicator, repairing and re-installing spray foam insulation is a lot more costly that it would be originally.
Be careful when prices are very cheap. Some less so reputable and less experienced spray foam companies are providing incorrect advice on the thickness of spray foam required. Make sure you get the right advice from a trusted and reputable spray form contractor.
Premier Spray Foam have a wealth of experience in the Northwest and also follow data and research. Check out the information from The Energy Modeling Agency.
When spray foam insulation goes wrong!
Below are examples we came across from bad spray foam applicators. Premier Spray Foam were called in to repair and re-install spray foam insulation on all of the below jobs.
How to Tell Before the Job Starts
You cannot inspect foam properly once it is in. The questions that protect you are the ones asked before anyone brings a rig to site.
Ask what thickness they are quoting and why. On a Pacific Northwest roof deck a number below three inches should come with a specific reason, not a shrug. Ask whether they are pricing the whole envelope or only the easy surfaces, because a quote that skips the rim joists and the cantilevers will always look cheaper.
Ask what happens if the foam pulls away from the substrate, and get the answer in writing. Ask whether they will show you the assembly before it is covered.
A contractor who is comfortable explaining the specification is usually a contractor who intends to install it. One who will not discuss thickness is telling you something.
Common Questions
How can I tell a bad spray foam job before it is covered?
You mostly cannot, which is why the questions come first. Ask what thickness is being quoted and why, whether the price covers the whole envelope or only the easy surfaces, and ask to see the assembly before it is closed up.
What does a cheap quote usually leave out?
Thickness and the awkward surfaces. Rim joists, cantilevers and tight crawl space corners take longer and get skipped. A quote that omits them will always look better on paper and perform worse in the building.
What does it cost to fix a bad install?
More than doing it once properly. Removal is labour-intensive because cured foam bonds to the substrate, and access is often worse the second time.
Related: the thickness we specify and why · get a written scope and price
Also worth reading: why 3 inches on a roof deck, the cost of putting it right.
Talk it through with an installer
Every building is different. Tell us about the property and we will give you a straight answer on what it needs.