Spray Foam is an incredible insulation product that has gained significant momentum in the high-end and high performance home industry. Closed cell spray foams have typical R values of 6-7 per inch of material, making them the most potent when space it at a premium. Like dense-packed cellulose, SPF also has incredible advantages in reducing air movement in structures. It is an effective way to tighten the building envelope significantly during new construction.

SPF is great for use in wall cavities of new construction and also on the roof decks of existing or new buildings. Roof-deck application is done between the rafters of your roof assembly, usually sprayed directly onto the sheathing of the roof. Coupled with sealing off soffit and ridge vents as well as gable walls, we create a sealed attic. Sealed to the outside the attic breathes only to the house and will maintain a temperature much closer to the conditioned living space of your home in any season. It is a complete cap on your building and one of the most effective at eliminating the path for warm air rising and escaping from your home.

When giving house tours or trying to sell your home in cold weather it is very important to provide a warm atmosphere. Make sure you have performed an energy audit and checked the home for drafts. Usually there is a simple fix such as caulking or adding more insulation that can help dramatically. You may want to consider having a blower door test as well to find out just how air-tight your home is. Potential homeowners can be turned off by a cold house so this is a sure fix. However, do not turn the heat up so high it is uncomfortable either. If they leave their coats on during the tour, the heat that is comfortable in a single layer will not be for them. Offer to hang their coats up for them while they enjoy their tour!

Historic Homes are beautiful and often worthy of restoration. In the process, there are significant opportunities to improve the energy performance of the building. There is so much cost in the aesthetic and cosmetic details that taking care of the infrastructure before the details are finished is wise because it is impossible once the cost for the finished work is laid out. Before you start the process consult a BPI certified building analyst on how to improve your building’s performance forever.