How To Choose A Spray Foam Insulation Contractor

You've settled on spray foam insulation for your project. However, you've learned that the most crucial variable in acquiring quality insulation is the expertise of the contractor installing it. Luckily, you have control over choosing the crew who installs the foam. But how can you figure out which contractors are qualified to install spray foam?

As contractors, our team at South Central Services has insider knowledge regarding how to evaluate spray foam installers. We may only install spray foam in and around Greencastle, Pennsylvania, but the qualities of a qualified contractor are universal.

By the end of this article, you'll know what to look for in a great spray foam contractor. Specifically, you will learn:

• Nonnegotiables for your spray foam contractor
• Qualities to look for in your spray foam contractor options
• How to evaluate spray foam quotes

Insurance Is A Nonnegotiable For Your Spray Foam Contractor

Only work with a contractor who has insurance. Liability insurance is what will protect you financially if anything were to go wrong with your installation.

Contractors can verify verbally or in writing if they are insured. If the contractor does not seem legitimate, you can ask them to produce their certificate of insurance.

A contractor who does not have insurance is not going to take responsibility if they install your foam incorrectly, so contractors who do not have insurance should not be considered.

What To Look For In A Qualified Spray Foam Contractor

Once you have determined that a contractor has insurance, you can start looking for other good qualities. Not every insured spray foam installer will deliver the same quality of results. Because spray foam insulation is a complex product, it is important to evaluate contractor expertise before making a hire.

Here’s a preview of what to look for in a qualified spray foam contractor.

1. Commitment to quality
2. Commitment to safety
3. Knowledge of building science
4. Learning mindset
5. Respectful to other contractors involved
6. No negative online reviews
7. Relevant experience and certifications

Let's examine these qualities in more detail.

1. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Are Committed To Quality

A good spray foam contractor will verbally and/or physically walk you through what to expect when working with them. This includes what they will do for prep, ventilation, and clean-up.

For example, overspray is common with this type of insulation. A qualified installation team will cover completed elements of a home like windows to protect them from overspray.

In other situations, overspray will need to be scraped from the face of wood studs so drywall can be fastened later. Quality work means paying attention to these details.

While it may be tempting to save money by doing prep work yourself, a good spray foam contractor will generally not agree to let you do prep work. Contractors need to know what they are walking into. They can only ensure quality if they are the ones handling the prep. They will know the potential of overspray and damages it could cause.

2. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Are Committed To Safety

Safety is expensive. Being safe on the job site requires time and equipment. Personal protective equipment, fans, fresh air systems, caution signs, and caution tape are all examples.

A good gauge of a contractor's safety standards is their response to the following question: "Can I be there while you spray?" A good contractor will explain why you cannot be present and the measures they take to keep their crew safe while spraying.

Another way to learn about their safety standards is the state of their spray foam rig. The spray foam rig is the truck or trailer that travels to job locations. The rig is the home of valuable equipment and is a critical component in spraying safe foam.

You may not have the opportunity to see their rig. However, the condition of a contractor's spray foam rig will tell you a lot about their commitment to safety. A contractor committed to safety will take good care of their rig.

A spray foam rig with state-of-the-art equipment could cost $100,000. Qualified contractors take excellent care of their equipment. The functionality of the spray foam rig is directly tied to the quality and reliability of the spray foam it delivers.

3. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Are Knowledgeable About Building Science

Spray foam contractors likely specialize in a single trade: insulation. Some may have backgrounds in other trades, such as construction or HVAC systems. Regardless of their experience, all contractors should have an overall knowledge of building science.

As a homeowner, you might not know much about building science. You can still get a sense of the contractor's knowledge through a few questions.

As you speak with them, look for these signs:

• If you ask a question, they give a direct and honest answer.
• As you explain the problem you're having, they are asking investigative questions.
• If they recommend a product, they can explain why that product is the right choice.

Building science will determine what solution is best for you. Every building material has different properties. Buildings also exist in climate zones with unique weather patterns, which influences the science behind the structure.

Compare these two possible statements from a contractor.

“This product will fit your situation because it offers these benefits, which you need for your project for these reasons.”

“This is the best product on the market. It is a premium product. Every building should have this product.”

Can you hear the difference? One statement is a recommendation based on your situation and contractor expertise. The other statement is a sales pitch, disregarding the complexities of building science.

4. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Have A Learning Mindset

While working with a knowledgeable contractor is an excellent sign, no contractor can know everything about spray foam and building science.

Building science continues to evolve, building codes change, and product specifications are numerous. If you ask a question that stumps a contractor, look for responses indicating a willingness to learn, teach, and be held accountable by you.

Here are some examples of a learning mindset:

• "That's a good question. Let me do some research and I'll follow-up with you later."
• "I'm not certain of the answer, but I will find out."
• "As far as I know, that shouldn't be a concern, but I'll double-check."

The contractors who refuse to elaborate or explain in a way you understand may be knowledgeable. They may know that your question, though genuine, does not impact the insulation work. However, someone with a learning mindset is willing to explain their thought process and share their expertise.

5. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Are Respectful To Other Contractors Involved

As we mentioned earlier, contractors specialize in their specific craft. However, all parties must work together to make a functioning, efficient, and safe building. Contractors unwilling to work with others involved in the project are not contractors you will want to be involved with.

You may be wondering how you can know this information as a homeowner. You can ask the builders you are currently working with if the spray foam installers were respectful.

Contractors may not always agree on "the best way" to solve a building problem. Still, they should not resort to personal attacks or biased statements about an entire trade.

6. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Should Not Have Negative Reviews

Reviews like Google Reviews are a good indicator of quality spray foam contractors. Like any reviews online, you can read personal testimonials about the product and service you are considering.

If a company lacks online reviews altogether, do not exclude them from consideration. Instead, try to determine through conversation why they do not have online testimonials. Do their customers have nothing positive to say? Or, is it more likely that their customers had a great experience but aren't sure how to share their testimonials?

After speaking with a contractor who lacks online reviews, ask yourself these questions.

• Does this contractor seem knowledgeable?
• Is this contractor willing to answer questions so I can understand?
• Is this contractor trying to get to the bottom of the issues I am experiencing?
• After our conversation, does this contractor offer a timely follow-up response?

7. Qualified Spray Foam Contractors Have Relevant Job Experience

Great contractors are educated about their trade. While spray foam might look simple, training is required for precise and effective work. One of the biggest problems with the spray foam industry is the the lack of effective training, which makes relevant experience even more important.

Does the contractor you're speaking with seem knowledgeable about your particular project and how to insulate it well? Do they have the relevant experience to complete this job successfully?

Another way you can measure spray foam education is certifications. Quality certifications are a good sign of a qualified spray foam contractor. However, you should view this information considering all these other positive qualities. Completing a training or certification denotes education but does not guarantee someone will use that knowledge on the job.

There are some quality certifications worth noting. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance is a third-party organization that offers certifications. The American Chemistry Council has chemical health and safety training available.

Some spray foam component manufacturers also offer trainings, including Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation, IDI Distributors, and Thermoseal.

Be aware that some contractors may include digital badges on their websites. These badges do not always indicate training or certification. Sometimes, these badges simply mark the brand of foam they spray.

How To Choose Between Multiple Spray Foam Quotes

Since spray foam insulation is expensive, it can be tempting to choose the lowest bid. However, price comparison shopping can be dangerous for spray foam insulation.

The lowest bidder may be a competent contractor who will deliver quality work. Or, the lowest bidder may lack training and expertise. Their rig may be filled with outdated equipment. The installers may not understand building science for your climate zone.

Choosing the lowest price can be a good strategy if you have evaluated your contractor options by these criteria. If you can be confident that you have weeded out unqualified installers, then price comparison shopping is much less risky.

Ultimately, you need to work with a contractor you can trust and feel comfortable with. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to expensive repairs if your foam is misapplied or does not meet building codes. If you have a bad feeling about a contractor, that feeling will probably not go away.

The Bottom Line About Selecting A Qualified Spray Foam Contractor

Owning a spray foam rig does not make someone qualified to install spray foam. Spray foam insulation is a complex product that requires attention to detail and training. The best spray foam contractors are committed to continuous learning and mastering their trade.

The right contractor will have insurance, be knowledgeable about both spray foam and building science, and will recommend insulation solutions for your unique situation.

Now that you understand how to evaluate spray foam contractors, your next step is to:

• Estimate the cost of spray foam insulation for your project
• Discover why homeowners trust South Central Services for their spray foam
• Check our service area to see if you can work with South Central Services