At RetroFoam of Southwest Michigan, we strive to offer our customers the best possible comprehensive insulation solutions for their homes, barns, and other structures. That’s why we carry a variety of different foam insulation materials—not just our namesake product.
Each type of foam we provide has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we work closely with you to determine what your needs are and which product is going to serve you best. Read on to learn more about the different types of foam we offer.
If you want to dramatically improve the insulation in your home with a minimal amount of fuss—no pulling out walls, no rearranging furniture, no remodels—you can’t beat it.
RetroFoam
is a non-expanding foam that is specifically designed for existing structures, including weatherside, stucco, brick, veneer, and more. We inject the product directly into the wall cavity, filling voids and even compressing existing fiberglass batt insulation.
RetroFoam offers an R-value
(a measurement of thermal resistance) of 4.2 per inch, meaning walls with 2x4 studs can achieve a total R-value up to around 16, and 2x6 studs up to around 23. By comparison, fiberglass insulation only achieves up to around R-11, and that’s if there are no gaps (which are common, especially if the batting is poorly installed). Furthermore, fiberglass tends to lose thermal resistance at temperatures below 20 degrees, making it less effective in icy conditions. RetroFoam, by contrast, actually gets more effective as temperatures drop.
RetroFoam does have a few minor drawbacks compared to other polyurethane foams that we offer. Because it doesn’t expand and can shrink very slightly, you may not achieve a perfect seal. Furthermore, other foams can achieve slightly higher R-values. However, the main advantage is that it delivers great insulation at unbeatable convenience—no tearing out walls, minimal clean-up, and most homes can be completed within a day of work.
Let’s say you’re in the middle of a remodel, or you’re completing repairs after fire or water damage, and you need to replace your insulation and drywall. Or perhaps you’re looking to insulate your pole barn, roof deck, or any other location where you don’t intend to close the walls. In those circumstances, we’ll generally recommend other types of foam that can offer slightly better performance.
When you bring us out for an inspection or estimate, we’ll help you sort through the pros and cons of each foam insulation product so that you can make the best choice for your home and lifestyle. Because we carry multiple types of foam, we can handle all your insulation needs throughout your entire house and property—for example, RetroFoam on the existing walls, ProFill for your new addition, and thicker open cell for your barn.
Use our online form for a free estimate, or give us a call today at (269) 751-2000. Let us help you solve your insulation issues, get your warm and cozy home back, and save money every month on energy costs!