When it comes to spray foam insulation, we understand that homeowners may have questions and concerns about potential health implications, and finding the right contractor. At Vermont Foam Insulation, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction above all else. Here, we address common inquiries to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
How quickly will I notice a difference in my home after spray foam is installed?
Most homeowners notice the benefits right away. Spray foam insulation creates an immediate improvement in comfort by stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing drafts and humidity. Many also report quieter living spaces thanks to added soundproofing. Energy savings typically appear on your utility bills within the first billing cycle, but the comfort is instant.
Can spray foam help lower my energy bills?
Absolutely. By sealing air leaks and creating a more energy efficient building envelope, spray foam helps your heating and cooling systems work less, saving you money on energy bills year-round. You’ll feel the difference, and you’ll see it in your utility costs.
Can spray foam insulation help prevent mold and moisture issues?
Yes, when installed correctly. Spray foam insulation acts as a moisture barrier, helping to prevent condensation and mold growth in key areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Our expert team understands how moisture moves through a home, and we tailor each project for long-term durability and health.
Can spray foam insulation be installed in the winter?
Yes! At Vermont Foam Insulation, we install spray foam year-round—even in the middle of a New England winter. Cold weather is no barrier to improving your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
What areas of my home will benefit most from spray foam?
The most impactful areas to insulate with spray foam are your attic, basement, and/or crawl space. These are often the biggest sources of heat loss and air leaks. Upgrading these spaces first creates a solid foundation for energy efficiency and comfort that will be felt in every part of the home.
What makes spray foam a better choice than traditional insulation?
Spray foam goes beyond insulation—it air seals, resists moisture, and fits every nook and cranny for a custom, high-performance barrier. It delivers higher R-value per inch, lasts longer than traditional materials, and helps prevent costly issues like mold, drafts, and ice dams.
Does spray foam insulation add value to my home?
Yes. A better-insulated home is more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more attractive to buyers. With rising energy costs and strong rebate programs in place, spray foam insulation is a smart investment that delivers long-term value.
What are the potential risks associated with spray foam insulation?
When installed correctly by an experienced spray foam insulation contractor, spray foam does not pose any risk to a home or its inhabitants. However, there are some safety precautions during the installation process that the Vermont Foam Insulation team takes to ensure the safety of all parties: Vermont Foam Insulation requires homeowners to vacate the premises during installation and for 24 hours afterward, this is to reduce the risk of exposure to the material while it is being installed under high pressure. And, because spray foam insulation creates an airtight barrier, we highly recommend resolving moisture issues before or concurrent with your insulation upgrades to avoid future issues like mold and rot. We can help uncover the cause of moisture issues in your home with a site visit and often a subsequent energy audit. We can also provide some services to address your moisture issues, such as vapor barrier installations.
What are the health concerns related to spray foam insulation?
Any health concerns related to spray foam are centered around the atomization of spray foam chemicals that occurs during installation. However, once the foam cures, it is completely safe. Vermont Foam Insulation adheres to a standard safety protocol for installation, and homeowners are required to leave the premises for 24 hours after the installation is complete. Once cured, spray foam is totally inert – it is totally inactive and completely safe.
Can the risks of spray foam insulation be mitigated or eliminated?
Yes, by following standard safety protocols, Vermont Foam Insulation does everything possible to eliminate risks associated with spray foam insulation installation. We ensure our employees safety by using personal protective equipment (PPE). We ensure our customers’ safety by following industry standard safety guidelines which require a building be vacated for 24 hours after our work is done. Through specific means and methods, we verify that our spray foam products have been installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines on every job. We also employ powerful ventilation strategies during the installation process so that our work area is well-ventilated during the installation process..
Are there alternative insulation options to spray foam?
While we don’t always recommend alternatives, Vermont Foam Insulation can install blown-in cellulose insulation and batt insulation depending on the exact needs of the project and building. However, we often find that spray foam insulation is the superior insulation product for our applications.
What steps can homeowners take to protect themselves and their families from the risks of spray foam insulation?
If you are looking to avoid any adverse health issues stemming from your upcoming spray foam installation, it is important to trust an experienced local spray foam installation company. If you have questions about the pros and cons of spray foam, Vermont Foam Insulation is one of the few spray foam insulation contractors in the state with tons of experience and that knows the product and process. We are here to answer all of your questions, so you can move forward with confidence.
How can homeowners ensure that they are hiring an experienced spray foam insulation contractor?
It is important that you vet your insulation contractor. Look for things like: years of experience, customer reviews, and references. An experienced spray foam installer should have extensive knowledge of building science. Vermont Foam Insulation is Building Performance Institute Certified and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. We also have almost 20 years of experience with installing all types of insulation. Our continued growth and trust among our customers is a testament to our products and process.
What’s the difference between a vapor barrier and air sealing?
While they both improve your home’s performance, vapor barriers and air sealing serve different purposes. Air sealing is the process of permanently stopping uncontrolled airflow that happens through gaps and cracks, reducing drafts, improving comfort, and helping insulation work more effectively. Vapor barriers, on the other hand, slow or block moisture vapor from passing through walls, ceilings, or floors, helping to prevent condensation and mold.
At Vermont Foam Insulation, we take both into account. Every home is different, and our team uses building science principles to ensure your home stays dry, efficient, and comfortable all year long.
Does spray foam act as a vapor barrier?
Closed-cell spray foam can act as a vapor barrier and an air barrier, making it a powerful solution for controlling both moisture and airflow. Open-cell spray foam, while excellent at air sealing, is vapor-permeable and does not serve as a vapor barrier.
Depending on your home’s construction and climate zone, we’ll recommend the right type of spray foam and install it in a way that manages moisture safely and effectively. That’s the benefit of working with a team that understands how insulation, air movement, and humidity all work together.
Learn more about vapor barriers
Where in my home is a vapor barrier most important?
Vapor barriers are especially important in areas prone to moisture buildup, like crawl spaces, basements, and unvented attics. In these zones, vapor barriers can help prevent condensation on cold surfaces, which reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and long-term damage to your home’s structure. At Vermont Foam Insulation, we assess where and how vapor barriers should be integrated based on your home’s specific needs, ensuring that moisture is managed, not trapped.
Do I still need a vapor barrier if I’m using spray foam insulation?
It depends on the type of spray foam and where it’s being applied. Closed-cell spray foam often eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier because it already controls moisture effectively. However, in other parts of your home, a dedicated vapor barrier may still be necessary, especially in below-grade or high-humidity areas. Our team evaluates each space carefully and recommends solutions that align with best building practices, so your insulation system works exactly as it should.
Will a vapor barrier help prevent mold and moisture issues?
When installed properly, vapor barriers can play a critical role in preventing mold and moisture damage. By limiting how much moisture vapor can pass through walls, ceilings, or floors, a vapor barrier helps reduce condensation, the root cause of many mold issues. But placement matters. If installed incorrectly, a vapor barrier can actually trap moisture where you don’t want it.
That’s why our team at Vermont Foam Insulation takes a whole-home approach. We evaluate moisture movement, insulation performance, and ventilation to make sure your home stays dry, healthy, and comfortable.
