Frequently Asked Questions about Insulation
Questions
Here you'll find answers to the questions we get asked by our clients about spray foam insulation.
Spray foam is highly effective for filling hard-to-reach places, but its use comes with challenges. Improper installation can compromise its insulating properties. Additionally, temperature fluctuations during application may cause overexpansion or contraction, leaving some gaps unsealed. Certain foam types contain chemicals that may pose health risks, so choosing a trusted supplier is crucial to ensure safety and quality.
Yes – especially in California’s climate. While the upfront cost of spray foam is higher, most homeowners see a 30–50% reduction in heating and cooling bills after installation. Spray foam also:
- Seals air leaks that fiberglass simply cannot address
- Reduces moisture intrusion and mold risk
- Adds structural strength (closed-cell)
- Lasts the lifetime of the building with no sagging or settling
Fiberglass and blown-in insulation still make sense in certain situations – particularly for budget-conscious projects or retrofits where full air sealing isn’t the goal. Our team will recommend the right material for your specific situation, not the most expensive one.
For a typical single-family home – attic, walls, or crawl space – the installation itself takes one to two days. Larger commercial projects or full-building encapsulations can take three to five days depending on the square footage and complexity.
After spraying, closed-cell foam is fully cured in about 24 hours. Open-cell foam dries faster but still needs a few hours before drywall or finishing work begins. We’ll give you a clear project timeline before we start so you can plan accordingly.
Yes, we recommend that all occupants – including pets – vacate the property during application and for at least 24 hours afterward. This is a standard safety precaution while the foam off-gasses during curing. After that period, the material is inert, non-toxic, and completely safe for long-term exposure.
Our team will walk you through exactly what to expect before your scheduled appointment, including how to prepare the space and when it’s safe to return.
Absolutely. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing is one of the most energy-efficient and durable flat roofing systems available. It’s seamless, meaning there are no seams or joints where water can penetrate. Once applied, it’s coated with a UV-protective elastomeric coating that extends the system’s life to 20+ years with periodic recoating.
SPF roofing is especially popular in the Bay Area for:
- Commercial buildings and warehouses
- Apartment complexes with flat roofs
- Older homes with built-up tar roofing that needs a cost-effective overlay solution
USA Spray Me is one of the few contractors in Northern California with hands-on expertise in both roofing foam and building insulation foam – two very different applications that require different formulations and techniques.
Yes. Old fiberglass batts, deteriorated blown-in insulation, or damaged spray foam must be removed before new insulation can be installed properly. We offer full insulation removal as a standalone service or as part of a complete re-insulation package.
Our removal process includes safe extraction, bagging, and disposal of all old material – including rodent-contaminated insulation, which requires special handling protocols. After removal, we inspect the substrate, address any moisture or mold issues found, and prepare the surface for new insulation.
USA Spray Me is headquartered in San Francisco and serves customers throughout the Bay Area and Northern California, including:
- San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley
- San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale
- Marin County, Sonoma County
- Contra Costa County, Alameda County
- And surrounding communities
If you’re not sure whether we cover your location, just give us a call at (855) 566-5340 or fill out the quote form – we’ll let you know right away and can usually get to you within a few business days.