DeVere, Author at Devere Insulation

Why Spray Foam Insulation is a Smart Choice for Maryland Homes

Spray foam insulation insulates and seals air leaks in one application creating a thermal barrier and sealing penetration points.

As a Maryland resident, you know the struggle of keeping your home comfortable throughout our extreme seasonal shifts. With our unpredictable weather, your energy bills can easily spike in both July and January. But the right insulation product can make all the difference, and one product has emerged as an insulation game-changer, spray foam.

In this post, we’ll explore how spray foam insulation creates an effective solution for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. We’ll break down the benefits of spray foam, compare costs to traditional fiberglass insulation, address common concerns, and explain why Maryland’s unique climate makes spray foam a smart choice.

So, whether you’re a homeowner looking to save on utilities or a contractor aiming to build better homes, read on to learn why spray foam insulation is a smart investment in Maryland.

Long-Term Savings and Return on Investment

As you consider the best type of insulation for your home, think about these key benefits of choosing spray foam insulation:

Insulates and seals in one step

Spray foam has the unique ability to insulate and air seal in one easy step unlike other insulation options.

Reduces heating and cooling costs

With proper air sealing and insulation you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by an average of 15%.

Lightens your HVAC unit’s workload

Spray foam can lower your HVAC energy use by up to 30%.

Long-lasting

Unlike cellulose or fiberglass insulation, spray foam doesn’t degrade over time, eliminating the need for re-insulation.

Increases home value

Spray foam increases your home’s property value thanks to increased energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs.

Pays for Itself

Spray foam is reported to pay for itself within five years thanks to lower energy bills.

Addressing Common Concerns About Spray Foam

It’s also important to address any concerns or misconceptions you may have about spray foam, such as:

Concern #1 – Cost

While the initial price tag is higher than other insulations, your long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. Also, unlike other insulations, spray foam eliminates the need for separate air sealing.

Concern #2 – Safety

Spray foam is an expanding foam made from chemicals. When installed it goes through what’s called a curing process, where the chemical’s gases are released. Proper ventilation and safety gear are required during installation and your home should remain unoccupied for 24 hours. After the curing process is completed, your home is 100% safe for you and your family to return to and enjoy.

Concern #3 – Effectiveness

Spray foam expands 30-60 times its size to fill gaps and cracks throughout your home, eliminating air leaks and creating a strong air barrier. Of the two types of spray foam (open cell and closed cell), closed cell spray foam has one of the highest insulation R-values (6.5-7 per inch), compared to fiberglass insulation (R-3 to R-4 per inch).

Concern #4 – Home Ventilation

Because spray foam creates an airtight seal, it’s important for you to incorporate controlled, mechanical ventilation to maintain indoor air quality. These types of ventilation include HRVs (heat recovery ventilators), ERVs (energy recovery ventilators), kitchen range hoods, and bath fans.

Concern #5 – Structural Impact

Closed cell spray foam strengthens your walls and roof, adding durability to your home’s structure. It also resists moisture intrusion, helping to reduce the risk of mold and mildew and water damage.

How Spray Foam Excels in Maryland’s Climate

Maryland’s Weather Challenges

Our state experiences its fair share of extreme temperatures and weather, from hot, humid summers (80s/90s°F) to cold, snowy winters (20s/30s°F), with some heavy rainfall and Nor’easters thrown in for good measure. That’s why it’s important to have proper insulation, such as spray foam insulation, to keep you comfortable all year long.

Summer Benefits (Hot and Humid)

Spray foam helps you beat the summer heat and humidity by:

Blocking attic heat gain to keep your upper floors cooler.
Reducing your AC usage to lower your energy bills.
Preventing condensation issues and sealing out humidity that can lead to mold and mildew.

Winter Benefits (Cold and Drafty)

Spray foam helps you stay warm and comfy all winter long too by:

Preventing heat loss which in turn lessens your heating costs.
Eliminating drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Preventing ice dams by stopping attic heat escape to keep your roof evenly cold.
Reducing furnace and heat pump strain, extending your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Year-Round Benefits

Be comfortable all year long with spray foam as it also:

Maintains stable indoor temperatures by creating an airtight seal.
Acts as a sound barrier, reducing outside noise.
Blocks allergens, dust, and pollutants, improving your home’s indoor air quality.
Enhances flood resilience, as closed cell spray foam resists water damage.

Devere Insulation is Your Baltimore Spray Foam Expert

At Devere Insulation, we have over 35 years of experience providing expert insulation services to our Baltimore area community. Our experienced team deeply understands our local building codes, climate challenges, and the best ways to optimize your home’s energy efficiency. We promise professional installation and high customer satisfaction to ensure your home or residential building project is comfortable and energy efficient year-round. Local builders and homeowners count on us for tailored insulation solutions that include spray foam, cellulose, and fiberglass insulation.

References

VB Insulation – “Spray Foam Insulation vs Fiberglass Insulation Cost Comparison 2024.” VB Insulation Blog. Jul 04, 2024.
vbinsulation.com

Paragon Protection – “Spray Foam Insulation vs. Fiberglass Cost Comparison.” Paragon Protection Insulation Blog.
paragon-protection.com

RetroFoam of Michigan – “Is the Foam Insulation Worth the Cost? Energy Savings Explained.” RetroFoam Blog.
retrofoamofmichigan.com

Responsible House (VA) – “5 Common Misconceptions About Spray Foam Insulation.” ResponsibleHouse.com Blog.
responsiblehouse.com

Foam InSEALators (Mid-Atlantic) – “Mid-Atlantic Weather: Why Attic Spray Foam is Essential for Maryland & Virginia Homes.” (Foam InSEALators Blog, updated June 2024)
insulatewithfoam.com

DeVere Insulation (Baltimore, MD) – “Spray Foam in Baltimore, MD – Insulation Products.” DeVereInsulation.com.
devereinsulation.com

Angi Reviews – “DeVere Insulation Home Performance Reviews.” Angi (Angie’s List) Customer Reviews Page.
angi.com

Why to Air Seal Your New Home Today

It’s the time of year when builders and homeowners are finalizing new home construction and remodeling plans.

It’s the time of year when many Maryland builders are finalizing new home construction projects. How much of a priority is air sealing and energy efficiency when planning your new home building project?

Investing in air sealing techniques during construction has a big payoff for both builders and ultimately homeowners. Air sealing improves comfort, lowers heating and cooling costs, boosts air quality, and increases the home’s value. Even better, it helps prevent future problems like moisture intrusion, mold growth, and comfort complaints. That means fewer callbacks for you and happier homeowners. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of air sealing your new home building project.

The Best Time to Seal is During Construction

It’s always best to do things the right way from the start. And this is very true when it comes to air sealing. Sealing your home building project while it’s under construction is far easier than doing it later. This is mainly because open framing provides clear access to open seams throughout your home project’s building envelope, including around plumbing and wiring. Plus, critical leakage points like top wall plates are only accessible before the walls are closed.

Insulation professionals agree that air sealing should be the first step in your home energy efforts before installing insulation. Air sealing and insulation are a small part of your construction budget that goes a long way in yielding outsized benefits while meeting Maryland’s energy building codes for an air-tight home.

Enhanced Comfort in Maryland’s Climate

Maryland weather swings between hot, humid summers and cold winters. Poorly sealed homes suffer from air leaks, uncomfortable drafts, hot or cold spots, and uneven temperatures. Help eliminate these problems and stop drafts and air leakage at their source by sealing around recessed lighting, windows and doors, sill plates, plumbing and electrical penetrations, attic access hatches, and more.

Air sealing helps keep indoor temperatures steady and reduces the strain on your HVAC system. This means fewer cycles, less noise, and lower heating and cooling costs. It all adds up to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home throughout every Maryland season.

Save Energy and Lower Utility Bills

In a typical home, air leaks can waste 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling. Sealing gaps and penetration points is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency choices you can make. Many air sealing measures, like using spray foam and weather stripping, pay for themselves over time.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Maryland homes built to current 2021IECC energy codes will save homeowners about $264 annually on their utility bills. By taking the step to air seal during construction, you and your building team will be ahead of the curve as energy codes become stricter over time. The homes you build will be greener, more future-proof homes that use less energy, leave a smaller carbon footprint, and help Maryland meet its climate goals.

Healthier Indoor Air Quality for Families

When a home isn’t sealed properly, it lets in dust, pollen, mold spores, damp air, and even pests. Moist air can seep in and cause mold. This is especially concerning in our state where pollen levels are high during spring and summer.

The US Department of Energy says a tighter home envelope cuts down on these issues. By sealing up the cracks in your home building project you help control indoor moisture levels, prevent mold growth and wood rot, and keep out outdoor pollutants like car exhaust and smoke. This allows future residents or guests with asthma or allergies to breathe easier.

Pair your air sealing with proper ventilation, like bathroom fans, kitchen hoods, and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) systems, and you’ll have a home that doesn’t randomly leak air but ventilates on your terms. In the end, you’ll have high customer satisfaction and a stronger reputation for building quality homes.

Boost Each Home’s Value and Durability

Great news! Energy-efficient homes are in high demand. Studies show that ENERGY STAR certified homes in Maryland sell for 2% to 5% more than less efficient homes.

A well-sealed home is also more durable. It’s less likely to suffer from moisture problems, hidden mold, or structural damage. It even extends the life of your HVAC equipment by reducing wear and tear. All these things add up to fewer homeowner callbacks and warranty claims, saving you and your building team valuable time and money.

Take Advantage of Incentives and Energy Programs

There are also financial incentives available for building energy-efficient homes. Through the Federal §45L Tax Credit builders can earn up to $5,000 in builder credit when their homes meet certain energy efficiency requirements.

Locally, Maryland’s EmPOWER program offers builder rebates for new home construction that qualify as ENERGY STAR certified (from $1,000-$3,000+ per home). There is also technical training and guidance available for builders to learn more about the best practices of insulation and air sealing. Creating homes that are ENERGY STAR certified provides third party validation for the energy efficiency of your new homes as well as marketing advantages for your business.

Build for the Future, Starting Today

Sealing your home building project during construction is one of the smartest choices you can make. It means a more comfortable and energy efficient home with better air, lower bills, and long-term value, as well as protection against moisture problems, and lower overall costs through incentives and reduced warranty issues.

At DeVere Insulation, we specialize in air sealing and insulation services for new homes, including spray foam insulation that can insulate and air seal in one step. We have been working alongside local Baltimore builders since 1987 to create a more energy-efficient community, one home at a time. We’re here to partner with you to build outstanding homes that result in happier customers, less callbacks, and a stronger reputation for quality construction. Contact us today to learn more about air sealing your new building project with our expert team.

Works Cited

Armored Insulation. (n.d.). How long does spray foam insulation last in Reidland’s climate? Retrieved from https://armored-insulation.com/how-long-does-spray-foam-insulation-last-in-reidlands-climate/

Department of Energy. (n.d.). Air sealing your home. Energy.gov. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home

Department of Energy. (n.d.). Where to insulate in a home. Energy.gov. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/where-insulate-home

DeVere Insulation Home Performance. (n.d.). Air sealing. Retrieved from https://devereinsulationhomeperformance.com/residential-services/air-sealing/

ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Recommended home insulation R-values. EnergyStar.gov. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/identify-problems-you-want-fix/diy-checks-inspections/insulation-r-values

Foster Insulation. (n.d.). New residential insulation. Retrieved from https://fosterinsulation.net/services/new-residential-insulation/

Insulation Institute. (n.d.). Attic insulation | How much do I need? Insulation Institute.org. Retrieved from https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-homeowner/about-insulation/how-much-do-i-need/

National Association of Home Builders. (2017). Spray foam insulation & termites report. Retrieved from https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/construction-liability/builder-resources/spf-termite-report-2017.pdf

Spray Foam Genie. (n.d.). Closed cell spray foam R value chart in Nashville, TN. Retrieved from https://www.sprayfoamgenie.com/closed-cell-spray-foam-r-value-chart-in-nashville-tn/

The Alliance to Save Energy. (n.d.). Energy efficiency tax credits that can save you money. Retrieved from https://www.ase.org/blog/energy-efficiency-tax-credits-can-save-you-money

Why You Should Hire a Certified Energy Expert

Looking for a partner with extensive training in insulation and air sealing backed by one of the leaders in the insulation industry? Look no further!

Certified Energy Experts in Baltimore, MD

Looking for a partner with extensive training in insulation and air sealing backed by one of the leaders in the insulation industry? Look no further!
DeVere Insulation is proud to be an Owens Corning Certified Energy Expert. The Certified Energy Expert distinction is extended to a very select group of insulation companies. As a contractor, hiring a Certified Energy Expert ensures you are receiving the best technical knowledge, service and warranty available in the industry.

Why choose a Certified Energy Expert to insulate your next construction project?

As Certified Energy Experts, our team has completed rigorous training in a key areas including

building science
thermal performance
moisture prevention
air infiltration
ventilation

Certified Energy Experts are chosen in part due to their solid reputation as a reliable and trustworthy company. This includes high customer ratings of office operations and field workmanship.

Want to learn more about the Certified Energy Expert warranty and get a quote on your project? Click here to contact us.

Why Air Seal?

Building science and sealing air leaks are newer concepts in the insulation industry. Did you know that sealing air leaks is as important as insulating?

Building science and sealing air leaks are newer concepts in the insulation industry. Did you know that sealing air leaks is as important as insulating?
Here are just some of the benefits of air sealing:

eliminate allergies,
stop energy loss,
keep your home cool.

Benefits of Air Sealing from DeVere Insulation in Baltimore

How does air sealing work?

Sealing the “envelope” or “shell” of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating. To Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR:

Seal air leaks throughout the home to stop drafts,
Add insulation to block heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Where are air leaks?

Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.
SOURCE: ENERGYSTAR

Contact us to learn about the benefits of air sealing, or call us: 410-317-4342.

The Best Solution for Insulating Your Metal Building: RetroShield

RetroShield is designed to retrofit insulation in existing metal buildings and upgrade insulation systems in new metal buildings.

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON – the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore! The event is October 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

We’ll be there along with our supplier partner FiFoil, talking about insulation technologies for metal buildings including RetroShield.

RetroShield is designed to retrofit insulation in existing metal buildings and upgrade insulation systems in new metal buildings.

RetroShield reduces radiant heat transfer by over 90%, and provides a more appealing finish than other comparable insulation systems.

What makes RetroShield the right product for your next project? RetroShield:

Improves thermal performance, saving energy and reducing monthly operating costs.
Is quick and easy to install, reducing down time for you, the building owner.
Works with all types of metal framing.
Does not absorb moisture like standard mass insulation
Provides a more attractive finished appearance than other commercial insulation systems (available in white or reflective finishes. Custom colors available.)

The system is mechanically attached to the building’s frame without glue or cables. It doesn’t require additional framing or other alterations to complete the installation process. This installation system helps ensure long-term stability and product performance.

RetroShield® offers maximum energy efficiency for any roof or wall retrofit application. When installed, the RetroShield® System offers continuous insulation, minimizing air leaks. It can be back-loaded with additional insulation for specific thermal performance or R-value requirements.

For more about RetroShield® click here to download the brochure, or visit us live at METALCON!

Come See Us at METALCON!

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON — the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore!

Fi-Foil Company a Supply Partner of DeVere Insulation in Baltimore, MD

Attention metal construction contractors! METALCON — the premier event for metal construction products — is coming to Baltimore! The event is October 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

We’ll be there along with our supplier partner FiFoil, talking about insulation technologies for metal buildings. Be sure to come see us!

Thirty Years, and a Special Celebration

We are proud to salute our partner company, Southland Insulators, and their celebration of 30 years in business.

DeVere Insulation Celebrates 30 years of Southland Insulators

We are proud to salute our partner company, Southland Insulators, and their celebration of 30 years in business.

In celebration of this milestone, founder Gerald R. Palmer and his team chose to make a special donation to benefit the life of a wounded warrior.

Read more about Southland Insulators and this donation.

The DeVere Team is Going to the Dogs!

Team member Tim Smith and his Coonhound Jake volunteer with Dogs Finding Dogs.

We are so proud to share this story!

Our team member, Tim Smith, owns Jake, a Black and Tan Coonhound. Tim adopted Jake from a dog rescue in Phoenix, MD. Tim noticed Jake’s nose for tracking when he did it for fun a few times after obedience classes.

Today, Jake and Tim volunteer for Dogs Finding Dogs. Dogs Finding Dogs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of highly trained handlers and dogs that can track and find a lost pet.

Jake has success tracking both dogs and cats, and is known for his endurance and stamina. While Jake can do all types of tracks, his breed is built for rural tracks where the animal being searched has covered a lot of ground.

Learn more about Dogs Finding Dogs.

Hybrid System: HY-Fi in Baltimore, MD

Homeowners and builders today are installing high-performing hybrid insulation systems. These systems have…

Install an HY-Fi Hybrid Insulation System from DeVere Insulation in Baltimore, MD

Homeowners and builders today are installing high-performing hybrid insulation systems. These systems have the air sealing properties of spray foam at a lower cost than full foam. Until now, most hybrid systems are thought of as spray foam finished with fiberglass.

The innovative HY-Fi hybrid insulation system from Fi-Foil is changing that. And both contractors and homeowners are thrilled with the results.

The HY-Fi hybrid insulation system provides a very cost-effective approach to creating high R-value walls. When used in combination with traditional insulation, such as fiberglass batts or spray foam, the HY-Fi hybrid insulation system creates a superior insulating system.

Here are some benefits of using HY-Fi on your next project:

HY-Fi enhances the performance of the building envelope by maximizing open air spaces in the wall cavity.
HY-Fi reflects heat away from the cavity and adds high-performing R-value to the wall. This additional R-value can reduce the amount of spray foam insulation needed to achieve the desired R-Value, reducing overall project cost.
HY-Fi can help you achieve a higher R-value in small wall spaces. It’s an ideal solution in areas with strict building codes.
HY-Fi is more efficient to install than fiberglass, meaning your job can be installed in less time than before.
The air cavity that is created between the spray foam and HY-Fi is a builder’s dream! Now contractors and homeowners have the ability to run additional cables (audio, video, etc) behind finished walls without having to drill through full spray foam.

To schedule a call with our estimating department, contact our office. We are happy to help!

Police Supervisors Association Golf Tournament

The team at DeVere Insulation sponsored and participated in the seventh annual Anne Arundel County Police Supervisors Association Golf Tournament.

On June 6th the team at DeVere Insulation sponsored and participated in the seventh annual Anne Arundel County Police Supervisors Association Golf Tournament.

The tournament benefits the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 799, representing the Police Sergeants, who are the first line supervisors, of the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Anne Arundel County. The Association participates in a number of community outreach programs. This golf outing is one several fundraising events held throughout the year to provide support for these program. In the past, the Association has supported Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, various youth athletic programs, Concerns of Police Survivors and other charity organizations.

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