Spray foam problems homeowners report most
| Problem | What causes it | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Lingering odor | Foam chemicals mixed at the wrong ratio or temperature | Hire experienced, trained installers; report odors right away |
| Foam pulling away | Spraying on wet, dirty or too-cold surfaces | Dry, clean surfaces; correct thickness per pass |
| Gaps and thin spots | Rushed work or hard-to-reach areas | Ask for thickness checks and photos |
| Moisture in a sealed attic | Humid air with no conditioning or dehumidification | Plan attic conditioning in our humid climate |
| Hidden termite activity | Foam covering areas inspectors need to see | Leave inspection gaps; talk to your pest company first |
| Hard roof inspections | Foam hides the decking and nails | Keep installer records; ask roofers and insurers in advance |
Spray foam and roof inspections
Foam on the roof deck covers the decking and nail heads. Some roofers, home inspectors and insurers want to see those. Keep your installer's paperwork, and ask your roofer before you insulate if a roof replacement or inspection is coming.
Spray foam and termite fumigation
Tent fumigation for termites is common around New Orleans. Fumigation companies may have special requirements or limits for homes with sealed spray foam attics, since gas can take longer to clear. Ask your pest company before you foam if fumigation may be in your future.
How to avoid spray foam problems
- Choose an installer with manufacturer training and solid references
- Get foam type, thickness and product name in writing
- Stay out of the home for as long as the manufacturer recommends
- Plan moisture control for a sealed attic
Related: spray foam and termites · spray foam in a humid climate · choosing a contractor
How getting a spray foam estimate works
- Call or send a requestTell us what you want insulated and where you are.
- Get a written estimateA local installer measures and quotes foam type, thickness and price.
- Get it installedMost attics are done in a day or two.
Why call us for spray foam insulation
- One callSkip calling around. We connect you with a local spray foam installer.
- Local installersCrews that work in Metairie and across Jefferson Parish.
- Free to useThere's no charge to you for the referral.
- Built for our climateAdvice that fits Gulf Coast heat, humidity and termites.
Hot attic? Get a free spray foam estimate.
Call now(504) 555-0199Spray foam insulation service areas
Spray foam insulation questions
Is spray foam a bad idea?
No, but it has to be installed and planned well. Most problems trace back to poor installation or skipping moisture and termite planning.
What should I do if my foam smells weeks later?
Contact the installer and the foam manufacturer. A lasting odor can mean the foam wasn't mixed correctly.
Request a spray foam insulation estimate
Tell us about the project and a local installer will call you back. Prefer to talk? Call (504) 555-0199.