Frequently Asked Questions

Closed-cell provides a vapor barrier and higher R-value per inch, making it ideal for exterior walls, below-grade applications, and areas needing moisture control. Open-cell costs less and works well in interior partition walls and vented attics where vapor permeability isn't a concern. The choice depends on whether the assembly requires structural rigidity, moisture resistance, or maximum insulation in limited cavity depth.

Thermal cameras detect temperature differences across surfaces that reveal missing insulation, air leakage paths, and thermal bridging hidden behind drywall or exterior cladding. These patterns show exactly where conditioned air escapes or outside air infiltrates. This allows contractors to target improvements precisely instead of guessing which walls or ceiling areas underperform.

Soil erosion, poor compaction, and water washout create voids beneath slabs that cause settlement. Polyurethane injection fills these voids and can lift settled sections, but success depends on whether the underlying cause—like ongoing drainage issues—is also addressed. If water continues eroding soil, the problem may recur regardless of lifting method.

Unsealed crawl spaces pull humid outdoor air and ground moisture into the home through stack effect, making floors cold and creating humidity problems. Encapsulation seals ground moisture with vapor barriers and controls air movement, stabilizing temperature and humidity in the floor system. You'll notice warmer floors in winter and less musty air throughout the home.

Building codes require thermal barrier protection over spray foam in occupied spaces to slow fire spread and delay ignition. Intumescent coatings expand when exposed to heat, forming an insulating char layer that provides this protection. The specific requirement depends on foam type, location, and whether the assembly includes an ignition barrier like drywall.

Leaky duct joints and penetrations lose 20-30% of conditioned air before it reaches living spaces, forcing your system to run longer to maintain temperature. Sealing these gaps with mastic or foam reduces air loss, balances airflow between rooms, and lowers the workload on your furnace and air conditioner. You'll notice more consistent temperatures and shorter system cycles.

Restoration addresses underlying issues—corroded fasteners, failed seams, and panel deterioration—before applying protective coatings, while simple coating over active leaks traps moisture and fails quickly. Proper restoration includes seam reinforcement, fastener sealing, and surface preparation so coatings bond correctly. The roof's current condition determines whether restoration extends its life or replacement becomes necessary.

Homes built before modern energy codes often have uninsulated exterior walls, minimal attic coverage, and no air sealing at rim joists or penetrations. Kansas City's temperature swings—hot humid summers and cold winters—make these gaps noticeable through ice dams, drafty rooms, and high utility bills. Thermal imaging reveals exactly which envelope areas need attention first.

You can insulate crawl space walls or floor joists without full encapsulation, but open crawl spaces still allow ground moisture and outdoor air to affect the space. Insulation alone won't control humidity or prevent mold growth on wood framing. Encapsulation with vapor barriers and controlled ventilation addresses moisture at the source rather than just slowing heat transfer.

Contractors inspect attics, walls, crawl spaces, and ductwork to identify air leakage, missing insulation, and moisture concerns using visual inspection and often thermal imaging. This reveals which areas lose the most energy and whether air sealing should happen before adding insulation. The assessment prevents covering up problems like roof leaks or duct failures that insulation would hide.