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When it involves reducing power bills, many owners lean towards upgrading windows or adjusting thermostats. But one of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs is regularly not considered: proper insulation. Whether it is wintry weather or the height of the summer season, good insulation helps maintain steady indoor temperatures, decreasing the need for heating and cooling systems to work beyond regular time. 

At The Green Cocoon, we specialize in green insulation solutions throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. As trusted home insulation contractors, we offer more than a few high-performance insulation products that not only save money but also guide a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Understanding the Types of Insulation That Save Energy 

Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation 

Open cell spray foam insulation is known for its terrific soundproofing and air-sealing of homes. It expands to fill cavities, making it ideal for tight or hard-to-reach spaces. It’s especially effective in indoor walls and ceilings, assisting in adjusting temperature and decreasing strain on your HVAC system. If you're looking for spray foam insulation contractors near you, we often suggest open cell spray foam to improve comfort and reduce energy waste. 

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation 

Closed spray foam insulation offers a higher R-cost (thermal resistance) than open cell foam, making it one of the most energy-efficient insulation substances on the market. It's dense, inflexible, and even adds structural assistance. Closed cell foam also acts as a moisture barrier, which makes it perfect for basements, crawlspaces, and outside walls. Our closed cell spray foam insulation services are perfect for New England homes that undergo severe climate conditions. 

Key Areas Where Proper Insulation Makes a Difference 

Attics and Roof Spaces 

Because heat rises, your attic is one of the biggest sources of energy loss. Adding or upgrading insulation to your attic can notably reduce heating rates in the winter and keep your house cooler in the summer. 

Walls and Ceilings 

Insulating the walls is crucial for regular temperature control. Our team provides professional home insulation services in your area that focus on reducing energy loss from the heating supply. 

Basements and Crawlspaces 

These often-overlooked areas are essential to your house’s performance. Foam insulation contractors near you can install moisture-resistant insulation that prevents air leaks and keeps the entire home comfortable. 

How Proper Insulation Saves You Money 

Winter Energy Savings 

During New England’s winters, proper insulation traps warm air inside. This reduces the impact on your hearing system, lowering your usage and power usage. You will also experience a comfortable, warm house, and you will not have to adjust the thermostat all the time. 

Summer Cooling Efficiency 

In the summer season, insulation prevents the sun’s warmth from getting into your own home. This way, your air conditioning doesn’t need to run as long or as often to keep a comfortable environment. Homes with high-performance insulation often see decreased energy payments even during heatwaves. 

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Better Insulation 

At The Green Cocoon, we’re not just about saving you money—we’re dedicated to defending the planet. We help you minimize the use of fossil fuels on your property and lower your carbon footprint using sustainable insulation products such as cellulose, mineral wool, and fiberglass. 

We are convinced that it is important to do something of high quality for people and the planet, which is why our services are planned to minimize the environmental impact at every step. Whether you're searching for spray foam insulation offerings or traditional alternatives, our solutions meet rigorous eco-friendly requirements. 

Why Choose The Green Cocoon as Your Local Insulation Contractor 

• Trusted Experience: With years of experience and many successful installations, we’re one of the most reliable spray foam insulation contractors in New England. 

• Customized Solutions: We tailor our offerings to satisfy the particular desires of your home or business. 

• Transparent Service: From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, we ensure complete transparency and honest advice—no pushy sales processes. 

• Local Knowledge: As neighborhood insulation contractors, we understand the precise weather-demanding situations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. 

Whether you’re searching for home insulation near you or need assistance from professional foam insulation contractors close to you, The Green Cocoon is your go-to for high-quality, eco-aware services. 

Ready to Lower Your Energy Bills? 

We are only a phone call away. Our expert team is ready to help you discover the best insulation solution for your space and finances. Book a free consultation with The Green Cocoon today and discover how the right insulation can result in lasting energy savings—all year long. 

One of the most effective and efficient methods of insulating houses and buildings is spray foam insulation. Our spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems at The Green Cocoon concentrate on both open-cell and closed-cell applications to achieve airtight seals that will last a long time and save on energy bills, as well as environmental issues. However, a problem that occasionally surprises builders, homeowners and rookie insulation installers is the spray foam's poor adhesion to engineered wood products like OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber). 

Why does this problem occur, and how can we address it properly? 

Here’s a quick breakdown on what causes spray foam adhesion troubles on engineered wood, using key insights from the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Tech Tip I-5, and describes great practices to ensure proper insulation and overall performance. 

The Problem: Why Spray Foam Adhesion Fails on Engineered Wood 

The use of engineered wooden products has become a necessity in the construction sector today due to their durability, lower cost and accessibility. Sheathing, beams and subfloors are often manufactured from panels such as OSB, LVL beams, and others. But on the topic of spray foam insulation, they can create a hidden issue. 

Many engineered wood surfaces are handled with wax, plastic, or resin-based coatings for the duration of production. These coatings are designed to: 

• Increase moisture resistance 

• Improve durability 

• Increase ease of handling 

While those features are advantageous to the building method, they can also act as obstacles to adhesion for spray polyurethane foam. The result: 

• The SPF may fail to bond completely 

• The foam may peel away from the surface after installation 

• You may experience reduced air-sealing and insulation effectiveness 

In some instances, this could cause separation or delamination, particularly in excessive moisture or high visitor traffic. For a product designed to form a continuous, hole-free thermal barrier, this is a critical issue. 

SPFA-Recommended Fixes: How to Ensure Proper Adhesion 

There are tried-and-tested solutions to this common spray foam difficulty. At The Green Cocoon, we follow great enterprise practices advocated by the SPFA to ensure long-term adhesion, especially while working with engineered timber. 

1. Perform a Test Spray 

Before insulating a surface, we complete a test-check spray. Same way that you might test a paint sample on a hidden wall. This helps us decide if the spray foam insulation will adhere well or if a bonding agent is preferred. 

2. Use a Bonding Primer 

If the foam fails to adhere as much as we would recommend, the SPFA advises the use of a bonding primer. Some of the most effective bonding options we would recommend: 

• Kilz Adhesion Primer 

• Zinsser Extreme Adhesion Primer 

These primers are specially formulated to bond to sleek, plastic, or slick surfaces which include lined engineered timber. Applying a thin layer of primer ensures the SPF has a floor it is able to grip, preventing future detachment. 

3. Use the Uncoated Side (If Possible) 

In a few instances, engineered panels like OSB may also have a covered side and an uncoated side. If constructing orientation allows, it’s ideal to apply spray foam to the uncoated side. This naturally improves bonding without the need for primers. 

4. Skip Ineffective Workarounds 

DIY Homeowners and less experienced contractors may try methods like: 

• Sanding the wood 

• Scoring the surface 

• Stapling mesh into the board 

These techniques are not effective in ensuring long-term SPF adhesion. Sanding may also remove some of the coating which isn’t recommended, and the method is frequently not sufficient to resolve the issue. Only high quality primers are recommended in our industry and even some government standards. 

Importance of Proper Adhesion 

Spray foam insulation isn’t simply about stuffing a hollow cavity in a wall, it’s about expanding a monolith, continuous envelope that strengthens the energy performance and manages moisture as well as enhancing indoor comfort. When SPF fails to adhere properly to engineered wood, several problems can arise due to shrinkage and separation from the framing, including: 

• Reduced racking strength and increased air leakage, leading to thermal gaps 

• Delamination over time, especially under fluctuating humidity or temperature conditions 

• A compromised moisture barrier, which can lead to mold hazards 

• A weakened thermal barrier, reducing the insulation’s effectiveness 

• Costly callbacks for repair or re-application 

For developers, architects, and homeowners, these risks spotlight the significance of proper SPF application on all substrates, such as engineered wood. 

Rely on the Experts to Get Long-life Spray Foam 

It’s important to know that spray foam will not adhere to engineered wood and how to deal with it so that your insulation will do what it should. New construction, renovation, and any insulation upgrade should follow a systematic process to ensure success. Taking the proper steps at the beginning of a project can certainly prevent headaches in the future. 

We go the extra mile at The Green Cocoon and admittedly, we are a family of insulation geeks. We believe in ongoing improvement in our industry and we strive to deliver results that meet or exceed building performance standards using eco-friendly products and meticulous craftsmanship.  

Contact The Green Cocoon today for expert spray foam insulation services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. Let’s insulate smarter, together. 

It’s crucial to have a proper understanding of the R-value of your home. It will help to lower the energy bills and keep your home in excellent condition. The R-value details how much thermal resistance an insulation material possesses and how well it resists the transfer of heat. R-value is a term used to rate and measure the ability of the material to resist heat flow. This is said in terms of how fast the material would allow heat flow to either enter a house during warm weather or leave during cold weather. 

The closed cell spray Foam insulation is considered one of the most typical types of spray foam insulation. The highly efficient reduction in heat transfer provided by this type of insulation results in energy savings. 

Types of Insulation and Their R-Values 

Choosing closed cell spray foam insulation is important to gain the optimum R-value for your home. A few common insulation types are compared here: 

• Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation: It provides air seals and thermal resistance. The R-value is relatively high, somewhere between R-6 and R-7 per inch. Closed cell spray foam insulation is recommended when both insulation and structural support are required. It also performs exceptionally well as a moisture barrier. 

• Open Cell Foam Insulation: Being less dense than closed cell spray foam insulation, it offers lower R-values at lower costs, ranging from R-3.5 to R-4 per inch. It is most suitable since it assists in sound damping and air permeability. 

• Fiberglass Insulation: The most frequently used insulation type by contractors in homes, fiberglass batting or loose-fill insulation has an R-value of roughly R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch, depending on the thickness of the insulation. It performs well but requires additional air sealing for optimal efficiency. 

• Cellulose Insulation: Because it is mainly made of recycled paper, it offers an R-value of around R-3.1 to R-3.7 per inch. It is treated with fire retardants and is used for attic and wall insulation. 

Why R-Value Matters for Energy Efficiency 

An R-value is an index of insulation and energy efficiency. The greater the R-value, the less one pays for bills and has a higher living comfort. If insulation resists heat transfer effectively, less stress is placed on heating and cooling equipment, thereby prolonging their life and providing better-quality air. 

Energy loss is created by insufficient insulation; this loss produces drafts and cold spots. An understanding of R-values and their advantages can help you make better decisions to enhance energy performance in your home. 

Picking the Right Option 

If you are thinking about home insulation contractors, there are many considerations like budget, insulation needs, and home layout. Here are some tips about choosing insulation:  

• Engage Local Insulation Contractors: Get in touch with professional home insulation contractors, they will inspect your home and recommend what types of insulation, taking into account R-values and your needs. They can answer any building codes and energy efficiency questions you may have.  

• R-value versus Weather Conditions: If you reside in a colder region, it is worth investing in something that has a higher R-value, like closed cell spray insulation, for energy savings. Milder climates may instead benefit from combinations of different insulation types. 

• Assess Your Needs: Different rooms have different needs. Insulation should fit specific needs. For instance, where sound absorption occurs, open cell foam insulation is used. 

Energy Efficiency in Your Home 

If your goal is to plan on making your home energy-efficient, you should opt for air sealing. This is a method where you apply sealant to keep unwanted drafts and energy losses at bay. The following are some improvements in air sealing: 

• Upgrade to Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation: This type of insulation provides a high R-value and acts as both an insulator and air barrier, helping to seal leaks and prevent energy loss. 

• Re-insulate Older Areas: Over time, insulation can settle or become less effective. Re-insulating attics, basements, or crawl spaces can restore energy efficiency. 

• Choose the Right R-Value for Your Climate: Homes in colder climates benefit from insulation with higher R-values. Our team can help you select the right materials based on your region and energy goals. 

• Combine Insulation Types Strategically: In some cases, combining closed cell spray foam with other insulation materials can provide both thermal performance and sound dampening benefits. 

Final Thoughts 

Every person aiming to achieve energy efficiency in their home should understand R-value. A house that is well insulated well will lower energy bills, offer comfort, and be healthier to live in. Whether you go with closed cell insulation for better thermal performance or open cell foam to help with sound control, choosing the right insulation makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency.  

Work on the energy efficiency of your home, Call the Green Cocoon. Their expert team of local insulation contractors can help come up with plans for insulation that best suits your needs. So don't wait; begin your journey to an energy-efficient home! 

A commercial roof protects your building, and regular maintenance prevents costly damage. Routine inspections and servicing of your roof stop issues from getting serious and prevent you from having to replace your roof earlier than needed. Getting the help of a knowledgeable commercial roofing company keeps your roof in its best shape.

Why Preventive and Seasonal Roof Inspections Are Key to Avoiding Costly Repairs 

Proper preventive maintenance is essential to keep your commercial roof in good condition and avoid costly repairs. Early inspections and repairs are far less expensive than fixing major damage caused by issues like mold, water, insulation weakening, and structural rot—problems that often start small but get worse over time. 

Seasonal inspections, especially in spring and fall, are crucial because roofs face different challenges throughout the year. Winter brings ice buildup and freeze-thaw cycles that can damage roofing materials, while summer’s heat and UV rays cause wear and deterioration. Professional commercial roofing contractors will assess the roof’s structure, drainage, flashing, and sealing materials during these inspections to ensure your roof remains strong and leak-free all year. 

By scheduling regular, seasonal checks with a trusted roofing company, you can catch problems early, making repairs simpler and more affordable while protecting your building and investment. 

Common Maintenance Tasks That Prevent Costly Repairs 

The simple steps of roof upkeep help keep your expenses down and prolong the life of your roof. These tasks should be part of any preventive maintenance service performed by expert commercial roofing contractors: 

• Inspect gutters, downspouts, vents, skylights, and HVAC penetrations to prevent water buildup and intrusion. 

• Checking and repairing seams, joints, membranes, and sealants to maintain a watertight surface. 

• Eliminating ponding water to avoid roof weakening and mold growth. 

• Securing loose fasteners and adjusting rooftop equipment to prevent damage from wind or dirt buildup. 

Performing these small maintenance tasks each year prolongs your roof life, helps you stick to the warranty, and avoids unexpected repair charges. 

Choosing the Right Partner for Commercial Roofing in Maine 

Anyone who owns a building in Maine should look for roofers who understand how Maine’s climate affects roofs. This region of the Northeast sees heavy snow, big changes in temperature, and strong winds. The types of exposure in this region call for roofing materials and techniques that work in all seasons. 

Working with a commercial roofing team in Maine that understands the region’s unique challenges means you can relax. They are experts in industry standards, current trends, and the strategies needed to extend the life of a commercial roof. Due to their knowledge, they can recommend materials suited for Maine’s winters and anticipate when maintenance may be required. 

Only the best commercial roofing contractors give full details, create reports, and answer emergencies, so they’re considered true team members by property managers. 

Metal Roofing and Its Maintenance Advantages 

Of all the commercial roofing choices, metal is considered both sturdy and requires minimal maintenance. Because it endures fire, pests, and rough weather, it thrives in Maine’s variable climate. Even so, metal roofs should be checked and repaired from time to time. 

Working with skilled metal roofing contractors allows you to spot signs of corrosion, problems with panels, or failing fasteners. Because metal roofs contract and expand seasonally, they can create minor shifts that, over time which can harm their seams or waterproofing. 

In most cases, maintenance of metal roofs requires reviewing the sealant caps, straightening roof panels, unblocking gutters, and analyzing snow retention systems. Taking care of a metal roof allows it to last 40–70 years, which makes it more valuable for businesses that care about their return on investment and the environment. 

Creating a Customized Maintenance Plan 

Each building is different, so its roof is never the same as another. A professional commercial roofing company will adjust its maintenance program to fit your building’s roof type, its age, how big it is, how it is sloped, and any past work needed. 

A proper plan can consist of: 

• Bi-annual inspections (spring and fall) 

• Post-storm inspections 

• Drainage checks 

• Evaluating the flashing and joint seal in roofs 

• Assessments for water coming into structures 

• Papers required for warranty purposes 

A plan like this relieves your worries and gives you peace of mind for dealing with important parts of your building. 

Conclusion 

Our specialty at Merrimack Valley Roofing is installing and maintaining tough commercial roofing Maine systems. If you need us for regular inspections, emergency fixes, or metal roofing, we are your dedicated experts in Maine. Get your investment secure—contact us now to set up your maintenance plan. 

We know your time is valuable, so we’ve made it easy to review and sign your Green Cocoon proposal right from your computer or phone. To help, we created a short video showing you exactly how to e-sign—no confusion, no hassle!

Watch the video here or in the window below to see how it works step-by-step. If you have any questions or need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help!

Happy signing! 

You know, when it comes to making your home more energy-efficient and comfy, the attic is super important. Having good insulation up there can make a big difference; think lower energy bills and a cozier indoor climate. One of the best ways to insulate is with spray foam insulation. It’s great at sealing air leaks and keeping the temperature just right.

A lot of homeowners find themselves stuck on a big question: should they insulate the attic floor or go for the roof deck? It’s not a straightforward choice, honestly. There are pros and cons to both options, and it’s worth taking a closer look at what each one offers. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of what’s best for your situation.

Usage guidelines: Spray Foam Insulation Explained  

One of the best types of insulation, not only to be used in new construction but also in existing homes, is spray foam insulation.

Spray foam is made of polyurethane and expands after it has been sprayed, so it creates an airtight seal.

There are two primary types

Open-Cell Spray Foam: Inferior in strength and flexibility but lighter, open-cell foam has a lower R-value per inch but is more effective at blocking sound. It’s breathable, meaning moisture is allowed to pass through.

Spray Foam, Closed Cell: In contrast to open-cell foam, closed-cell foam is denser and more rigid, with a higher R-value per inch and a vapor barrier. It increases structural strength and also has a higher moisture resistance.

Insulating the Attic Floor

Pros: 

Budget Friendly: Attic floor insulation is usually much cheaper than roof deck insulation.

Energy Savings: When you insulate the floor, you are also sealing the living space beneath it, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Simple The process is easy if the attic is unconditioned and it’s used only for storage.

Cons: 

Unfinished Attic Space The attic will still be subject to fluctuations in exterior temperatures, which can have an impact on any HVAC ductwork and other systems located there.

Potential for water or humidity to build up: Moisture buildup can be an issue if your storage area doesn’t have a way to ventilate, and it can cause mold or mildew to develop as well.

Best For: Homes with unused attic space that doesn’t contain HVAC systems or ductwork.

Which Spray Foam Should You Use — and Where? 

A Quick Comparison Guide

The right spray foam insulation depends on the location and purpose for which it is being used for your attic. A breakdown to help you decide:

Attic Floor – Open-Cell Spray Foam Is Best

Best for: Unconditioned attics (storage, no HVAC)

Why Open-Cell? 

• More affordable than closed cell foam

• Expands to take the shape of gaps and cracks to form a long-lasting, airtight, and water-resistant seal

• Features Excellent sound dampening properties

• Permits partial vapor permeability which helps prevent moisture build-up

Goal: Insulate living space under attic, not the attic.

Attic Ceiling - Closed-Cell Spray Foam Best

Closed- Cell Spray Foam Ideal for: Finished attics

Why Closed-Cell?

Maximum insulation value for fewer racked panels per rack, today and in the future, made possible by a higher R-value per inch.

• Can be used as a vapor barrier for insulation to save energy.

• Provides support for the roof

• Seals in the heat to keep dirt and debris out for more energy savings

Goal: Condition the attic and make it part of your living space.

Decision-Making for Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Foam 

Open-Cell Spray Foam:

The highs and lows: Inexpensive, great for soundproofing, and allows for moisture permeability—useful in some climates.

Considerations: A lower R-value per inch and not good for a vapor barrier.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam:

Pros: Higher R-value per inch, doubles as a vapor barrier, adds structural rigidity, and is less susceptible to moisture.

Notes: More costly, requiring professional installation to ensure correct application and safety.

Upon the Addition of Cellulose Attic Insulation 

While spray foam is far more effective for air sealing and insulation, cellulose attic insulation can also be a good solution (if budget constraints are a concern). An eco-friendly material, cellulose is produced from recycled paper products and performs well thermally. But it does not provide the same air-sealing qualities as spray foam, and it can settle over time and lose its effectiveness.

The Most Suitable For Your House 

Whether to insulate the floor of an attic or the roof deck can depend on several factors, including your home’s design, climate, where the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is placed, and your budget. Speaking with experts, such as The Green Cocoon, can give you customized advice that suits your particular desires.

Key Takeaways 

Insulated Attic Space: Best for unconditioned attics (attics that do not have an HVAC system present); affordable.

Attic Ceiling Insulation: Ideal for attics that have or will have HVAC equipment, designed as living space; more expensive but frugal in the long run.

Type of Spray Foam: Open-cell if you want to save money and soundproof, closed-cell for a higher R-Value and water resistance.

Once you know all the nuances of each kind of insulation, as well as the materials that are used, you can make an informed decision that will make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and valuable overall.