To most people, insulation’s R-value is the most important factor of that insulation, but is that the case with foam insulation? Heat can transfer three ways; conduction (physical contact), convection (air flow), and radiation (waves from the sun). R-value only measures a given insulation’s ability to stop heat transfer through conduction. A product such as fiber glass or cellulose may achieve a high R-value but will still allow air to pass through it, thus allowing heat transfer, through way of convection.
R-values alone are almost worthless. R-values are measured in airtight, zero weather condition capsules. This is not an accurate way to measure something that will be on the outside walls of a house, that will constantly be indirectly exposed to several weather conditions and varying wind speeds. Consumers should know how the insulation will react to water, wind, mold, sound, etc.
Furthermore, most kinds of insulation lose R-value when the temperature drops. This is because the material itself gets colder with the temperature. If the material is colder, it will be less effective in stopping heat transfer by conduction. Different types of insulation will differ on how much R-value they will lose. For instance, studies have shown that fiber glass insulation loses 40% of its R-value when the temperature drops below 20. In a standard 2×4 stud cavity fiber glass achieves an R-14 at best and can drop down to an R-8. Foam insulation does not suffer from this effect; in fact it increases in effectiveness when temperature drops. This is because the cells that make up foam insulation hold gasses and hinder the foam from getting colder. It is because of this that Styrofoam coolers work so well.
To many, the solution for air flow is to use fiber glass batting that has a vapor barrier on one or both sides. When you use fiber glass with a vapor barrier you need ventilation so that vapor can escape before building up moisture and causing all kinds of damage. However, if vents are in place, air flow is present which allows heat transfer through convection. There is just no way to win with fiber glass. Cellulose has all of the same weaknesses as fiber glass. Cellulose will settle over time, it does not stop air flow, and will require added insulation in later years.
RetroFoam uses Tri-polymer based resin injection foam for enclosed cavities such as existing walls and Icynene spray foam for open cavities. Foam insulation will not settle or crack over time. It is moisture resistant and most foam insulation is non-flammable. Foam insulation is excellent for sound deadening. Different products may vary on these qualities, be sure to research every product and company. Foam insulation R-value is usually higher then cellulose and fiber glass. However, with all these other benefits, R-value is the least important of its qualities. Foam insulation is the way of the future, it is the product huge corporate buildings want to use because of how effective it is, and any homeowner can have the same product.

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Enter for a chance to win a $50 Speedway Fuel Card, ON FACEBOOK just by 1. Clicking that you “Like” RetroFoam of Michigan and 2. posting a comment to this status with your favorite cold-weather related song (example: Foreigner – “Cold as ice”) and getting people to “Like” it. Not required, but if you post a video of you singing a clip of the song, we will count you as plus 10 Likes.
Rules: Your songs must have something to do with cold-weather (cold, snow, frost, ice, etc.) CHRISTMAS SONGS NOT ACCEPTABLE! NO DUPLICATE SONGS! The comment that has the most LIKES will win the $50 gift card, so tell all of your friends to like our page & your post. Contest ends 12-16-12, winner announced 12-17-12. Have fun, good luck, & keep on saving.

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ENERGY SAVING TIP: Adjust for your lighting for your actual needs.
To prevent glare, eyestrain, and headaches, do not “over-light”. Too much light can be as bad for visual quality as too little light, and it costs a lot more money.

http://www.sba.gov/content/tips-energy-efficiency

Last week RetroFoam of Michigan completed its largest project to date, a 48,000 ft² cargo building for the Capital Region Airport in Lansing Michigan. The building sits 386 ft. long and 31 ft. high.  We sprayed 4” of Icynene’s closed-cell spray foam on the walls, 10” of Icynene’s open-cell spray foam on the ceiling, and DC-315 paint over both to provide a 15 minute thermal barrier.

The build was managed by Wieland Davco Corporation. We enjoyed the experience of doing a project that large and working with a company with the knowledge and experience that the Wieland Davco Corp. brought to the table.

We have insulated many smaller commercial buildings in the past. However, after this project we feel it may be time for RetroFoam of Michigan to expand more into the commercial side of this industry. This project has opened many doors for us and we look forward to growing and moving onto the next largest project. We will keep you posted on all the new and exciting things from RetroFoam of Michigan.

Why you should insulate your home before the winter with RetroFoam
The utility bills of a home will rise nearly every year and especially during these upcoming winter months. Insulating your home is considered as one of the best and the most cost effective ways to minimize that energy loss. Retrofoam is a very popular insulation product in today’s market and you will enjoy many advantages and benefits by insulating your home with the Retrofoam product. It can be defined as a fully expanded, highly efficient injectable foam insulation product. The effectiveness of Retrofoam Insulation is a very proven solution for an under insulated home, and has become a very popular product for that reason.
Retrofoam form insulation is ideal for existing homes because it is a cost effective installation method. The foam is injected into the wall cavities of existing homes so that there is no need for demolition or tearing out of walls. It is a simple, quick process and your entire home can be installed usually within a day. You don’t need to worry about any mess in your home or environmental issues with Retrofoam insulation. From the independent researches, it has been identified that Retrofoam exceeds all the threshold safety limits and requirements of the United States. The ingredients of Retrofoam insulation is completely safe for the people who live in the home so there is no need to leave or be out of your house for any time.
The features of Retrofoam can be considered as the main reason behind its popularity. It has the ability to maintain a high R-value throughout the life time of the home. This will create an ideal environment for you inside your home. Retrofoam will stabilize the interior wall temperature while making your house quieter and much more energy efficient. You will get the opportunity to reduce your electricity bills in a dramatic way. With proper insulation, the work load of your heating unit will be reduced and therefore reduce your monthly bill all while experiencing a more comfortable and a quiter environment in your home.
One of the best benefits of Retrofoam is that it is environmentally friendly and is also OSHA compliant. Retrofoam is a nonflammable insulation that also will reduce the noise from outside your home. You don’t need to tear out the walls, engage in interior cleanups or move your house furniture in order to insulate with Retrofoam. This method is extremely user friendly and very cost effective.
Your Retrofoam team is knowledgeable and experienced so that the insulation process is extremely fast and a very user friendly experience. Their results are proven and that can clearly be seen from the customer testimonials on their website www.retrofoam.com , and the dealer websites. The installation cost of Retrofoam insulation is extremely affordable and will save you money on our energy bill every month.
So if you are a homeowner who is tired of paying those high energy bills, and you want to stop giving your hard earned money to the utility company every month. Then give RetroFoam a call and start saving money every month while enjoying a more efficient, quieter and pest resistant home.

Click http://retrofoamofmichigan.com/contact/ for a free quote from RetroFoam of Michigan
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RetroFoam of Michigan representatives recently returned from RetroFoam’s annual conference of its dealers. This year, RetroFoam of Michigan won the Top Gun & Legend awards for the third consecutive year.
The criteria for these awards are as followed:
Top Gun
- At least 1 year of service as a RetroFoam Dealer.
- Meet sales quotas.
- Have respect of other dealers.
- Excel with equipment & installs.
Legend
- 2+ years of service as RetroFoam dealer.
- Exceed sales quota.
- Mentor to other dealers.
- Have more than 1 rig.
- Be business savvy.
- Go to business in your market.
- Been recognized as a Top Gun.
*Of course for both awards a dealer must pay for all materials on time, have good credit, & be sure that reporting is complete & timely.
We at RetroFoam of Michigan were very honored to receive these awards. We would also like to take this time to acknowledge the outstanding growth and hard work of a fellow RetroFoam dealer, RetroFoam of Iowa. They also received the Top Gun & Legend awards.
We will keep all of you posted on big news for RetroFoam of Michigan, so keep an eye out for upcoming home shows, large jobs, expansion, and all around good news and wishes.
If you have questions or would like a free quote for the best insulation for new and existing buildings or homes call us toll free at 1-866-900-FOAM (3626). RetroFoam Your Home!

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Use your bike and save.
Save gas, money and maybe even a gym membership by walking or biking to work, the grocery store or even a restaurant for dinner.

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