Flood-Damaged Home Restored and Re-insulated with Closed-Cell Spray Foam

Here in Florida, powerful storms aren’t a question of “if”, they are a question of “when.” Flooding, extreme winds, and relentless humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s structure and your peace of mind. Traditional insulation materials don’t stand a chance once they get wet. That’s why more homeowners and contractors are turning to closed-cell spray foam. It’s a smarter, stronger insulation built to thrive in Florida’s toughest conditions.

In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of spray foam in five key areas:

1. Water resistance and mold prevention
2. Wind protection and structural integrity
3. Year-round energy savings and comfort
4. Long-term cost and insurance advantages
5. Healthier air and peace of mind

Superior Water Resistance and Mold Prevention

While fiberglass is a highly-effective insulator, it doesn’t hold up to excessive moisture from storms or flooding. In contrast, closed-cell spray foam creates a rigid, waterproof air barrier that helps stop water from entering your home in the first place.

FEMA has designated closed-cell spray foam insulation as the only insulation approved for flood-prone areas. This is because it doesn’t absorb water and won’t support mold growth. After a flood, it can simply be washed off and left to dry, with no need to replace it.

Compare that to the hassle of tearing out soggy fiberglass insulation and treating hidden mold. With closed-cell spray foam, your home is cleaner, safer, and properly insulated even after a storm.

Increased Structural Strength in High Winds

Spray foam doesn’t just insulate, it reinforces. When applied, polyurethane foam bonds building materials together, adding strength where it’s needed most. A 2007 University of Florida study found that a 3-inch layer of closed-cell spray foam applied on the underside of a roof increased wind uplift resistance by 2.6 times compared to mechanical fasteners and nailing patterns. It also found that walls were up to 300% stronger, depending on the substrate materials used.

This strength was put in action by the “Sand Palace of Mexico Beach.” In 2019, this beachfront home survived Category 5 Hurricane Michael with minimal damage. A key part of its resilience was the addition of spray foam insulation, especially to the roof. Homeowner Dr. Lebron Lackey says, “I think spray foam did a great job of not only insulating our home but also unifying and solidifying the roof!”

That’s the kind of protection you want when hurricane-force winds are blowing through.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort (Year-Round Savings)

Living in Florida means constantly fighting heat and humidity. Spray foam seals every crack and gap, keeping cool air inside and muggy air out. That means your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, and your energy bills show it.

Insulating and air sealing your home (especially with spray foam) can cut your heating and cooling costs by an average of 15%. That’s real money back in your pocket.

Spray foam helps to keep a comfortable temperature in rooms that were always too hot before. Even during power outages, a spray foam-insulated home stays cooler for longer, giving your family relief when it matters most.

Long-Term Cost Savings and Insurance Benefits

Yes, spray foam costs more up front, but it is an investment that pays for itself. It dramatically reduces storm damage repair costs for things such as mold remediation or structural rot. It also lowers your monthly heating and cooling bills while increasing your home’s value.

Thanks to Florida’s H.B. 799 legislation, homes with wind-resistance features like spray foam may now qualify for insurance discounts. That is a huge boon (and big savings) for homeowners looking to increase their home’s resiliency against storms. The bottom line is that spray foam is an investment in your home’s future.

Improved Indoor Air Quality and Homeowner Peace of Mind

Beyond storms and savings, spray foam helps create a healthier home. It helps block outside pollutants, allergens, and pests from entering your home. This makes a big impact on improving indoor air quality.

One Florida homeowner who re-insulated their flooded Jupiter, FL home with closed-cell spray foam had this to say to Spray Foam Magazine: “Now we are protected from this kind of water intrusion ever happening again, and the insects will have to find a new place to dwell.” 

With spray foam you don’t have to worry about musty odors or mold spores. Instead, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safer, drier, and healthier.

Be Ready Before the Next Storm

Storm season doesn’t wait and neither should you. From energy-efficient performance to hurricane-ready strength, closed-cell spray foam is the gold standard solution for storm-ready Florida homes. It offers unmatched flood resistance, mold prevention, structural strength, and energy savings compared to other insulation materials.

Homeowners and contractors count on Leed Insulation for their insulation needs. Our team of trusted local experts has served the Treasure Coast, Space Coast, and Gold Coast of Florida for over 30 years. We install top-rated products for unmatched protection and performance for homes and buildings.

Contact us today for a free estimate. We’re here to ensure your home is ready to weather any storm, with confidence.

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