Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What services does Midwest Spray Foam & Custom Insulation offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of services including spray foam insulation, cellulose insulation, concrete lifting, roof coatings, bedliners, epoxy floors, and concrete overlays. Our team is experienced in both residential and commercial applications.
How do I get an estimate for my project?
Getting an estimate is easy! You can contact us through our website, call our office directly, or use our online estimate form. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all our services.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the Midwest region with our insulation and concrete services. Contact us to confirm service availability in your specific area.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured for all the services we provide. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for your peace of mind.
Spray Foam Insulation
What is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a chemical product created by mixing two materials (isocyanate and polyol resin) that react when mixed and expand up to 30-60 times their liquid volume. This creates a strong thermal barrier that seals gaps and provides excellent insulation.
What are the benefits of spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation offers superior air sealing, higher R-values per inch, moisture barrier properties, structural strengthening, and can significantly reduce energy costs. It also helps prevent pest infiltration and provides excellent sound dampening.
How long does spray foam insulation last?
When properly installed, spray foam insulation can last for the lifetime of the building - typically 80+ years. It doesn't settle, sag, or degrade over time like traditional insulation materials.
Is spray foam insulation safe?
Yes, spray foam insulation is safe when installed by professionals and properly cured. During installation, proper ventilation and safety equipment are used. Once cured, it's completely inert and safe.
Can I install spray foam insulation myself?
We strongly recommend hiring professionals for spray foam installation. It requires specialized equipment, proper safety measures, and expertise to ensure optimal performance and safety. Professional installation also maintains warranty coverage.
Cellulose Insulation
What is cellulose insulation?
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, primarily newspapers, and is treated with fire retardants. It's an eco-friendly insulation option that provides excellent thermal performance and soundproofing.
How does cellulose insulation compare to spray foam?
Cellulose is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while spray foam provides superior air sealing and moisture resistance. We'll help you choose the best option based on your specific needs and budget.
Can cellulose insulation be blown into existing walls?
Yes, cellulose insulation can be blown into existing walls through small holes, making it an excellent retrofit option. The holes are then sealed, leaving minimal evidence of the installation.
Concrete Lifting
What is concrete lifting?
Concrete lifting, also known as slab jacking or mudjacking, is a process that raises sunken concrete slabs back to their original level by injecting material underneath the slab to fill voids and provide support.
What causes concrete to sink?
Concrete sinks due to soil settling, erosion, poor compaction during installation, water damage, or natural soil movement. These factors create voids under the slab, causing it to settle unevenly.
Is concrete lifting permanent?
When done properly, concrete lifting can be a long-lasting solution. The durability depends on addressing the root cause of the settling and using quality materials. We provide warranties on our concrete lifting work.
How much does concrete lifting cost compared to replacement?
Concrete lifting typically costs 50-80% less than full replacement and can be completed in a fraction of the time. It's an economical solution that extends the life of your existing concrete.
Roof Coatings
What are roof coatings and why are they beneficial?
Roof coatings are liquid-applied membranes that form a protective barrier over your existing roof. They extend roof life, improve energy efficiency, provide waterproofing, and can significantly reduce cooling costs.
What types of roofs can be coated?
We can apply coatings to most roof types including metal, EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, and built-up roofs. We'll assess your roof's condition to determine the best coating solution.
How long do roof coatings last?
Quality roof coatings can last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. They can often be recoated to extend their life even further, making them a cost-effective roofing solution.
Bedliners
What types of bedliners do you offer?
We offer Rhino Lining spray-in bedliners that provide a permanent, custom-fit protective coating for your truck bed. These bedliners are more durable and better-fitting than drop-in alternatives.
How long does bedliner installation take?
Bedliner installation typically takes 1-2 days, depending on the size of the truck bed and any additional preparation needed. This includes prep work, application, and curing time.
Are bedliners waterproof?
Yes, our spray-in bedliners create a waterproof barrier that prevents rust and corrosion. They also provide excellent chemical resistance and impact protection.
Epoxy Floors
What are the benefits of epoxy flooring?
Epoxy floors are extremely durable, chemical resistant, easy to clean, and available in various colors and finishes. They're perfect for garages, basements, warehouses, and commercial spaces.
How long do epoxy floors last?
Professional epoxy flooring can last 10-20 years or more with proper maintenance. The lifespan depends on traffic levels, maintenance, and the quality of installation.
Can epoxy be applied over existing concrete?
Yes, epoxy can be applied over existing concrete that's in good condition. We'll assess your concrete and perform any necessary prep work including cleaning, grinding, and repairing cracks.
How long does epoxy take to cure?
Epoxy typically takes 24-48 hours to cure for foot traffic and 5-7 days for full cure and vehicle traffic. Cure times can vary based on temperature and humidity conditions.
Concrete Overlays
What is a concrete overlay?
A concrete overlay is a thin layer of decorative concrete applied over existing concrete surfaces. It can transform old, worn concrete into beautiful, durable surfaces with various textures and colors.
What surfaces can receive concrete overlays?
Concrete overlays can be applied to driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, garage floors, and interior floors. The existing concrete must be structurally sound for optimal results.
How thick are concrete overlays?
Concrete overlays typically range from 1/4 inch to 2 inches thick, depending on the application and desired outcome. Thicker overlays provide more durability and design options.
Can concrete overlays be customized?
Yes! Concrete overlays can be customized with various colors, patterns, textures, and finishes to match your aesthetic preferences and complement your property's design.