Saratoga Business Journal photo
By Christine Graf
Saratoga Springs-based ASF Insulation has been meeting the insulation needs of Capital Region customers for more than a decade. The company is owned by business partners Nick Cuttleback, Tom Samascott, and Wayne Samascott.
“We started as a spray foam insulator only, and within the first year or two, we adapted to become an insulation contractor,” said Cuttleback. “We began offering traditional fiberglass batting, cellulose, and other products. We expanded into the insulation contractor markets and took off from there.”
On the spray foam side of the business, the company provides spray polyurethane foam insulation for residential and commercial applications. Applied in liquid form, once applied, the foam expands and hardens to form a rigid layer of insulation. It is particularly effective at filling spaces that are irregularly shaped as well as small gaps, holes, and cracks. As much as 40 percent of a home’s energy is lost when air escapes through uninsulated gaps, holes, and cracks. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates that 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated.
According to the American Chemistry Council, homes and buildings equipped with spray polyurethane foam utilize less energy, helping to create a less carbon-dependent society and supporting the fight against climate change.
Homeowners who choose to have spray polyurethane foam installed in their homes may also qualify for tax credits and rebates from local and federal agencies.
Because improperly installed spray foam can cause swelling or sagging in walls, it should be applied by professionals. Advanced Spray Foam’s highly-trained installers use specialized equipment to prepare the foam on the job site, their equipment contained in one of three trailers that the company owns.
“We purchase our product from a manufacturers that makes the material, and then we have equipment that heats up and mixes the components to make the spray polyurethane foam in place,” said Cuttleback. “From the trailer, there is a hose that comes out. At the end of the hose is an application gun. It comes out of the gun as a liquid and then expands.”
According to industry estimates, spray foam insulation costs for homeowners range from $1,409 to $4,145, with the national average being $2,756.
ASF Insulation has two salespersons/estimators on staff along with 10 installers, all of whom undergo extensive training before being able to work independently.
“It takes time to learn the skill. A few of our lead guys have been with us for six years, and they are still learning,” said Cuttleback. “We have guys who have been with us one year, and they are just getting to the skill level where they can drive and apply the foam on their own.”
According to Cuttleback, the manufacturer of the material also offers training on proper application. The company follows all safety protocols, including ensuring that its installers wear respirators.
“There’s a lot of PPE equipment that is required in this industry. It’s important that we recognize that people have to install this properly and care about how they are installing it,” said Cuttleback.
He said his company also sells and installs traditional pink fiberglass batting as well as newer products that are not made of fiberglass.
“We have a product called Rockwool that is very popular,” he said. “It’s made out of volcanic stone. We also offer cellulose, which is made of recycled content.”
Rockwool, a type of stone wool insulation, is created by spinning molten rock and minerals with steel slag. When pressed into rolls and sheets, it creates high-performance insulation with sound-absorbing and fire-resistant properties.
Cellulose insulation is made from roughly 75 percent to 85 percent recycled paper fiber, the fiber chemically treated with non-toxic borate compounds to resist fire, insects, and mold. An alternative to fiberglass, it offers green, efficient, non-toxic, affordable thermal solutions.
“We also do insulation removal and reinstalls,” said Cuttleback. “For example, someone could have a leak in their roof. We would remove the old insulation and reinstall the new product. Or, it could just be an upgrade to their old insulation.”
According to Cuttleback, business has been booming since 2019.
“Ever since COVID, things have been very busy. The first time we saw a dip in sales was at the beginning of the year when interest rates went up,” he noted.
For those interested in upgrading the insulation to their homes, he said ASF Insulation offers free estimates.
“One of our two estimators will come out and talk about whatever issue you may have, and we will come up with a proposal.”
For more information, visit www.asfinsulation.us.