Business Details
About
Insulation Contractor
RetroFoam of East Tennessee provides foam insulation services to Knox County, TN and the surrounding counties. Call now for a free consultation!
Details
- Requires appointmentAvailable
- Onsite servicesAvailable
Location
RetroFoam of East Tennessee
207 Center Park Dr #2040, Knoxville, TN
37922, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.8
96 reviews
5 stars
86
4 stars
6
3 stars1
2 stars0
1 star
3
- RSRodney Smith5 days ago5.0Great job and great workers
- BOBrandy O'MaryJan 4, 20265.0We used RetroFoam for spray foam insulation of our warehouse building. Eddie and his team went ABOVE and beyond for us from start to finish. The installers were professional and very informative. 10/10 would highly recommend this company!
- HKHope KingDec 23, 20255.0The company did exactly what they said they would do to the end. No hiccup's or delays. The product works great and we intend to use them again in the future.
- RSRoss ShaptonDec 22, 20255.0Great experience! Have an old 1940’s house with no insulation at all in its walls. They filled up the walls with little issues. Had a small blow out on one of the walls because it was weaker than the rest due to a previous repair, but they have gone the extra mile to repair it correctly, and I couldn’t be more happier with the results. Great bunch of guys and professional. Cleaned up well and left no trace. Heat isn’t running all night any more, and my house stays warm. Great job!
- VVVeritasNov 11, 20255.0I am so pleased with my Retrofoam installation! The company showed up when scheduled, did my installation, and left no mess, all while charging me a very reasonable price. We can already tell a difference in the temperature in our very old home. The HVAC unit is getting some relief. I look forward to the reduced energy bills. Thank you, Retrofoam!
Frequently Asked Questions About RetroFoam of East Tennessee
How does the RetroFoam-licensed installer know when a wall cavity is completely full of foam?
By timing the cavity fill, methodically placing the insertion holes, and providing back-pressure on the insertion hole, we are able to ensure a cavity is completely full. We are as concerned with overfilling.
RetroFoam contains water when it is first installed. Where does it go? Will it damage the walls?
Initial water content of the foam is approximately 4% by volume, too low to affect a building's structure. The partially open-cell nature of the foam means the insulation dries out quickly (in approximately two to three weeks) and once dry, RetroFoam resists re-absorption of water. In most cases, the foam dries out before mold can grow. Additionally, prior to insulation, a technician will assess your home for existing moisture issues that could extend dry time.
Will RetroFoam cause dampness?
No. When RetroFoam is exposed to water it is hydrophobic, meaning it sheds water rather than holds it. Even when immersed in water, RetroFoam absorbs only a small amount of water which quickly evaporates once it is removed from water. As with most insulation materials, RetroFoam will become water-logged when exposed to water over a long period of time.
Is it safe to fill the cavity of a brick veneer home (this is called the Wythe cavity)? I thought there needed to be a ventilation space between the brick and wood framework?
This is partially correct. However, the primary purpose of this gap is to keep moisture traveling through the brick, which is porous, and touching the wood and sheathing. If the wood is in contact with brick, it will take up moisture, which causes the wood to rot. RetroFoam is breathable but also repels water. The foam fills the whole cavity space providing a suitable thermal barrier, without transferring moisture to the wood.
Will installation disrupt my home?
Installation takes approximately one to two days, so there is minimal disruption to your home. We ask that pictures be removed from the walls.
Will I need to be home?
It’s preferable but not necessary. We do ask that our crew members have access to the home to monitor for problems during the foaming process, as well as to check outlets once the drilling is complete.
Will RetroFoam cause a fire hazard in the wall?
No. RetroFoam has a Class I fire rating, which means it is non-combustible. Even in intense heat, RetroFoam will not burn or melt. However, it will char, lose weight, and disintegrate.
Does RetroFoam corrode the plastic coating on the electrical wires inside the walls?
No. Unlike some plastics, RetroFoam will not react with plastic-coated cabling or wiring.
Will RetroFoam shrink and deteriorate with age, thereby losing its insulation properties?
To a small degree (maybe as much as 1-3%), some initial shrinkage is normal, but tests have shown that RetroFoam maintains its physical and insulation properties. Often the void space from shrinkage is less than what can be achieved when installing fiberglass bat insulation.
What does it feel and look like?
When first installed, RetroFoam feels similar to a shaving cream. It needs a semi-fluid consistency in order to seal the entire wall cavity and flow evenly around various barriers. It begins drying almost immediately, although it takes between two to four weeks to cure. Once dry, it becomes firm but remains malleable at all times and can be gently removed and reinstalled.
How does RetroFoam of East Tennessee ensure the wall cavity is completely filled with foam?
By timing the cavity fill, methodically placing the insertion holes, and providing back-pressure on the insertion hole, RetroFoam installers make sure the cavity is fully filled without overfilling.
Does the initial water content in RetroFoam cause any damage or mold growth in walls?
RetroFoam contains about 4% water when installed, but this evaporates in 2-3 weeks. The foam resists water re-absorption and usually dries before mold can grow, with technicians checking for moisture issues prior to installation.
Will RetroFoam cause my walls to become damp?
No, RetroFoam is hydrophobic and sheds water rather than retaining it. It absorbs minimal water that evaporates quickly unless exposed to water for a long time.
Is it safe to use RetroFoam in the cavity of a brick veneer home?
Yes, RetroFoam fills the cavity providing a thermal barrier while repelling water, preventing moisture transfer to wood which can cause rot, maintaining proper breathability.
How long does RetroFoam installation take, and will it disrupt my home?
Installation usually takes one to two days and causes minimal disruption; removal of wall pictures is requested during the process.
Do I need to be home during the RetroFoam installation?
It's preferable but not required. Access to the home is necessary for monitoring the foaming process and checking outlets after drilling.
Is RetroFoam a fire hazard inside my walls?
No, RetroFoam has a Class I fire rating, meaning it is non-combustible and will not burn or melt, though it will char and disintegrate under intense heat.
Does RetroFoam damage electrical wiring insulation inside walls?
No, RetroFoam does not react with plastic-coated electrical wires and is safe to use around cabling.
What are the working hours of RetroFoam of East Tennessee?
They are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Are there interesting places near RetroFoam of East Tennessee that I can visit before or after my insulation service?
Yes, nearby you can visit Parkside Vintage Market for vintage shopping, Traditional Shaolin LLC if you're interested in martial arts, and Electric Medic for pharmacy and electrician services, making it convenient to combine errands or leisure with your insulation appointment.
How can other nearby contractors and home improvement stores assist me alongside services at RetroFoam of East Tennessee?
Nearby contractors like G.E.S. Custom Remodel LLC and Green Home Installations offer remodeling and roofing services that complement insulation work, helping you coordinate home improvements efficiently.
What automotive and customization services are available near RetroFoam of East Tennessee?
If you need automotive repair or customization, places such as Precision Window Tint Seats N Stuff and Polish Masters Auto Spa nearby offer car window tinting, auto detailing, and body shop services that you might use alongside your home service visit.