At Hagood Homes, we understand that making smart, informed decisions during the homebuilding process is essential—especially when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency and long-term performance. Unfortunately, some builders continue to share outdated or incorrect information about spray foam insulation, often discouraging homeowners from one of the most effective and energy-smart solutions available today.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

Why Hagood Homes Uses Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation isn’t just a trendy upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in your home’s efficiency, comfort, and overall value. And having been used for more than 15 years by other residential and commercial builders, it has proven to be an asset. At Hagood Homes, we use open-cell spray foam applied to the roof deck, which transforms the attic into a semi-conditioned space along with exterior walls and floor of the bonus room. This means the temperature in the attic – which averages 80 degrees vs. 120+ degrees or more without the spray foam – stays much closer to the temperature inside the home, significantly reducing the strain on your HVAC system and lowering energy bills by as much as 40 percent and allows you to store your “treasures” without the worry of them getting ruined or melting.

Spray foam also helps create a tighter, more controlled indoor environment that reduces the transfer of heat and improves indoor air quality. It’s a cornerstone of our approach to building high-performance homes in Southeastern North Carolina. We use GREENGUARD-certified open-cell spray foam insulation into each one of our homes, ensuring a healthier and more energy-efficient living environment for homeowners. This certification signifies that the insulation meets stringent standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to improved indoor air quality—a crucial factor for families, especially those with children or individuals sensitive to allergens.

Want to learn more? Read on!

The Hagood Difference: The Benefits Spray Foam

We use spray foam because it’s one of the most effective ways to create a high-performance, energy-efficient home—especially in our region. The benefits are tangible:

• Lower energy bills
• More consistent indoor temperatures
• Reduced humidity and improved air quality
• Less strain on HVAC equipment
• Greater protection against moisture and mold
• Enhanced long-term home value
• Provides a semi-conditioned area in the attic for storage
• Acts as a noise buffer
• Prohibits dust/pollen/insects introduction into the home
• Less opportunity for water intrusion, especially with wind-driven rain

We know that some builders are still relying on outdated practices, and unfortunately, they often pass along inaccurate or misleading information to future homeowners. At Hagood Homes, we’re committed to building better—from the ground up, with materials and techniques that work today and for the long haul.

Fact vs. Fiction When Choosing Spray Foam

Joining us is Scott Jansen with MPI Foam, Hagood Homes’ insulation partner, to help us dispel the myths vs. the reality of using open-cell spray foam in our homes.

Myth: Spray foam insulation isn’t effective in warm climates like Southeastern North Carolina.
Truth: This is a common misunderstanding. While radiant barrier sheathing reflects some radiant heat, it does not address the other two major types of heat transfer—conduction and convection. Spray foam insulation does. It not only blocks radiant heat from the sun but also seals the home’s envelope against air leaks and reduces conductive heat transfer through materials. That makes it especially effective in warm, humid regions where cooling costs are high, and energy loss is common.

Myth: Spray foam traps moisture and hides roof leaks.
Truth: Properly installed spray foam actually reduces the risk of moisture-related problems. It seals cracks and gaps where humid air might otherwise enter and condense. While some builders claim it can hide leaks, the reality is that leaks are still detectable—through water stains, odors, or changes in ceiling appearance. Spray foam helps prevent the conditions that typically lead to mold and rot in traditional vented attics.

Myth: Spray foam causes attic spaces to overheat.
Truth: Spray foam changes how an attic works—but not in a harmful way. By insulating the roof deck instead of the attic floor, the entire attic becomes part of the home’s thermal envelope. That means it stays closer in temperature to the rest of the house. In summer, this helps avoid extreme attic heat that can damage ductwork and force HVAC systems to work harder. The result is a more consistent, comfortable indoor climate and better system efficiency.

Myth: Spray foam damages shingles or reduces their lifespan.
Truth: Studies show that shingles above a spray foam-insulated attic may be just 2–3 degrees warmer than those above a traditional vented attic. But according to Hagood Homes partner Mid-Atlantic Roofing & Sheet Metal, that temperature difference is minimal and well within the tolerance of modern roofing materials. In fact, most major shingle manufacturers uses do not void warranties due to spray foam insulation. As long as the roofing system is properly installed and ventilated where needed, your roof will perform as expected for decades.

Myth: Spray foam is unsafe or releases toxic chemicals into the home.
Truth: This concern often stems from the “brown house” myth, which refers to homes with improper spray foam installation. At Hagood Homes, we use only certified, experienced installers who follow strict safety protocols. While protective gear is necessary during application, once cured, spray foam is inert, non-toxic, and poses no health risks to occupants. It does not off-gas or continue to release fumes. When installed properly, it contributes to a healthier, more sealed indoor environment.

Myth: Spray foam is too expensive and doesn’t justify the extra cost.
Truth: Spray foam does cost more upfront than fiberglass or radiant barrier systems, but it more than pays for itself over time. By reducing air leakage and improving temperature control, it can lower your energy bills by 30 to 50 percent. It also reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system, improves indoor comfort, and increases home resale value. Over time, homeowners often find that spray foam insulation is one of the best return-on-investment decisions they made during the building process. In fact, the return-on-investment with the use of spray foam is just three to five years.

If you’re ready for a home that performs as beautifully as it looks, we invite you to explore the difference Hagood spray foam insulation makes. Would you like to get a closer look? Click here for a tour of one of our homes.