NORMAN — While some businesses are struggling in the current economy, one local company is holding “very steady” with a back-to-the-basics approach.
“The current economic crisis has had little impact on the spray foam industry due to the fact that this business is actually founded on saving people money,” said Casey Kearns, owner of Norman-based Oklahoma Foam. “In times of re-evaluating energy costs, family budgets and just looking for general ways to save money, consumers are starting with the basics.”
Kearns said he learned the trade from his father, who owns a foam roofing company.
“My father got me into the business by taking me to work with him and teaching me everything I ever needed to know about spray foam insulation for as long as I can remember,” he said.
Kearns said his foam insulation is easy to maintain, improves air quality and can help homeowners get more out of their air conditioners, which are big energy hogs in Oklahoma. He said maintence can be done with a small spray can and usually takes about 30 minutes
A house of about 1,500 square feet would cost about $5,000, maybe less, to insulate, Kearns said, adding that his foam can save between 30 and 50 percent on energy bills.
“When properly installed, (the foam) seals all outside air from coming in and inside air from going out, which encourages static air temperatures inside the building,” Kearns said.
The foam isulation can also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from houses, he said, by cutting down on the transfer of inside and outside air.
Kearns said his company, which serves the entire state, is busiest “during extreme temperatures because this is when people notice their insulation isn’t performing.”
He said people can expect the foam insulation to pay for itself in three to five years. Some clients see results immediately.
“Back in May we installed insulation for Wormy Dog Saloon in Bricktown,” Kearns said. “In the month of July alone the savings on their electric bill was over $1,300 compared to the previous July’s bill.”
Residential properties benefit as well.
In fact, Kearns said a 4,000-square-foot house he installed foam in paid only $170 in energy costs in January, when there were only two days above freezing the entire month.
Smaller homes can save, too, Kearns said, adding that tax credits are available to those who qualify.
A owners of small, 800-square-foot “retro” house he worked on this past summer paid energy bills of $50 in June and $58 in July.
For more information, call Oklahoma Foam at 604-3435 or visit them online at www.okfoam.com.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
