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Hit Piece: Spray Foam

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:22:09 GMT

Over the past 10 or 15 years, as spray foam became a more marketed and suggested product online, more homeowners turned toward this new insulation for inside their walls and attics.

Spray foam in walls and attics is Over-Hyped, Over-Priced, and a Homeowners Potential Nightmare

Over the past 10 or 15 years , as spray foam became a more marketed and suggested product online, more homeowners turned toward this new insulation for inside their walls and attics. Spray foam was a quickly growing industry, propped up by rising energy costs and government incentives. It was (and still is) a pricey insulation, but the marketing assures buyers that the benefits will outweigh any drawbacks.

Fast forward a few years, and more information began to come out about this new product, information that came directly from customers and was not filtered through a marketing department. Pushy salesmen were overselling the abilities, and the placement, of this foam. And some of the new information about spray foam, when used as insulation inside inner and outer walls, or as attic insulation, was not good:

Smells: There are bad smells from improper mixture of the component chemicals – smells some describe as 'fishy'. When the chemicals are not able to off-gas as they usually would, such as in a proper ratio mixture, the resulting fumes can cause headaches, hurt the eyes, and can lead to rashes, as well as labored breathing. Inexperienced technicians, rush jobs, and lack of proper attention are to blame for improper mixing of spray foam chemicals. Choose your insulation company carefully! Unified Insulation trains the fourth Friday of every month - Check out some of our pictures below of Unified Insulation's continuing education on spray foam's latest and best techniques!
Air Gaps: Open cell foam inside walls will absorb moisture from the woodwork, begin to collapse in on itself, and shrink as it collapses. Air gaps form as a result of the shrinking foam, which then enables drafts to flow into and through the home – Something this insulation is said to specifically prevent!

When mixed correctly, by a crew that has had proper training and continuing education like Unified Insulation Systems (We continually train the 4th Friday of every month!) spray foam will not have an off-putting smell. It should also only be used in locations that allow the insulation to perform at its maximum ability. If a company is suggesting that you use foam any and everywhere in your home, be wary!

Give us a call today, we are you're local Akron insulation company 330-773-7377 ! We have a 60 mile operating radius around Akron, meaning we insulate all the way to Cleveland, Ashland, Youngstown, and more! Schedule a free quote with Jeremiah and we'll show up with thermal cameras to show you just where your home may be vulnerable and provide our plan to insulate your home! We have financing available, click here to learn more . Its a no-pressure offer and risk free! Call today!

Where Unified Insulation Uses Spray Foam

Rim Joists – Rim joists are upper portions of the attic walls along the perimeter that are above ground level. Pipes often enter the basement in this space and being above ground level means that it is susceptible to air gaps and air leaks. Spray foam has amazing air sealing abilities and a rim joist is a perfect use case of this insulation. They're often low in square feet, meaning less product, and less cost to the owner! The foam used in rim joist placement is closed cell foam. It is fully waterproof, stops air and vapors from entering, and will not absorb water from the wood (like open cell foam does when used inside inner walls).

Air gap Sealant – Spray foam can be used as an air sealant in many locations. We use it to seal around pipe entrances and exits in the home, and to seal our house-wrap when insulating attic eaves. The house-wrap allows us to form a barrier filled with cellulose insulation between the eaves and the other 'lived-in' portions of the attic. Gaps, access holes, and all around the perimeter are sealed with spray foam to ensure that no air can move in from the sealed off sections. Similar to caulking around plumbing, we only use the spray foam in limited areas to provide an proper air seal.

Mobile Home Supports – Unified Insulation is one of the only Mobile Home Insulation Companies in the Akron area, and we use spray foam around the base of mobile home supports to stop water from absorbing into the stone and to seal the edges of the plastic vapor barrier. It completely stops moisture from exiting the vapor barrier. This is a single-part foam that requires no mixing and is prepared in ready-to-use cans equipped with nozzles for accuracy.

So in conclusion, if a company is recommending that you use spray foam inside your walls, over your entire attic floor, or in other large areas, be a little wary! This is going to raise the price of your home's insulation dramatically, can cause bad smells that linger in the room, and may not be effective over time when open cell spray foam is used inside walls.

Unified Insulation recommends cellulose insulation for use in outer walls, which we blow in with a blowing machine. This insulation is the most cost effective, made from over 80% of recycled materials, making it the most Eco-friendly and Green insulation, and costing up to half the price of fiberglass, which is generally considered a very affordable insulation! At Unified Insulation we only use spray foam insulation in limited spaces, this saves our customers money and future headaches!

Elevate Energy Efficiency with Sidewall Insulation From Unified Insulation

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:16:47 GMT

Sidewalls form the walls of your home, they are left hollow to allow for other construction to be placed inside, like electrical wires, plumbing, etc.

Eco-friendly and affordable insulation

Sidewalls form the walls of your home, they are left hollow to allow for other construction to be placed inside, like electrical wires, plumbing, etc. At Unified Insulation we fill these hollow spaces with insulation to protect those inside from the elements outside. Since these are spaces sealed by the frame of the home, we must drill into the space in order to place our hose and begin blowing the insulation inside, when finished, the holes are patched and covered by siding!

We densely pack our insulation by using a blowing machine that can add pressure to the hose. Densely packed insulation is the best insulation because it will resist any effects of gravity for up to 20 years. The method we use means that its already packed into every available space and compacted by pressure from our blowing machines for a higher end R-value (The measurement of insulation's resistance to heat exchange)

We use loose-fill cellulose insulation when densely packing sidewall insulation. Its Eco-friendly and more affordable than fiberglass! Cellulose insulation is made from fiberized (meaning ripped and fluffed up), recycled paper, upwards of 80% of the materials are recycled. This makes cellulose insulation more affordable than foam insulation or fiberglass and the most 'Green' insulation currently on the market. This insulation is treated to deter bugs and critters, to reduce flammability, and for sound reduction. For those that want a smaller Eco-footprint, Cellulose insulation is the way to go. Its been said that insulating one home with cellulose insulation is equivalent to 50 years worth of printed newspapers!

The Unified Process

When Unified Insulation comes to your door, we will begin by setting up our thermal cameras to detect temperature differences in real time. Next we will begin removing panels of siding from your home around the 1st and 2nd floor walls, as well as above windows and doors and other places as needed.

Once these panels are removed, we'll begin drilling into the hollow spaces of your sidewalls. Once a row of holes has been drilled, one per hollow cavity, we'll insert our blower hose and start up the machine. Our hose is fitted with an extension that allows us to reach every part of the hollow cavity in your 8 foot walls via just one drilled hole.

We'll watch through the lens of the thermal camera to detect when a cold spot has been filled, the blower tech will also be watching and adjusting the hose to ensure that all of the cavity is filled completely. When we see insulation is coming out of the hole, we know its filled to capacity and we can move onto the next section.

After a row of sections has been completed, we'll replaced the panel of siding and move up a few rows. We'll remove a new section of siding and repeat the process all the way up and on all four sides!

What Can you expect from insulating or re-insulating your home?

The return on investment from reinsulating your home can be up to 117% according to Energy.gov! That means you're adding more value to your home than the project costs. Your year-over-year savings will pay for the costs of the upgrade! You can expect lower energy bills, a warmer and more comfortable environment, less allergies, and a more quiet indoor atmosphere.

Research has shown that 90% of homes are under-insulated according to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code, unless your home is brand new or nearly-new, sadly, the chances are its one of the 90%.

If you want to find out for sure, give Unified Insulation a call today to schedule your free thermal camera inspection and quote (330) 773-7377 .

Prevent Ice Dams with Unified Insulation's Superior Insulation Solutions

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:14:59 GMT

An ice dam is the formation of a large portion of ice over the eaves of your roof space, the part that hangs over the edge of the home. Ice dams form when snow piles up on rooftops, rising heat...

Treat the cause of ice dams, not the symptoms!

Ice Dam Formation

An ice dam is the formation of a large portion of ice over the eaves of your roof space, the part that hangs over the edge of the home. Ice dams form when snow piles up on rooftops, rising heat from attics cause the bottom layers to melt and run down the roof, then the water refreezes over top of attic eaves, which are colder than the rooftop, enough to reform into ice. These little drops all form into a large ice pile right at the edge of your roof. They will contribute to large icicle formations as more and more melted water is able to spill over the dam and refreeze. The ice and water add a great deal of weight to your roof – perhaps more than it can sustain . It can even cause leaks inside the home as the water behind the dam rises up and over the layers of the shingles.

If Ice dams are a problem for your home, give Unified Insulation a call to book a time that works for you. We'll get an estimator out for a free inspection and customized quote to tune up your attic insulation and stop the formation of ice dams in the future! Call 330-773-7377 on weekdays between 7am and 4pm to schedule your service , we have later appointments available on request!

Ice Dam Removal

Its a big enough problem that in the Northern States, like Ohio, companies have cropped up specializing in the removal of ice dams. They use a combination of power washing with heated water and steam machines to gently remove the ice dam without breaking any portions of the roof. Removal can be expensive, so its best to avoid ice dams in the first place.

There are various products on the market that are made to be able to stop ice dams from forming or from becoming too large. Some of the products are electrical and provide heat to the area to melt off ice and snow, this style of product, while effective, will add to your monthly electric bills. Other ice dam prevention products offer a passive way to deal with ice dams by installing ribbed metal panels at the edge of the roof along with snow guards to promote drainage instead of ice formation. While these two solutions may reduce the impact of ice dams, they do not stop the root problem that is causing them in the first place, its just dealing with the side-effects!

Treat the cause

To get to the root of the problem, and why ice dams are forming in the first place, it all comes down to escaping energy and heat from the thermal envelope of the home. If heat is escaping from the attic, it is going to cause snow to melt and you risk ice dam formation . To stop heat escaping from the attic, Unified Insulation Systems' solution is to seal any air leaks, increase your attic insulation, and stop the escape of heat from the lived-in areas of the home – which will stop the root cause of the problem!

Conditioned or Unconditioned Attics

We know the target location to stop the formation of ice dams, the attic, but there is more than one kind of attic. There are generally two types of attics: Conditioned and Unconditioned, and then these divide into subsections of vaulted ceiling attics, attics with drop ceilings, etc. Both main styles require a different solution for insulation and air sealing to prevent ice dams:

A Conditioned attic is unvented, because they're a lived-in part of house that the HVAC reaches. Air is meant to circulate in and out of a conditioned attic to keep the temperature the same as the rest of the home. These are typically attic spaces that are finished or semi-finished and contain a bedroom, storage room, or other space. Insulation in conditioned attics is installed directly under the roof with an air gap, this method will include the conditioned attic space in the homes' thermal envelope.
An Unconditioned attic is a vented attic that is not part of the thermal envelope of the home. Vapors are able to exit the space via ventilation that is not connected to the HVAC. It may consist of venting in the eaves and a vent in the top-rear of the home. Insulation is spread onto the floor of the attic (above the ceiling of the top most floor) and does not insulate the space inside the attic, its more like a lid, the top is sealed to keep heat inside the home below. This keeps the attic space cold, and stops snow from melting on the top of the roof.

Whether conditioned or unconditioned, Unified Insulation Systems will configure a plan to insulate your attic space, seal air leaks, and ensure that ice dams can not form! It's agreed on by experts; insulation and air sealing is the best way to prevent ice dams from ever showing up.

After-Market Mobile Home Insulation: Increase protection to decrease bills

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:12:45 GMT

The fundamentals of aftermarket insulation and its role in enhancing protection for mobile homes.

Lets start with a few facts, one you know and another you might not know: Fact #1: Ohio can get incredibly cold in the winter time. Fact #2: Most of Ohio is in “Climate Zone 5”, which is a set of 7 zones, based on temperatures, from zone 1 being the warmest and zone 7 being frigid and barren. Each of these zones has been studied in depth and the insulation for them has been standardized, providing minimum values required, by the IECC, or the International Energy Conservation Code.

That was quite a mouthful just to explain that Fact #1 stands true, Ohio can get incredibly cold in the winter. So mankind must adapt, overcome, and improvise! Insulation is the best form of protection from cold weather and every comfortable home has it. We are going to focus this blog on Mobile Home insulation, how the manufacturer installed insulation needs a boost for Ohio's winters, and how Unified Insulation Systems can help!

Mobile homes are sent out from the manufacturer with some insulation, about R-19 on the newest models, and as low as R-3 on older models. The sides are insulated with foam boards that are sealed into the panel. This is sufficient insulation for the Southern States, but up North, here in Ohio, even the best from the manufacturer is about half of the insulation that you want on your home.

Unified Insulation Systems adds an underbelly and insulates the bottom Mobile Homes. Because mobile home sidewalls are sealed at the factory, we aren't able to add any insulation into the sides of a mobile home, but the bottom is always accessible and attic space is occasionally accessible, so we focus on insulating primarily the flooring and then the attic if we are able to access it.

First we prep the areas, removing old and damaged insulation, if present, removing the plastic liner that stops vapors that rise off of the ground, removing any vented panels under the home that are damaged, cracked, incorrectly placed, or otherwise ineffective. We'll also take a look at your duct work and check if they're still wrapped with insulation, and if that insulation is in good shape.

After the prep is complete, we'll attach an underbelly liner, referred to as 'belly paper' which is a breathable woven sheet that is attached to support beams. This is intentionally left a little bit loose, so that lightweight fiberglass insulation can be blown into the liner until filled, which will then hold it tightly against the bottom of the home. The underbelly will have a bubbly appearance when complete, due to being filled and attached at different places. This insulation will have an R-value of 38, meaning its double what the best insulation from the manufacturer provides!

We will also insulate and seal any duct work that isn't insulated or has damaged insulation. This ensures that hot and cold air blown into the home stays as warm or cold as it can during transportation. Because duct work is underneath a mobile home and exposed to outdoor temperatures, these ducts are more vulnerable to temperature variants. The ducts are also often made from aluminum, which changes temperature easily, making it more vulnerable when uninsulated.

Insulation will also seal off any air leaks in the duct work, a spot that often lets go of a lot of heated or cooled air, which costs the owner extra money. Wrapping them in insulation is a good step to take towards saving money on energy costs and increasing the comfort of those indoors.

Finally we will attach vented panels to the skirt of the mobile home. This keeps critters out, while still allowing the mobile home to breathe. Critters are a top source of damage to insulation, especially fiberglass, so caution must be taken to make sure they cannot enter the underside of a mobile home or modular home. If you would like to see Unified Insulation's page on mobile home insulation and its processes, cli…

After Unified Insulation has insulated and weatherized your mobile home, there are Government tax credits to take advantage of, up to $1200! We will provide the documentation so that you can apply for the rebates when filing your taxes, using form 5696 – Residential Energy Credits, provided by the IRS and found online at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf

While this sounds amazing, having a fully insulated and weather sealed mobile or modular home, homeowners may still worry about paying for this upgrade, and we completely understand! This is why Unified Insulation is partners with the NEIF, the National Energy Improvement Fund, which provides fixed rate monthly payment plans for energy and resilience home improvements. This lets homeowners spread out the cost of insulation upgrades into smaller payments instead of paying for it all at once! Here is the page with all the information on financing: https://www.unifiedinsulation.com/insulation-financing-options

Unified Insulation cares about your comfort, both physically and financially! Give us a call at 330-773-7377 for a free inspection with our thermal imaging systems, and a free quote for your upgraded mobile home insulation!

What Does Perfect Attic Insulation Look Like?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:09:11 GMT

If it doesn't look like the above photos, it probably isn't sufficient, and Unified Insulation can help!

Perfect attic insulation in NE Ohio requires that the rafters are completely covered by the fiberglass or cellulose insulation, from 14 to 16 inches deep, or more, depending on the style of home we're insulating. Perfect insulation also requires that the insulation is spread out evenly, with several measuring sticks at various locations to make sure there is uniform coverage.

The access panel should have sufficient coverage and depth to form a proper seal, so no warm air is able to rise out of the hatch. This is one of the potential weak spots of the thermal envelope, so care should be taken to customize the insulation on the access panel.

Any air ducts should be wrapped in addition to insulation placed around or over them. Cold air should stay as cold as it can in delivery to your vents, as well as the warm air from your furnace.

The benefits of perfect attic insulation show up in various forms, one we love to point out is the return-on-investment of attic insulation because its in the positives! The ROI on attic insulation is 117%. This means it adds more value than it costs. The home will be valued at a higher dollar amount, the home will save money on energy bills each month, and the occupants will be more comfortable, no matter what the outdoor weather is like.

If you're thinking about attic insulation, give Unified Insulation a call for a free thermal camera inspection and a quote for our perfect attic insulation. Its one of the best upgrades you can make to your home, increasing its value and increasing your comfort. We have financing partners and there are Government tax rebates to be taken advantage of! Call (330) 773-7377 or visit our project page to see some our of different insulation projects!

Garage Door Installation in Akron, Ohio: A Complete Guide from Unified Insulation Systems

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:05:12 GMT

When planning home upgrades, garage doors might not be the first item on your list, but they should be. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing one, replacing or maintaining ...

Professional Repairs, Installs & Maintenance - Fast and Reliable.

When it comes to protecting your home increasing energy efficiency, and boosting curb appeal, your garage door plays a bigger role than you might think. At Unified Insulation Systems , we specialize in professional garage door installation in Akron and Northeast Ohio , offering durable, energy-efficient, and attractive solutions to fit every home and budget.

Whether you're replacing an outdated door or selecting one for new construction, here’s what you need to know to make the right choice!

Why Choose Unified Insulation Systems?

With over 30 years of experience in home insulation and energy efficiency , Unified Insulation Systems brings expert craftsmanship and local knowledge to every job. Our customers choose us for:

High-quality garage door installation in Akron and Northeast Ohio
Friendly, professional service
Competitive pricing and financing options
Energy-efficient solutions tailored to Ohio weather

We don’t just sell garage doors—we help protect your home from the inside out.

Why Upgrade Your Garage Door?

If your garage door is older, loud, drafty, or simply outdated, replacing it could be one of the smartest home upgrades you make this year. Benefits of a new residential garage door replacement include:

Improved energy efficiency with insulated door panels
Enhanced security and peace of mind
Increased property value and curb appeal
Quieter, smoother operation with modern openers
Lower maintenance costs

Many homeowners in Ohio are choosing insulated garage doors to keep their garages—and their homes—more comfortable year-round.

Types of Garage Doors We Install

At Unified Insulation Systems, we install a variety of garage door styles to suit both function and design preferences:

Sectional Garage Doors – The most common residential style, made of horizontal panels that slide upward.
Roll-Up Garage Doors – Great for commercial spaces or garages with limited ceiling space.
Carriage-Style Garage Doors – Add rustic charm with the look of old barn doors and the functionality of modern openers.
Modern Garage Doors with Glass Panels – Perfect for contemporary homes.

Each style we install is fully customizable to match your home’s aesthetic.

Garage Door Materials That Last

Choosing the right garage door material ensures long-term durability and efficiency:

Steel Garage Doors – Affordable, strong, and low maintenance. Ideal for most homes in Ohio.
Wood Garage Doors – Customizable and classic, but require more upkeep.
Aluminum Garage Doors – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; great for modern designs.
Vinyl and Fiberglass Garage Doors – Dent-resistant and energy-efficient.

Our experts will help you compare materials based on insulation, durability, and budget.

Trusted Garage Door Brands We Install

We only install garage doors from manufacturers we trust for quality, durability, and style. Our most popular options include:

C.H.I. Overhead Doors
Haas Door
Midland Garage Door

These brands offer a variety of styles, colors, and insulation options to fit your home and your budget.

How Much Does a New Garage Door Cost?

Garage door replacement costs vary depending on materials, size, insulation, and hardware. On average, homeowners spend between $1,300 and $6,300 . At Unified Insulation Systems, we offer:

Free consultations and estimates
Competitive pricing
Expert installation
Flexible design options to match your home's architecture

Looking to boost your home’s value? A new garage door offers one of the best returns on investment for any home upgrade.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Keep your new garage door working smoothly with these simple maintenance tips:

Lubricate tracks, rollers, and hinges twice a year
Tighten bolts and hardware
Clean the exterior regularly to prevent rust or wear
Test the auto-reverse and manual release features for safety

Routine maintenance extends the lifespan of your investment and helps you avoid emergency repairs.

Get a Free Garage Door Quote in Akron, Ohio

Ready to upgrade your garage door? Contact Unified Insulation Systems today to schedule a free estimate for garage door installation or learn more about our energy-saving solutions.

Call us at 330-773-7377 !

Avoid Garage Door Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:05:07 GMT

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used components of your home! - And yet it's often the most overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance.

Stop Problems Before They Start with Routine Garage Door Care

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used components of your home! - And yet it's often the most overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance. While it may seem to be working just fine day after day, skipping regular upkeep can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and even safety hazards.

The good news? Most garage door issues are preventable with just a little attention a couple of times a year.

Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters

A garage door isn’t just a convenience—it’s a system of moving parts that work together to safely lift and lower hundreds of pounds of weight. Over time, these parts can wear out, loosen, or go out of alignment.

Here’s why regular maintenance is worth your time:

Simple Maintenance Checklist

Here are a few tasks you can perform yourself every 6 months:

Visual Inspection : Look for frayed cables, bent tracks, rust, or worn weather stripping.
Tighten Hardware : Use a socket wrench to secure any loose bolts or brackets.
Lubricate Moving Parts : Apply a silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks.
Test Auto-Reverse : Place a piece of wood in the door’s path and close it. The door should reverse immediately.
Clean the Door : Remove dirt and grime from the surface and tracks using a mild detergent and water.

Reminder: Always disconnect the garage door opener and use caution when working around springs or cables. If you’re unsure, contact the Garage Door Professionals at Unified Insulation Systems, 330-773-7377

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, others should be left to trained technicians. Contact the garage door specialists at Unified Insulation Systems if:

Your garage door doesn’t open or close properly
You hear grinding, squealing, or popping noises
The springs look worn, broken, or stretched
The cables appear frayed or loose
Your door is uneven or sagging on one side

Professional maintenance includes a full inspection, spring tension adjustment, track alignment, safety test, and lubrication of all components. At Unified Insulation Systems, we recommend scheduling a tune-up once a year to increase the lifespan of your garage door system. Give us a call at 330-773-7377

Keep It Moving with Routine Care

Your garage door works hard every day, don’t wait until it fails to give it the attention it deserves. With regular maintenance, you can keep it running smoothly, extend its lifespan, and avoid surprise breakdowns that disrupt your day and drain your wallet.

Need help? Call Unified Insulation Systems today for garage door maintenance service and protect your investment for years to come! Unified Insulation Systems is here to help you!

1. Prevent Expensive Repairs

Small issues like a loose bolt or worn roller can quickly lead to major problems. Regular inspections help catch these early, saving you money in the long run.

2. Extend the Life of Your Door

A well-maintained garage door system can last 15 to 30 years. Without maintenance, that lifespan could be cut in half due to avoidable damage.

3. Improve Safety

Garage doors can be dangerous when components fail. Faulty springs or malfunctioning sensors can cause injuries or property damage. Maintenance keeps safety features functioning properly.

4. Enhance Performance

Squeaky, slow, or jerky movements are signs your garage door needs attention. Maintenance ensures smooth and quiet operation every time you open or close it.

5. Maintain Home Value and Curb Appeal

A dirty or rusty garage door not only looks neglected—it reflects poorly on your home. Regular cleaning and care help maintain a clean, updated appearance.

Why Garage Doors Are One of the Best Investments for Your Home

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:32:54 GMT

When planning home upgrades, garage doors might not be the first item on your list, but they should be. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing one, replacing or maintaining ...

Enhancing Curb Appeal, Energy Efficiency, and Home Security in One Smart Upgrade

When planning home upgrades, garage doors might not be the first item on your list, but they should be. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing one, replacing or maintaining your garage door offers significant value. In fact, it’s one of the top-ranked home improvement projects for return on investment (ROI).

Return on Investment: A Smart Upgrade

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine , replacing a garage door delivers an average ROI of over 150%!! That means homeowners can often recoup more than the cost of the project when they sell their homes, its actually free money!

Why such a strong return?

Enhanced Curb Appeal: A new garage door instantly updates the look of a home, contributing up to 30% of its front-facing exterior.

Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern garage doors are better insulated, reducing energy costs, especially if your garage is attached to your home.

Increased Security & Smart Features: Upgraded models offer better locks, smart openers, and safety enhancements that appeal to today’s buyers.

For new construction homes, choosing high-quality garage doors helps set the tone for the overall build, boosting both perceived value and functionality from day one.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Garage Door Lifespan

Regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment and ensuring smooth operation. Whether your door is new or a few years old, follow these maintenance tips to keep it in top shape:

1. Lubricate Moving Parts

Use a silicone-based lubricant every six months on rollers, hinges, and springs to reduce friction and noise.

2. Inspect Hardware Regularly

Check for loose bolts, worn cables, or signs of stress on the springs and tracks. Tighten and replace parts as needed.

3. Clean the Door Surface

Wash the door with mild soap and water a few times a year. Repaint or reseal wood and metal surfaces to prevent corrosion and weather damage.

4. Test Auto-Reverse Safety Features

Place an object in the door’s path and ensure it reverses upon contact. Test the photo-eye sensors by waving an object in front of them while closing the door.

5. Replace Weatherstripping

Inspect and replace cracked or brittle bottom seals to keep out drafts, moisture, and pests.

Final Thoughts

Garage doors aren’t just a functional feature—they’re a key component of your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and safety! Whether you’re building new or renovating, a well-chosen and well-maintained garage door offers long-term value and peace of mind.

Need help with your next garage door installation or maintenance? Unified Insulation Systems is here to ensure your system looks great and works flawlessly all year round. Contact us today for expert service and support. Call 330-773-7377 to set up your free Garage Door Inspection and Quote today!

Wild Weather Ahead in Akron

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:29:24 GMT

Akron and all of NE Ohio have gone through some wide ranging winter temperatures, from frigid temps of negative 16 degrees (We got so many calls that week) to spring-like sunny days approaching 60!

Hello Akron Ohio! Its been a wild weather forecast since our last insulation blog...

Akron and all of NE Ohio have gone through some wide ranging winter temperatures, from frigid temps of negative 16 degrees (We got so many calls that week) to spring-like sunny days approaching 60! Now, currently, all of NE Ohio is covered in a layer of ice and slush. I've said it before, if you live in Ohio, this insane weather is pretty common – we somehow manage to slip and slide our way around everyday.

Those of us at Unified Insulation wonder: How protected is your home from these wild temperature swings? Is your heat drifting right out of your home and causing your furnace to work harder than ever - Increasing your energy bills? We offer free thermal testing to show you just where your home may be vulnerable! Then we'll provide a plan and a quote to protect your home against the elements, whether hot or cold!

Insulation works year round to keep your energy, whether hot or cold, inside of your home – its called a Thermal Envelope. When you're protected on all sides, the hot or cold air from your HVAC stays where you are, keeping you comfortable! We want to tightly seal your home so that your energy stays inside, your family is comfortable, and your energy bills don't get out of control!

Attic insulation is one of the most important insulation placements, if not THE most important, because heat rises and wood/shingles are poor insulators. Your lost heat could literally be melting snow off of your roof, a sure sign that your attic insulation is not enough to do its job! Rafters should be buried deeply under a layer of insulation (in an unfinished attic) to a depth of at least 16 inches for an R-value of 49. This is the recommended protection value to withstand NE Ohio's wild temperature swings!

Attic insulation actually provides more Return-on-Investment than it costs! At up to 117% ROI, adding fiberglass insulation to your attic improves the value of your home, more than the cost of the insulation!

The 2nd most important place to insulate is your basement, this is because of the Stack Effect. Warm air rising to the upper portions of your home causes drafts to enter in the lower portions, as air is pulled upward, more air must fill the void below. If your basement is unfinished, has exposed rim joists and pipe openings, its practically guaranteed to have cold spots, air gaps, and contributing greatly to the stack effect!

Just having your rim joists (The part above the foundation that meets the basement ceiling) insulated can have an incredible effect at sealing air gaps and preventing cold air from entering. During winter, rim joists are a major source of heat loss, they're exposed to outside air and usually have multiple pipe penetrations that allow outside air to enter. We have a short video showing basement spray foam insulation on YouTube if you'd like to see our process for insulating rim joists!

Watch Unified Insulation in action, applying spray foam to basement rim joists:

If your home has been extra cold this winter, and you're feeling it - despite pushing your HVAC to the max, your insulation may be to blame!

Unified Insulation offers blower door testing ( Free to the first 15 customers who view our latest video here: https://youtu.be/Sz92dLeWxyQ Mention the free test when you book your appointment !) so that you can see just where the cold is entering your home, thru the lens of a thermal camera. Check out the cold spots we highlighted in the video, your house could be similar!

Call today to schedule your free thermal inspection and quote, and take advantage of the free blower door testing while it lasts! Dial (330) 352-4456 to speak with Jeremiah and schedule a time that works for you!

We have later appointments after hours, on request, to meet the needs of all of our busy customers and we also offer financing, so you can also enjoy more comfortable payments!

There are also government rebates to take advantage of, up to $3200 every year , when qualifying energy efficient upgrades are made. We'll help you with the paperwork, and provide the documentation that you need for the rebate!

Enjoy your more comfortable home, a better protected home, save money on energy bills, and get tax rebates – There is nothing not to love!!

Stay Cool During Summer Heat: Home Upgrades That Really Help

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:27:01 GMT

Spring is here, the lawnmowers are out in force - battling tall grass due to the past month of rain here in NE Ohio

The weather is changing and many homes are running both heating and air conditioning on the same day. Air conditioning is generally cheaper to run than the heater and families will notice a bit of relief on their energy bills due to the change.

But what if we told you that you and your home can benefit even more this year – and that spring is a great time to do it? Here are some recommendations from Unified Insulation Systems that will save you money, and improve the value of your home at the same time!

'Just tell me already' right? OK – Its your insulation! Or perhaps lack of insulation...

Here is a true story; My daughter is renovating her cottage-core home into a more perfect version of itself, redoing the kitchen, living room, office, and entrance, basically the entire lower floor. Upon tearing out the old drywall, they discovered that there was zip, zero, no insulation to be seen in their walls. They were shocked to say the least. As they put it all together in their heads, its no wonder the kitchen had drafts, and the living room was always cold in the winter and roasting in the summer!

Unfortunately that story is all too common in the insulation industry. One study in 2006 came to the conclusion that 90% of American homes were under-insulated! If your home was built before or around the 70's or 80's, chances are that your home is one of the ones included in that study!

Insulation can prevent energy loss (by this I mean both hot and cold air) by a large margin. In the walls, you're looking at saving around 35% more of your energy. The attic and roof account for another 25%, the floors and basement are 15%, and stopping drafts will save another 15% of your energy. This adds up quickly to big savings every month!

As I mentioned earlier, Spring is a great time to insulate or to reinsulate your home (insulation does age and become less effective, requiring eventual replacement). While most attention to insulation is given in the Winter, when you're cold and uncomfortable, Spring brings warm days and outdoor enjoyment, its a much more comfortable time to have your home insulated!

Want more? Air Sealing is our 2nd recommended upgrade! Sealing around doors, windows, pipes, basement rim joists and any other portion of the home that touches the outdoors will stop outside air from entering or exiting the home. Many small air leaks add up to big overall air changes in the home, if this exceeds the recommended amount per hour, you're basically blowing your heat or A/C right outside, not cool! I recall many fathers saying 'I'm not heating the whole neighborhood”...but you might be!

These two upgrades will work hand in hand to make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more valuable! In fact, the return on investment, from attic insulation alone, is 117% according to Energy.gov! That means it adds more value than it costs, but who is interested in FREE MONEY anyways?

So to wrap it up, insulation and air sealing are two of the most easy home upgrades to increase energy efficiency, savings, and comfort – and Unified Insulation offers both! We also have financing available so that no one has to worry about paying for these upgrades up front! More please! – Unified Insulation blows competition away with a 10 year warranty on blown-in cellulose insulation ensuring that you'll be covered and problem free for a decade!

Just a side note: If a company says they have a lifetime warranty on their insulation, they're lying. No insulation will last a lifetime. We have seen foam in walls that has sucked moisture out of woodwork in the frame, shrunk, and actually created air gaps where there is no insulation at all. This foam had a 'lifetime warranty' and we were still able to put TWENTY 25lb bags into the walls – meaning that the foam was withered away to nothing and turned to dust at the slightest touch.

If you want quality insulation that lasts, give Unified Insulation Systems a call to book your complimentary inspection with our thermal cameras and your free quote! We'll show you just where your home is vulnerable and provide our plan of action! Call (330) 773-7377 to speak to one of our team members, ask questions, and schedule your inspection!

The weather is changing and many homes are running both heating and air conditioning on the same day. Air conditioning is generally cheaper to run than the heater and families will ...