Legacy Expertise Meets Modern Applications

Spray Foam Magazine – Fall 2025 – DeVere Insulation Home Performance exemplifies how institutional knowledge translates into superior retrofit results. Born from DeVere Insulation’s commercial foundation established in 1987 as one of Maryland’s largest independent contractors, the residential division launched in 2009 under Manager Michelle Griffith’s leadership—perfectly timed to capitalize on emerging energy efficiency programs.

“Our focus since 2009 has been enhancing comfort and energy efficiency in existing homes, aligning with evolving homeowner needs and industry trajectories,” explains Griffith. This strategic positioning allowed DeVere to leverage decades of commercial building science expertise on Maryland’s challenging residential housing stock.

Today, DeVere specializes in high-performance spray foam applications targeting the most critical building envelope failures: attics and crawlspaces. Their partnership with Enverge has proven instrumental in delivering comprehensive air and thermal barriers that transform problematic structures into high-performing homes.

Crawlspace Transformations: NexSeal Applications

Maryland’s typical crawlspaces present multiple challenges: moisture intrusion, poor air quality, and thermal inefficiencies. DeVere’s teams deploy Enverge NexSeal closed-cell spray foam as their go-to solution for these demanding environments.

At 2.0 lb. density, NexSeal’s rigid closed-cell structure provides robust moisture and vapor control—essential for Maryland’s humid climate. Applied to foundation walls and rim joists, it creates monolithic adhesion that simultaneously seals air infiltration, excludes pests, and adds structural rigidity to the building assembly.

A recent project showcased these capabilities perfectly: a 75-year-old home with severely compromised fiberglass batts from condensation damage. DeVere’s crew removed the failing insulation, installed ground vapor barriers, and applied two inches of NexSeal to the walls, with four inches of Enverge EasySeal on adjacent above-grade rim joists. A de-humidifier was also added to help eliminate existing condensation.

The transformation was immediate. The encapsulated crawlspace eliminated moisture while stabilizing interior temperatures. The sealed environment reduced HVAC workload and protected structural elements from rot—demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of properly executed closed-cell applications. The homeowners can also look forward to warmer winter floors and lower heating costs.

Attic Excellence: EasySeal Open-Cell Solutions

For attic applications, DeVere consistently recommends Enverge EasySeal open-cell spray foam. The 0.5 lb. density material’s expansion characteristics make it ideal for complex roof deck geometries, filling every gap and thermal bridge that traditional insulation cannot address.

By moving the thermal boundary to the roofline, DeVere creates semi-conditioned attics that dramatically reduce temperature extremes. This approach particularly benefits homes with attic-located HVAC equipment, bringing critical systems inside the conditioned envelope for optimal performance.

In one retrofit project, DeVere removed deteriorated fiberglass batts and applied four inches of EasySeal directly to the roof deck. The unvented attic assembly eliminated stack effect air leakage—a primary source of energy loss that fiberglass cannot control. The continuous air barrier created by the spray foam application can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 40% while extending HVAC equipment life through stable operating conditions.

The installation also delivered enhanced indoor air quality by preventing dust and pollutant infiltration, plus superior acoustic performance—added benefits that differentiate spray foam from traditional insulation approaches.

Industry Recognition and Technical Excellence

DeVere’s performance credentials reflect their technical mastery. The residential division maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s Century Club Award annually from 2012 to 2024—recognition reserved for contractors improving 100+ homes per year.

Manager Michelle Griffith’s industry leadership extends beyond company operations. Her role as Chair of the Maryland Building Performance Association and the company’s designation as a “Business Champion of Energy Efficiency” for EmPOWER Maryland advocacy work demonstrates their commitment to elevating industry standards.

This institutional expertise translates directly into installation quality. DeVere’s stable, highly trained crews understand the nuances of spray foam application in challenging retrofit environments—knowledge that prevents costly installation failures and ensures long-term performance.

EmPOWER Maryland Partnership

DeVere’s community impact extends through their authorized contractor status with major utilities including SMECO and Delmarva Power. Their participation in Maryland’s Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) provides zero out-of-pocket energy improvements for qualifying households, making advanced spray foam solutions accessible to underserved populations.

The process typically begins with subsidized Home Energy Assessments using diagnostic tools like blower door testing to quantify air leakage and identify optimization opportunities. DeVere guides clients through available rebate structures, making high-performance spray foam applications financially viable while supporting Maryland’s broader sustainability objectives.

Strategic Materials Partnership

DeVere’s alignment with Enverge reflects their commitment to premium materials that deliver measurable results. NexSeal’s Class II vapor retarder performance at 1.5+ inches thickness, combined with low VOC emissions, addresses both moisture control and indoor air quality concerns. EasySeal’s expansion characteristics and air-sealing capabilities provide the comprehensive envelope improvements that traditional materials cannot match.

This materials partnership enables DeVere to specify solutions based on performance requirements rather than cost constraints—an approach that delivers superior long-term value for homeowners and strengthens their reputation for technical excellence.

From commercial origins to specialized residential retrofitting, DeVere Insulation Home Performance has built Maryland’s premier reputation for spray foam applications. Their strategic focus on attics and crawlspaces, supported by Enverge’s advanced materials, transforms inefficient Maryland structures into high-performing homes while advancing statewide energy efficiency goals.

Through technical expertise, industry leadership, and community commitment, DeVere demonstrates how experienced contractors can leverage spray foam technology to solve complex building envelope challenges—setting the standard for residential retrofit excellence in the Mid-Atlantic region.  

Contact Enverge If you have any questions about any of Enverge’s spray foam products or services: 713-239-0252 // EnvergeSprayFoam.com

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