Modernizing a Piece of History

Spray Foam Magazine – Late Summer 2025 – In the heart of Georgia, a remarkable transformation is underway, bridging the gap between historical charm and modern efficiency. Mick Rodemeyer and his wife, Samantha, are giving their early-1800s home a significant retrofit, while a new garage/workshop on the same property is being built with high-performance standards from the ground up. Central to this project is the strategic application of Enverge spray foam insulation, an innovative solution designed to elevate energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment for both old and new structures.

The challenge with older homes often lies in their inherent inefficiencies. The Rodemeyer’s relied on traditional insulation methods, including fiberglass batts, which were hanging loose or missing entirely from large sections. While these materials served their purpose in their time, they fall short of contemporary performance expectations, and the holistic approach required for true energy conservation in such a grand old structure demanded a more advanced solution. This retrofit aims to respectfully preserve the home’s historic character while integrating cutting-edge technology to bring its performance firmly into the 21st century.

In a project of this scope, insulation becomes a critical component, impacting everything from utility bills to indoor air quality and overall comfort. The decision to incorporate five and a half inches of Enverge EasySeal open-cell spray foam insulation into the roof deck of the existing home is a testament to its superior capabilities in creating an optimal thermal barrier. The inherent versatility of Enverge EasySeal makes it suitable for diverse applications, from the intricate challenges of insulating a multi-generational home to the straightforward demands of a new, high-performance ancillary building.

Simultaneously, the new garage/workshop construction on the property presents an ideal opportunity to implement high-performance building practices from conception. Samantha owns and manages Secondhand Devotion, a popular antique store that emphasizes French antiques, and needed space to grow her business. The top floor of the new building will house her showroom, meaning optimum insulation was needed to ensure her delicate antique pieces are protected from the extreme temperatures experienced with Georgia summers and winters.

Unlike a retrofit that adapts to existing structures, new construction allows for seamless integration of advanced materials and techniques. Here, five and a half inches of Enverge spray foam was applied in the roof deck, as well as three and a half inches in the wall, playing a pivotal role in establishing a highly efficient and durable new space.

Enverge spray foam insulation offers a multitude of benefits that make it an ideal choice for both the historic home retrofit and the new high-performance garage/workshop. Its ability to create an airtight seal is paramount, as it drastically reduces uncontrolled air leakage, a major culprit in energy waste. This superior air barrier translates directly into a more stable and consistent indoor temperature, minimizing the strain on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For the Rodemeyers, this means significant reductions in monthly heating and cooling costs, offering a tangible return on investment.

This Georgia project exemplifies how innovative building materials like Enverge spray foam are enabling a new era of construction and renovation. It demonstrates that “bringing something old up to date” doesn’t mean sacrificing character but rather enhancing it with modern comforts and efficiencies. Concurrently, “building something new with high performance” leverages the best available technologies to create spaces that are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable, durable, and sustainable from day one. The synergy between historical preservation and forward-thinking construction, facilitated by advanced insulation solutions, is setting a new standard for property owners seeking to blend the best of both worlds.  

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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