Building a new home in the Tulsa area? The insulation decisions you make now will impact your energy costs, comfort, and indoor air quality for decades to come. Spray foam insulation gives new construction projects superior performance that traditional fiberglass simply cannot match.
At Tulsa Spray Foam Experts, we partner with builders, contractors, and homeowners throughout the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan Area to deliver insulation solutions that meet the 2021 IECC energy codes and position homes for outstanding HERS ratings.
2021 IECC Requirements for Climate Zone 3
Oklahoma has adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which sets minimum insulation requirements for new residential construction in Climate Zone 3:
Ceiling
R-38
minimum requirement
Walls
R-20 or R-13+5
cavity + continuous
Floor
R-19
over unconditioned space
Beyond R-value requirements, the 2021 IECC also mandates air sealing and testing. Spray foam insulation helps builders meet both requirements simultaneously, providing insulation and air barrier in a single application.
Why Builders Choose Spray Foam
Meet Air Sealing Requirements
The 2021 IECC requires blower door testing with maximum air leakage of 5 ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 pascals). Spray foam's inherent air-sealing properties help builders consistently pass these tests, avoiding costly rework.
Achieve Better HERS Ratings
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index measures a home's energy efficiency. Lower scores mean better efficiency. Spray foam insulation typically helps homes achieve HERS scores 15-25% better than code-minimum construction with fiberglass.
Reduce Callbacks
Comfort complaints are a leading source of builder callbacks. Spray foam creates consistent thermal performance throughout the home, eliminating the hot and cold spots that generate homeowner complaints.
Differentiate Your Homes
Energy efficiency is a top priority for today's homebuyers. Builders who offer spray foam insulation can market superior comfort, lower utility costs, and better indoor air quality as standard features.
New Construction Applications
Exterior Walls
Closed-cell foam in 2x4 or 2x6 walls meets code with superior air sealing and moisture resistance.
Rooflines & Attics
Create conditioned attic spaces that protect HVAC equipment and ductwork from extreme temperatures.
Rim Joists & Band Boards
Critical air sealing at the foundation-to-floor junction prevents major energy losses.
Bonus Rooms
Ensure finished spaces over garages or in attics are as comfortable as the rest of the home.
Basement & Crawl Space Walls
Control moisture and insulate foundation walls for conditioned below-grade spaces.
HERS Rating Benefits
Homes with spray foam insulation and proper air sealing typically score in the 50-60 range, well below code-minimum construction. This translates to real monthly savings for homeowners and a strong selling point for builders.
Our Builder Partnership Program
- Project Coordination: We work with your construction schedule, installing at the optimal point in your build process
- Consistent Pricing: Volume pricing for builders with multiple projects in the Tulsa area
- Code Compliance: We ensure all work meets or exceeds 2021 IECC requirements
- Documentation: Complete R-value and coverage documentation for inspections
- Blower Door Support: We help you pass air leakage testing on the first attempt