Optimizing Building Envelopes
Stony Creek Services insulates buildings across the US
Stony Creek Services, Inc. is in the business of solving problems. “We work with customers to provide services and technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce noise and optimize acoustics,” says President Anton Cornellier.
Headquartered in Westland, Michigan, and with offices in Galesburg, Michigan, and a satellite office in McLean, Virginia, the company is a premier provider of insulation solutions throughout the Great Lakes and tri-state area of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. “We serve customers from Wisconsin all the way to the Eastern Seaboard,” Cornellier says.
The company has years of experience with spray-applied cellulose and spray polyurethane foam and batt/blown fiberglass and cellulose, providing thermal insulation that not only saves on heating and cooling costs, but also provides healthier office and living environments. “As energy costs rise, there is a greater demand for all types of insulation services,” Cornellier says.
Stony Creek Services uses spray-applied K-13 products manufactured by International Cellulose Corporation to meet customer needs for reducing noise and optimizing acoustics. The company is one of just a few installers in the tri-state region of K-13 insulation, a spray-applied cellulose insulation that serves as its own exposed finish.
The spray foam market has increased every year, according to Cornellier. “Traditionally, spray foam was used in industrial applications, but as energy prices rise, it has become increasingly cost effective in both commercial and residential applications,” he says. Cornellier explains that spray foam provides superior condensation control and fully adheres to the substrate to stop air infiltration.
Protecting Roofs
According to Cornellier, Stony Creek Services is the largest spray foam insulator in Michigan. In addition to wall insulation, the company also insulates roofs. “Our spray foam products protect roofs, providing additional thermal insulation, he says. After application, the foam is coated with silicone or an elastomeric coating that shields the spray-foam roof from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This ultimately prolongs the life of the roof, says Cornellier. The company can install its roofing systems on existing structures or can provide for the removal of an existing roofing assembly, installing the spray foam on a new roofing membrane.
Stony Creek Services recently added air barrier applications to its suite of services. “We install a wide variety of air and vapor barrier systems,” Cornellier says. “Air barrier systems can improve building performance by reducing operating costs.” He explains that an air-and-vapor barrier system minimizes uncontrolled leakage. “This allows for greater control over temperature and humidity, reducing the potential for mold growth and improving air quality,” he says.
The company’s 15,000-square-foot warehouse in Galesburg, Michigan, provides ample product storage, giving Stony Creek Services the ability to quickly mobilize materials needed for fast-paced projects. “We store several days of materials—enough to accommodate any size project,” Cornellier says.
“Stony Creek Services has been a tremendous asset to our organization,” says Brian Finos, manager of facilities for National Heritage Academies. We manage a large portfolio of schools, and having service partners who can respond quickly, professionally and without a lot of hand-holding is extremely valuable to us.”
The company is an NCFI Polyurethanes’ GoldStar Insulation Contractor and is ABAA-certified and a certified K-13 installer with the Air Barrier Association of America.
Noteworthy Projects
Among Cornellier’s favorite projects is one at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. “We insulated the walls in the new football stadium expansion,” he says. “I’m a big football fan, and we spent a lot of time on campus. I fell in love with the place.”
Two other noteworthy projects were also for sports complexes. The company completed a large project at the University of Michigan, installing K-13 insulation at the football stadium expansion. At the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Stony Creek Services completed one of their biggest insulation projects to date.
Stellar Reputation
Cornellier and two friends, James Sullivan and Ed Ura, purchased Stony Creek Services in 2001. At the time, Cornellier was working in sales for the steel industry. “The steel industry was shrinking, and I was looking for a change,” he says. “One of my customers invited me to join the golf league at the local country club. I met Al Armstrong, then current owner of Stony Creek Services. He was looking to retire, and we thought it was a great opportunity.”
From Armstrong’s basement, Cornellier spent six months shadowing Armstrong to learn the ins and outs of the insulation business. “Al stayed on our payroll for two years to help with the transition,” he says.
Cornellier says he was fortunate to purchase a company with a stellar reputation. “Since opening its doors in 1982, Stony Creek Services has always been well regarded in the community, offering great products and fantastic employees who know what they’re doing.”
As Cornellier learned the business and the company started to grow, he hired additional employees. “I remember our first million-dollar project. We provided insulation services at the ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin,” he says. “We had been in business three or four years at that point. I walked into my first project meeting with the general contractor and 25 other people in the room. I walked out with three pages of questions I needed to answer.”
At the end of the project, the architect conducted a thermal scan of the building. “The insulation was perfect—no leaks. The client was extremely happy with our work and said they didn’t care how much the project cost to see that result,” Cornellier says.
A Talented Team
Cornellier credits a talented team of employees with the company’s success. “Our crews are very well trained and are experts in what they do,” he says. “Employees understand that we have a reputation to maintain. We don’t have to micromanage them; they have a strong work ethic.”
Stony Creek Services has several longtime employees, including two generations from one family. “Floyd McFall came to work with the company at the age of 19 and has been working here for almost 40 years. His two sons now work for us as well,” he says.
Cornellier appreciates knowing his company has made a mark on hundreds of buildings across the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard. “It’s gratifying to travel around and see all the buildings our company has worked in,” he says. “I am extremely proud of my company and our hard-working employees. They’re helping to make a real difference for our customers.”