Problems With Spray Foam Insulation In Attics

Spray foam insulation can solve problems that other insulation materials can t.

Problems with spray foam insulation in attics. Problems with spray foam insulation in attics. There are several majors spray foam installation problems that have been associated with the use and application of spray foam in a home some of these problems will vary based on how much of the spray foam is used where it is placed who applies the spray foam and the conditions in this environment. Using icynene spray foam as your attic insulation will turn your attic into a conditioned space. It will also help keep any duct leaks within the conditioned space of your attic.

The problems with spray foam insulation in attics comes down to the initial installation. This will allow for optimal operation of your hvac equipment as well as aid in early detection of situations such as roof leaks and wind driven moisture intrusion. Spray foam installers may miss some of the air leakage sites in the attic which can lead to problems in the insulation of the attic. Just like with any other product as something becomes more popular there will be an increase in misuse.

But what happens to that attic space when you move it inside. The use of spray foam attic can present many potential problems especially when it comes to the improper installation of this material within this area of your home. In fact spray foam insulation can help avoid problems like these. Joe lstiburek has been saying for a while now that we can t just ignore the.

What goes right and what goes wrong. Unvented attics sometimes called sealed enclosed or encapsulated attics feature insulation on the underside of the roof decking rather than on the attic floor. By doing so you bring the attic inside the building enclosure. A lot of builders and homeowners are going with spray foam insulation because of the airtightness benefits but then the questioner mentioned that the spray foam contractor had intentionally left big holes to the outside by not sealing the gable vents.

In an unvented attic scenario to limit air leakage as well as any associated condensation at the roof line a continuous air barrier is required. Additionally spray foam can create issues not only in the environment but also for those. The unvented attic space is considered the most effective and up to date building practice particularly by the spray foam industry. Insulating with spray foam insulation at the roof line will cause moisture problems with the roof sheathing.

If the spray foam is installed correctly then you can look forward to a home that stays substantially warmer costs less to heat. Spray foam insulation has been the material of choice for many builders and homeowners for nearly 30 years. If the spray foam is installed incorrectly then a large number of problems can arise. Removed all batt insulation in the attic removed both hvac systems and all duct work performed air sealing in the crawl space and the attic at the floor and ceiling and installed 5 of demilec open cell spray foam on the roof deck.

One of those problems is moving the building enclosure from the drywall ceiling of a home to the roofline.