Itchy's Forum

Recent Articles

Should I Add Additional
 Insulation To My Walls?

Should I Insulate
 The Wall Plates?

Blowing Insulation Over 
Recessed Lights

Ventilated Attic 
Access Covers

Insulating An Attic 
With No Access Hole

Adding Additional Attic 
Insulation Over Fiberglass Batts

Skylight Covers To
 Reduce Air Infiltration

Do I need a vapor barrier?

Insulating Over Knob and
Tube Wiring

Vapor Barriers On
Basement Concrete Walls

Insulating The Ridge Of
Cathedral Ceilings

Adding Insulation 
Over Vermiculite

�

�

�

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
�	Web www.diyhomeinsulation.com

All About Spray Foam Insulation

Hi Itchy

What do you think of foam insulation?

I just bought a old house and guess what? There is no floor or attic insulation. I've heard of foam insulation but am not familiar with it. Have you ever used it?

There are spray foam insulation kits on the market for do it yourself home applications. Personally I've only used foam insulation in the rough framing stage of the home to seal air leaks in the home, such as around windows, doors and plumbing. I don't have any experience in actually filling wall cavities or insulating floors or attics with foam insulation. 

If you opt to do it yourself I would definitely read the directions carefully. Keep in mind this stuff expands. You would want to start off with a small amount to determine how much it will expand and then gradually increase it to the correct amount. If you overfill areas that are to be later covered with drywall you will need to trim it using a knife or saw.

Spray foam insulation has several advantages over traditional fiberglass insulation. Made from polyurethane it is foam bubbles used for insulating floors, walls and attics:

* Since it has the ability to fill all of the cracks and gaps in the coverage area you can get a better seal and this will help prevent insects from entering your home.

�

* Reduces the amount of winter cold air and hot summer air entering your home.

* This stuff adheres to almost any surface.

* Generally regarded as non-toxic and many spray foams have a lifetime guarantee.

But it also has disadvantages: 

* It is generally more costly than fiberglass insulation.

* Because it expands after applied it could potentially cause damage if not applied correctly.

* The application is more messy. As an example excess foam insulation will need to be trimmed from wall cavities to allow a flush surface for drywall applications.

But, overall I would give it a good rating. I can see where it would be much easier to use on areas such as under floors and cathedral ceilings as it adheres so well and there is no need to use supports to keep it in place. The newer spray foam products today also have a much better fire rating making it a safer product than it used to be years ago.

Related Tips and Advice:

How To Insulate A Cathedral Ceiling
How To Apply Wetspray Insulation
How To Insulate A Skylight