Hello,
I am planning to do the spray foam insulation for the master bathroom and attic rafters.
I have been reading and found out that there is open seal and close seal foam.
Which one is recommended?
Does the installer need to be certified? How would I know if he is certified or not?
What is a good question to ask the installer before I hire him? And how would I know if the installer did the job correctly?
In finehomebuilding magazine, I have been seeing ads for foam spray? Is this a good idea better than the installer? Any recommendation for a specific company?
Is there any prerequisites for the installer before he come for me to do or even if I were to do it myself?
Which area in the bathroom that you can not put insulation?
Thank you for your feedback.
Replies
For attic rafters and moisture generating areas (bathrooms) I recommend closed cell. It has about twice the R-value per inch of open cell and while both are air barriers, closed cell will not absorb and hold moisture like open cell will.
The biggest concern is getting the depth you request. Application? It should be applied in several thin asses instead of in one thick application. If the mix is off you;ll have odors and/or areas of discoloration, or uneven curing. Closed cell cures hard like rigid foam. Open cell cures like a baked cake. A thin crust on top with soft cushy foam underneath.
The DIY kits are okay for small jobs. But for large job, the DIY nozzles are so small you can drive yourself nuts. You can do it, but it just might be more efficient to hire it out.
No recommendations for certain companies. Overall though, by a wide margin I prefer closed cell over open cell.
Most definitely closed cell. DIY kits are not to bad even for large areas. Just used 11 kits from Tiger Foam to do my son's house.
Go with closed cell. Approx R-7 per inch, they should not be applying more than an inch at a time. It is a chemical cure and will get to about 150 degrees, if more than an inch is applied the temp will rise and crystalize the foam in the middle and will lose insulation value. The last FHB mag had a good article on foam. Prep, oh yes. cover anything that you do not want to scrape foam off of. Imagine spraying whipped cream on the roof from 12" away. Get the picture. DIY kits from Tiger Foam are about $675 for 600bf (12' x 12" x 1") follow the directions and it can be done.