Icynene insulation … any opinions?
‘Mornin’ all –
I’m toying with the idea of using icynene spray foam insulation in an upcoming project. The stuff is about R6-7 per inch, waterproof, vaporproof, and flexible.
The installer says that it won’t pull away from studs over time, as supposedly can happen with urethane (rigid when cured), because it gives with lumber shrinkage. Also claims that because it is impermeable to air, you can kiss your housewrap good-bye. And because the interior surface of the insulation stays warm enough to never reach dewpoint, you can kiss your interior vapor barrier good-bye. And in the case of this flat-roofed project, you don’t have the same need for ventilation, for the same reason (humidity won’t condense against it).
At $1.35/sq.ft., it ain’t cheap, but if you can indeed do away with the materials or labor for any of the barriers and/or ventilation, it could work out pretty well. The other side is that you’re probably looking at installing an HRV, if the house is going to be that tight.
Anyone out there want to shoot this theory down, or get behind it?
Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC
Replies
In a typical residential application, it is neither, waterproof, vapour proof nor more flexible than any other spray foam insulation.
Other than that, your contractor is also full of bs.
Gabe
I agree that you may end up with a tight enough house that an HRV is important. That is certainly the case with my own house.
Do away with the housewrap, vapor barrier, venting? I understand your points and agree that those items are not as needed as in a FG-batting house. Maybe I'm just a belt-and-suspenders kind of guy, but getting moisture in the walls is such a huge problem, I don't mind trying hard to avoid it. Hopefully the foam will be great in a bay where the vapor barrier has a defect and vice a versa.
I'm not really defending the stuff; I don't know enough about it to do that. Just looking for opinions. I don't know that I would be willing to forego any of the usual barriers or venting, though the idea sounds nice, not to mention cheaper.Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC
I've been considering spray in foam as well. Our house is located near a river and is home to more types insects than I have every seen. We regularly have to fight off ant invasions. No termintes thank goodness! Does anyone know how "friendly' icynene foam is to ants?
An ex-boat builder treading water!
I don't know if this sufficiently answers your concerns, but this is from their FAQ page at http://www.icynene.com ...
Does the Insulation Support Bacteria or Fungal Growth?
Icyneneâ Insulation offers no food value; therefore it does not support bacteria or fungal growth. It also does not retain water, making it an unappealing environment for pests.
What About Mice and Termites?
Icyneneâ Insulation offers no food value, but it would not present a sufficient barrier to their entry if they decided to gnaw through it. Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC
Thank you
BobAn ex-boat builder treading water!