What are the disadvantages of foam insulation?

Below we are going to list the most common problems with using spray foam insulation in your home’s attic or in any area inside of your home.

  • Placement Errors During Installation. …
  • Potentially Attracts Water Damage. …
  • The Material May Shrink Overtime. …
  • Long Dry and Cure Time.





When should you not use spray foam insulation?

When NOT to Use Spray Foam Insulation

  1. For areas that are too close to electrical boxes:
  2. For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:
  3. Open-cell spray foam on your roof:
  4. For closed-cavity spaces:
  5. If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:


Which type of insulation is best for attic?

fiberglass batt





Many people consider fiberglass batt to be the best attic insulation. It consists of plastic reinforced by small glass fibers. The batt version comes in blanket form — i.e., small, pre-cut sections that you can lay down wherever you need to.

Can you use foam board in the attic?

You can use foam board in the attic. It is an excellent installation option for the attic because it is lightweight, easy to work with, and offers high R-values. Often the R-value of fiberglass insulation is too low and requires the rafters to be retrofitted, making foam board a better choice.

Should I use spray foam insulation in my attic?

Closed-cell spray foam is a better choice for keeping subfloor moisture at optimal levels, while open-cell spray foam is a better choice for walls and attics, because it allows homes to “breathe,” Yates said.

Can mold grow on spray foam insulation?

Adding spray foam insulation in potential problem areas is a great way to insulate your home and goes a long way towards mold prevention. It is mold-resistant because it expands when it gets wet, meaning there’s no room for mold or mildew!

Why do lenders not like spray foam insulation?



So why is it a problem for mortgage lenders? By sealing the roof space with this material, air circulation can be restricted to the roof and timbers. This can lead to condensation, which in turn can eventually lead to the rotting of the wooden roof supports. The closed cell foam version also sets very hard.

What are the pros and cons of spray foam insulation?

A Breakdown Of The Pros & Cons Of Spray Foam Insulation

Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation
Advantages Disadvantages
Creates a highly energy efficient thermal envelope Upfront costs are high and installation is expensive
Extraordinary thermal qualities Payback takes 2-4 years
Lower ongoing energy costs Not a DIY product

Can I spray foam my attic myself?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And it is only applied on an attic roof deck. To about 2 or 3 inches thick. So we have sprayed 7 inches on average of open-cell spray foam on the bottom of this roof deck.

Can you have too much insulation in your attic?



It’s possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

How do you install rigid foam in the attic?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Actually it's a four-inch piece of foamboard insulation. That we have fastened to the underside of the roof. All. The way down this would of course go all the way up to the top.

Can foam board insulation be used in ceilings?

In general, closed-cell foam is the best choice for unvented cathedral ceilings. It is also one of the most expensive, and most building inspectors will not allow it to be left uncovered (for fire-code reasons). Foil-faced iso-board can be cost-effective insulation for finished attics and cathedral ceilings.

How do you insulate attic roof rafters?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Place the craft faced insulation. Down between the joists on top of the drywall. And with the facing down toward the interior of the house be careful not to compress the insulation.

How do you install rigid foam insulation between rafters?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You're going to need some aluminium tape to taper up the joints later on and possibly some expanding foam just to fill any small gaps we have prior to putting on the tape.

How do you attach rigid foam to ceiling?

Squirt construction adhesive in a zig zag line in between the joists and let it sit for a few minutes to get tacky. Place the insulation between the joists and hold it there a second or two until it adheres. Repeat the process between each joist.

Can you insulate a garage without drywall?

You can also get loose-fill fiberglass, which is suitable for blowing into a garage attic space above a finished ceiling. If the walls and ceiling will remain open (not covered with drywall or plywood), it’s a good idea to use paper-faced or encapsulated fiberglass bats that are wrapped in a plastic film.

How do I insulate my attic?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It's not as efficient right and ventilation is critical for most roofs right so just continually pack your insulation nice and tight against and go all the way across your attic. Nice blanket.

How do you hold rigid insulation in place?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We seal it with a silicone sealant on the back side up against the the sheathing in the sill plate of the house. And we put roofing nails to hold it.

Does rigid foam insulation need vapor barrier?

Foam insulation usually does not require a vapor barrier. For some foam insulation types, such as closed-cell spray foam and foam board insulation, the insulation itself stops the movement of most water vapor.

Can you use Liquid Nails on foam board?

Details: LIQUID NAILS® Projects & Foamboard Adhesive (LN-604) offers water clean up when wet, bridges gaps up to 3/8″, and has excellent water resistance and long-term holding power when set.