Rigged Code Series | Part 4 Structural Benefits of Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

[@dmitribobko4184]

I am building my home out on an acreage by myself, and have been there almost every single day for the last 2 years now, and we get some pretty strong winds out there. A month ago I had my spray foam installed throughout (conditioned attic setup, thanks to you and the info you provided!), and I can tell the huge difference that made in terms of rigidity of the building. I am on 2x8 walls on screw piles, and when it's windy outside, on the inside I often don't even realize. There is no creaking or any kind of noise, the whole house is basically glued together! It's pretty amazing! I did the under stairs as well as you have mentioned in one of your videos, might as well! Spray foam is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

[@SprayJones]

Agreed! That is good to hear, get a good installer and the product is what it should be. People who get it, get foam.

[@Zorlig]

Nice testimony

[@LOKConstructionSudbury]

PE here, talked about this topic several times. The answer was obvious but extensive to quantify - thanks.

[@samsmith5207]

Been listening to your videos for a bit. Mostly your short stories. I am amazed at the data on closed cell! Thank you for doing these videos!!!

[@SprayJones]

Glad you like them!

[@Mouse2677]

Glad that industry is starting to understand the mechanics of ccSPF insulation as well. It only make sense!!

[@JoeBManco]

I'm glad I found your channel.

[@SprayJones]

Welcome!

[@scottpaulson1714]

More GREAT information. Thank you

[@SprayJones]

You bet!

[@darrelldyer4921]

Another great job!!

[@SprayJones]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@3rett115]

Mike, would you think having a WRB directly on studs, between the SPF and sheathing, would affect the racking increases negatively? I'm building a small structure with structural finished panels directly on the studs to avoid siding, and got me wondering if the SPF adds racking strength mostly from the adhesion to the sheathing, or from compression resistance in between the studs? I'm thinking about cutting the WRB out of all cavities that don't have window/door openings (maybe leave an inch around the studs) since the foam will act as a WRB in that area anyway. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks a million for these videos!

[@insensitiveinsanity7145]

I have been seriously considering closed cell on the roof deck of a house I'm doing. But, I keep hearing that if/when the roof leaks you will never know until the osb is completely destroyed. What are your thoughts on this?

[@SprayJones]

When do you want the water to stop? Watch my playlist that deals with vaulted roofs, I have a specific video on roof damage..

[@garyconnell645]

Mike in one of your old videos you were talking about heat retention and you quoted a lab study that spray foam at 2 inches was retaining 85% of heat in a lab environment and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to that video or lab results? Love the videos. Thanks

[@SprayJones]

Watch "how much foam do I need". ASTM C236 hot box test.

[@garyconnell645]

@@SprayJones thank you for taking the time to

[@bobjarrard]

Foam Haters are quite a group. Thanks. Bob

[@whatdabloood]

Another great video. Is there any risk of closed cell foam cracking during an RTM move?

[@SprayJones]

No, not when properly planned for in design.

[@dellmerlin6328]

This may be an out of the box question. People take shipping containers and bury them in the ground for basements, storage, storm shelters, homes, etc. Usually the roof and walls collapse because the container is not structurally strong enough. Typically they reinforce the inside with more steel or the outside with reinforced concrete. If the hole in the ground is @ 1 foot larger all around the container, 1 foot of foam is placed on the bottom( like under a basement floor), set the container on the foam, fill the 1 foot space on the sides and top with foam, could this solve the structural issue? The container would be well insulated, with a water/radon barrier. What would be the logistics and economics of doing this? Is spray foam only sprayed or can it be poured into a space?

[@SprayJones]

I cannot say... you are asking about live pressure loads and I just don't have the data on that. For sure the foam would help, I am not sure how much of it would be needed before less steel could be used.

[@stevenmiller6725]

Reinforced concrete stronger and cheaper than spray foam. All the strength of the container at the outer edges. Just span the top with concrete. Maybe 5 in with rebar 12in ctrs before you cover it up.

[@SprayJones]

@@stevenmiller6725 Still need thermal insulation so the SPF is still relevant...

[@stevenmiller6725]

@SprayJones 5 in concrete marginally strong enough depending on soil conditions. Spray foam is great but woefully inadequate for shoring. Could weld in some 4 inch beams at 16in ctrs and spray foam them. Then it would help

[@jdaz5462]

What is the average cost of closed cell spray foam walls and under roof deck for a 1500 sqft home?

[@SprayJones]

You need to ask your local installers.

[@jdaz5462]

@@SprayJones So what's your average?

[@henrychinaski8754]

what would you recommend with regards to a steel structure with steel sheet ?

[@SprayJones]

Depends on your location and budget. Any code compliance needed?

[@henrychinaski8754]

@@SprayJones I'm in hot and humid. No restrictions that I'm aware of.

[@safffff1000]

I would like to see homes of wood or steel designed with minimum materials, incorporating spray foam to take max advantage of it's strengths. To cover the cost of the foam.

[@SprayJones]

Me too. Garage doors are already doing this.

[@DevilTravels]

This might affect insurance rates.

[@kenactofkindness4017]