Why is Spray Foam Insulation a Problem

[@jericho9653]

It dosnt seem to be a problem in ireland? They say here dont spray to the felt and put in a 2 inch card. And there would always be a breeze coming between felt and foam that wouod dry and condenstation

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

We can only comment on our experience here in England. The creation of a continuous ventilated void using ‘card spacers’ between a high resistance underlay and the spray foam insulation with a vapour control layer (AVCL) on the warm side of the insulation may create a lower risk of condensation in accordance with the guidance of BS5250:2021. However, in our experience it is more common to find that the insulation has been sprayed directly onto the underlay or sometimes even onto the tiles or slates themselves. The installation of card spacers will be more time consuming which could increase the cost of installation. Ultimately unless the installation of the cards is fully documented it is difficult for a surveyor to determine if such cards are in place and/or have been installed correctly without intrusive investigations. Another point to consider is that creation of a 2” air gap below the underlay will limit the thickness of foam insulation which can be installed ‘between’ the rafters, particularly if these are less than 100mm in depth. Each case therefore needs to be considered on its own merits.

[@D1vu5]

Create another certification.

[@toddlavigne6441]

I would think if you want to avoid lender issues ( mortgage) don't spray foam your attic. Also, you won't know if you have water issues until a lot of damage has been done. Just my opinion. I think the mortgage issue seems to be in the UK

[@michaelgodwin8617]

❤😂

[@michaelgodwin8617]

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[@bobbray9666]

I've never had a problem selling homes with spray foam insulation, nor have I heard of lenders rejecting a spray foam insulated home in my area (zone 6a). I've had fiberglass insulated homes that had mold issues due to the fact that most batt insulators don't take the time to get the batts into very tight spaces at corners or around windows or in stud spaces that are way less than the width of the batts. By smashing batt insulation into small spaces, the insulation value drops due to compression and you can get condensation. Interior plastic sheet vapor barriers get punctured with drywall screws, poor insulating detail around receptacles and homeowners punching nails through to hang stuff on walls. Without insulation covering 100% of the sheathing and a proper continuous vapor barrier, condensation will form in colder climates. With spray foam, the foam expands into tight areas, so you are less likely to have any condensation issues and no vapor barrier is used because spray foam is the vapor barrier. Closed cell spray foam also adds rigidity to walls. We gutted a 50 year old home and re-insulated with closed cell and there was no more wall creaking when it was windy. Spray foam is superior to other insulations for filling small gaps and R-value per inch. Most new homes in my area have been using closed cell spray foam for many years with zero issues. The best practice, IMO, is to use Zip-R exterior insulated sheathing with the correct R-value for your zone. When the sheathing seams are properly sealed with Zip tape or liquid flash, the building envelope is airtight and watertight with no need for window bucks, furring strips or a WRB, as you'd need with XPS or EPS over sheathing. Not all homes should use spray foam. Very old homes need their wall cavities to breathe due to air leaking cladding. Vapor permeable batts are a safer choice. If your roof leaks, it's most likely due to having an old roof which needs replacing and that neglect is on the homeowner. When re-roofing, I'd rather need to replace some roof sheathing and maybe some roof truss repair than replacing rotting wall studs, hardwood floors or personal property if the roof leaks with batt insulation.

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Hi Bob! This video was in reference to UK construction, we understand that US construction differs in regulation. Thank you for your comment! 🙌

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

I have, my profession of 36 years. Some of the original foams off gassed some lethal crap. Including formaldehyde. There we some pretty sick folk and lawsuits.

[@bobbray9666]

@@MinnesotaBeekeeper Yeah, lead paint in older homes is still an issue, so don't use paint on your walls? Closed cell foam is much safer today than the original, when applied correctly. What's your point?

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

Insulated zip doesn’t provide enough sheer strength for a lot of places. Mostly places with seismic considerations.

[@katterapallisrinivas9895]

Very insightful ❤

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Thank you! We are glad you found it insightful. 😁

[@martygufler2621]

So, the practical solution is to use spray foam on walls, and rigid foam or fiberglass beneath the roof?

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

We have not discussed the use of spray foam on walls but can consider this for future videos. The use of mineral wool insulation to insulate roof spaces is normally more cost effective in our experience, however there may be some situations where spray foam is more practical or suitable to install. Each case should be carefully considered.

[@mariagomes9882]

My builder just told me that the closed cell would go on the walls and the open cell foam beneath all 3 story roofs. I am just confused with this insulation.

[@bleakyfinder2692]

The Building Surveyor will inform you that it has to be removed. Happened to me, £4.000+ installation then this year another £3.200 to have it removed just so i could sell my house.

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s definitely frustrating when unexpected costs like that come up, especially when it’s related to selling your property. Wishing you all the best with your house sale!

[@sparkplug964]

Good info, thanks

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Thank you! 🙏

[@deezynar]

Imagine him speaking like that about women. "Crazy women are a problem and can create many serious problems." Well, that certainly is true, and all the sane women out there agree with that. But when only crazy women are being spoken of, the problems they cause get hung on ALL women. Other countries have long histories with spray foam that are positive. Because it is easy to find responsible information on this subject today, it's alarming that any institutions in the U.K. would dare to push bad policies that are based on false claims.

[@dampwally611]

what the hell has this to do with women? Do they cause dry rot?

[@BobLepage-hu8vw]

First of all, there are many ways to utilize spray foam in construction....your example is not the standard nor is it required. As with any construction material, spray foam can and should be designed into an assembly by qualified/certified experts....why you are focusing in on a very widely used product like spray foam is questionable.....and spray foam can meet fire code requirements in almost every case.....if your goal is quality construction, discuss the pitfalls of fiberglass insulation that commonly causes building failures......

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Hi Bob, Thank you for your comment! 🙂 This video is specifically about the use of Spray Foam Insulation within the roof spaces of dwelling houses in the UK. We have focused on this issue as it currently is causing problems with selling properties and/or obtaining mortgage finance where it has been installed.

[@Stitchmax]

Spray foam insulation is awful. I could show you pictures of roof jobs where the foam has ruined the timber. Rockwool is far better.

[@gregcharland]

So, where are the pictures you mentioned?

[@Stitchmax]

@@gregcharland Well I'm not going to divulge personal information to you, but a quick search on Google will show you what damage can be caused over time. I'm sure you're competent enough to think of search words for yourself.

[@bleakyfinder2692]

Happened to me, £4.000+ installation then this year another £3.200 to have it removed just so i could sell my house.

[@Greatday68]

You should say that this is in your country and may not apply to other areas of the world. And the biggest issue here is your country does it WRONG.

[@HarrisonClarkeSurveyors]

Thanks for your comment! You're absolutely right - this is based on how things are done in the UK, and I realise practices might differ elsewhere. How do you think it could be done differently or more effectively?

[@emmaraft4854]

Given the manipulative cold-callers I get, using scare tactics and telling lies, I doubt very much that the sprayers are 'well intended'.

[@jensholm5759]

Its well or better then well. I have used rockwool invented in USA i USA in 1953 or something. Here You have the rain and will will repair Your roof or walls before its too late. Nice KZbin