I have been given two estimates to insulate the crawl space subfloor of my home. One specifies 5" of open-cell Icynene spray foam and the other specifies 1" of 2lb. closed-cell polyurethane spray foam. The R-value of the Icynene quote is 17, and the R-value of the 2lb. poly is 7. I can add another inch of the poly spray to increase the R-value to 14, close to the other R-value and about the same price, but the company providing the estimate says it's overkill since the rigid nature of the 2lb poly insulation repels water, moisture, mold, and critter infiltration. The Icynene is a softer material than the 2lb. poly, but the company providing that estimate calls their product a final insulation solution. I want a permanent solution to insulating my floors from moisture, air, mold, and critters. What is the best choice between these two? I will also put down a 6-mil vapor barrier and eventually get a professional grade de-humidifier.
2007-01-10 15:18:27 · 4 answers · asked by Home Renovator 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the vapor barrier is the better part of this solution. without knowing exactly what is in your crawl space and how you plan to put the insulation in, i am not fond of either kind of foam.
Why? because you may have pipes, or electrical wires you may need to get to at some point in the future. if you cover them with foam, it will be a real drag trying to do anything with them should you need to.
if you are going to insulate with the foam anyway, get the higher R value for the same money. i would then paint the foam with any old latex paint, thus sealing it up from the deterioration that comes from being exposed to moisture and air.
frankly, i think you are going about it the wrong way. dead air is what insulates, really. the foam only encapsulates air bubbles. if you seal up the crawl space, then you have one big pocket of dead air. myself, i would do the vapor barrier, then only insulate the outside walls of the space, probably with the foam. make sure any entry point fits tight and is insulated as well. if you do it that way, you can get to any pipes or wires you may need to in the future.
oh, by the way, if you seal up any holes in the floor and then paint on (spraying it would be easiest, with a commercial grade system) a decent latex paint on the underneath side, you will seal the wood beams and joists and floor and protect it from moisture. be sure to do this when it is hot and the least humid it gets wherever you are, so you are not sealing it IN.
2007-01-10 15:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by tootall1121 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Icynene Closed Cell
2016-10-18 02:41:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I suggest the Icynene foam. I have used it many times for homes that I have built for customers. I also like cellulose for overhead attic insulation. Icynene works well for under floors in crawl spaces and vaulted ceilings.
2007-01-10 20:05:32 · answer #3 · answered by gaintbeaver 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
extremely...There are distinctiveness foams which you ought to purchase that are greater beneficial at damping sound (of direction they're greater high priced than spray foam. in basic terms be careful of the warmth getting trapped interior the enclosure and inflicting issues.
2016-12-12 08:49:46 · answer #4 · answered by scheiber 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋