Spray Foam Insulation Roof Problems

An internet search reveals nightmare anecdotes about lingering odors having to excavate badly installed foam and health issues attributed to improperly applied foam.

Spray foam insulation roof problems.

Even small gaps can allow the passage of warm air through the foam rendering the foam all but useless as an insulator. The poor application of spray foam insulation by an untrained or unlicensed contractor can lead to several problems according to fine home building. It has been said that insulating with spray foam insulation at the roof line will lead to moisture problems with the roof sheathing. Over time trapped moisture can cause serious problems.

Spray foam insulation problems there are several majors spray foam installation problems that have been associated with the use and application of spray foam in a home some of these problems will vary based on how much of the spray foam is used where it is placed who applies the spray foam and the conditions in this environment. Poor application of the spray foam insulation. Whereas too little spray foam insulation can leave for thermal bypass because of the complete lack of insulation in the attic. Almost all of the problems associated with spray foam roof insulation comes down to incorrect application.

It s not coming from above the roof and it s not some new moisture source resulting from the spray foam. To get the best performance out of spray foam insulation you must cover the roof rafters and surrounding areas as thoroughly as possible. Moisture is also another huge issue when it comes to spray foam insulation in an attic. In other words the spray has not been used in the right way or the mixture is not right for the location.

Thus the air in the attic is connected with the air in the house. But a common reason to put spray foam on the roofline is to avoid having to air seal the attic floor. Moisture generated indoors or that infiltrates into the home is responsible for the bulk of the moisture in an attic insulated with spray foam on the underside of the roof sheathing. Lstiburek takes blame for bad language.

In an unvented attic scenario to limit air leakage as well as any associated condensation at the roof line a continuous air barrier is required. Incorrectly installed spray foam insulation can trap moisture in the home encouraging rot and mold problems. Poor application includes off ratio spraying of the material bad odors and the lack of adhesion. If you leave the insulation in the attic floor after insulating the roofline the attic will be cooler in winter than if you remove the insulation.