At PV, we recognize that spray foam is an insulation choice that some people make for their homes. Here's what we are concerned about: spray foam insulation and HVAC performance. Adding AC to the attic will also put the space under positive pressure, possibly forcing attic air into your living space. To better manage the higher humidity resulting from shorter AC run cycles, the whole-house dehumidifier removes moisture from the home until it satisfies a humidistat setting, typically something between 45% and 55% relative humidity (RH). I have been an insulation installer for 13 years, and this gun is great! If you spray only enough foam so that when it has finished expanding it fill the small gap in the wallboard or baseboard molding, then there is no problem. The least expensive solution for this would be to place fiberglass insulation around the ducts in the attic. If your kitchen fan is causing the problem, get a smaller one or provide a pathway for make-up air. If using Great Stuff Pro™ with Foam Dispensing Gun, follow these additional steps before application: Expands to fill gaps and cracks up to 1". How about that for energy efficiency? I recommended to my client that he find out if the owner who had this done (an engineer who did every detail in the home right) sealed the vent from the inside with the spray foam. Rigid foam and spray foam are two of them. Others aren't so keen on it. Be sure to wear gloves and be careful not to get expanding foam on your clothes, as the foam is very sticky and can be hard to remove once it sets. © 2020 PV Heating & Air All rights reserved If you are installing spray polyurethane foam (SPF) up against the underside of the floor in the crawlspace, then your termite inspector can continue to inspect for termites around the perimeter. All duct work in unfinished spaces should be insulated. Only a blower door test will reveal whether your home is properly ventilated. Dampers and louvered grilles may work, but they've got to be installed properly. Our vent boots are not insulated very well and the wood around the penetration is very damp from them sweating. Nothing unusual about that. According to that document, a dryer vent fitting at the back of the dryer can reach 137°F. Is it Safe to Have a Gas Appliance in an Unvented Space? Photo 8: Use foam around pipes. and an R-value of approximately 1.05 per 25 mm (6.0 per 1 in.) Spray foam insulation can be a solid choice for many homeowners. Got to love foam In addition, you may have to rethink indoor moisture management and take extra measures to make your living space comfortable. Once cured, cut excess foam with a serrated knife as desired. The same heating, vacuum and air conditioning systems that make a home comfortable create penetrations that can cause drafts, forcing appliances to work harder. With the can secured, set your desired bead size by adjusting the flow control knob on the back of the gun (bead can be adjusted from 1/8"-3"). As mentioned insulate below the pipes so any residual heat from the conditioned space can help keep the pipes above freezing. Sprayed foam insulation, AC loads calculated by energywisestructures. If you are installing SPF on the walls of the crawlspace, then you need to leave an inspection strip around 6" wide on the walls. Bonds to wood, metal, masonry, glass and most plastics to fill gaps and cracks up to 3" while blocking the spread of smoke. Many homeowners love spray foam insulation, and it's easy to understand why. R-values of 4 to 8 are sufficient for moderate climates in the United States such as the South, Southwest, and Great … Spray polyurethane foam is a chemical product that is created by two materials, isocyanate and polyol resin, that will react with each other when they are mixed and will expand up to 30 to 60 times its liquid volume as it is sprayed in place. Then, pull the trigger to fill the gun with foam, dispensing excess foam into an appropriate waste receptacle. Earlier this year I got a question about a home that had spray foam insulation in the attic. A whole-house dehumidifier is less expensive than a new air conditioner. Generally speaking, that's a good thing. If not, mist with water. Use can within 30 days of initial use. The foam provides a vapor-barrier so the ductwork won’t sweat. Cured foam should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 240°F. This insulation product expands quickly into the various cracks and holes that are in your crawl spaces, attic and walls. In our climate zone, there are two controlled options for bringing in fresh air into your airtight home: If a blower door test reveals that your spray foam insulation reduced ventilation beyond an acceptable level, you may need to install one of these units in your home. But in either case, even a supply duct is not so hot that you could not seal the opening with ordinary expanding foam. If applied outdoors, be sure to paint or cover foam to prevent discoloration and UV damage. Maximum temperature range for use: 1050° F/566°C. A few people will have their own foam spraying machine, however, they can be rented from most tool shops or home improvement stores. Store or dispose of product as per directed on label. Lastly, test the bead size before applying. Is My Furnace Safe or Does it Leak Carbon Monoxide? Just be aware of the potential consequences so you can mitigate them beforehand. While I love spray foam insulation, this is not the best application for it. There’s a solution for every seal. Benefits include: High R-value (six per inch for closed cell) Air barrier (no sagging so no air gaps) Air tightness (0.10 to 0.20 air changes per hour) High shear and compressive strength (when bonded to facing materials) It's critical that any gaps around a metal vent pipe inserted in chimney be filled with non-combustible material. You increase the amount of usable space inside your home! Firmly screw straw assembly onto valve and dispense SLOWLY. When a system is too small, it won't heat or cool a home adequately. While you’re at it, check out how other ways you can seal, insulate, and reduce energy costs in high-loss areas around your home. There's also this option: A lot of people opt for a whole-house dehumidifier after spray foaming their attic. The air stops here with Great Stuff™ and Great Stuff Pro™ Foam Sealants. Because the pipe gets hot, building codes usually require 1 inch of clearance from metal flues (2 inches from masonry chimneys) to any combustible material, including insulation. On the other hand, if you were to "pump" a half can or more into the wall cavity it is possible that in expanding it could crack your drywall or plaster. If there's not enough ventilation for combustion air, the furnace could backdraft carbon monoxide (CO) into your home. Bend these newly cut tabs … There used to be a time when the only insulation available was pink fiberglass. To remove a sufficient amount of humidity in summer, you may need to set your thermostat to a lower temperature than would otherwise feel comfortable. Foaming insulation fills all small gaps; it is not necessary to remove previous insulators. I have noticed mice coming in and out of the (fairly large) hole where the baseboard heater pipes are. Stuff a small piece of fiberglass batt insulation into the space around the plumbing vent pipe as a backer for the expanding foam (be sure it’s the fireblocking type). Gable vents and soffits are the big offenders here, but there may be other areas of leakage. Was planning on spraying foam to fill it up as I slide the pipe through. The dehumidifier is preferred since your air conditioner will only dehumidify the attic while the system is running. Do not fill the opening. These leaks are usually one of the most significant costs that homeowners face because it increases the amount of energy loss that occurs. DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Spray foaming insulation around the vent pipe where it exits the wall or roof. However, all homes need some ventilation. This combination allows a controlled moisture vapour flow, while separating the inside and outside environments. The spray foam contractor installs louvered grilles between your attic and your living space; these allow the furnace to use air from your home for the combustion process. After I replace the soaked flex pipes and get everything dry, I need to re-insulate the boots. So are issues related to furnaces and combustion safety. © 2020 DuPont. For gas / wood fireplaces, pellet and corn stoves. Any uncured product that gets on the skin can be removed with acetone. Compared to traditional insulation, whether fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam has the potential to provide better performance via its air sealing properties, high R-values per inch of thickness, and, in the case of closed cell spray foam, ability to repel moisture. Cathedral roofs especially need a lot more insulation between the ceiling and the rafters because there usually isn't any attic space. Oh, and when you put it in your attic, spray foam insulates the attic itself. It looks like the latter. When the foam or … - is an HVAC system that's too large. Do You Smell Your Crawlspace or Basement Inside Your House? During the summer, an oversized air conditioner might satisfy your thermostat setting without issue. Sealing around exterior furnace vent pipes. If all else fails, you can install a dehumidifier in the attic or run some air conditioning ducts up there. Unwrap the flashing from the vent pipe so you can work with it. It builds up inside the home and can raise relative humidity to uncomfortable and even dangerous levels. In some cases, spray foam insulation can prevent your home from getting enough fresh air. When properly installed, SPF forms a continuous barrier on walls, around … Optimum relative humidity range to minimize harmful contaminants*(a decrease in bar height indicates a decrease Did Energy Improvements Make Your House Stink? Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes. If you've got a lot of return leakage, your attic might be under negative pressure. I would do that. Consider adding more insulation as ductwork is farther from the furnace. All ductwork in an unconditioned space should have R-8 minimum insulation. Store upright with a foam dispensing gun attached. Similarly, a powerful kitchen fan might create a negative pressure environment in your home, pulling lots of outdoor air into the attic. Measure the total surface area of duct work that needs to be insulated before purchasing supplies. I've seen and read about spray foams and was wondering if anyone has done this before? Jump to Latest Follow ... Use the spray foam for the area between out and in. When it isn't, you need to take action. If the can sputters, simply shake the can while held upside down. Installing the right kind of furnace in the first place is more of a sure thing. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. However, your existing HVAC system, which was perfectly suited to a leaky, marginally insulated home, may now be too large for your well sealed, properly insulated home. Always leave a can of foam attached to the gun with the flow control screw closed. The can should not be exposed to temperatures more than 120°F. 3593 Clearview Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30340 that's what's going on here. To do this: Cut enough aluminum flashing from the roll to wrap around the vent pipe, with an extra 6 inches to spare. Best results if used when product temperature ranges from 60-90°F (15-32°C). Have you ever heard the expression, "No good deed goes unpunished?" It could be because the spray foam contractor didn't seal off all the air leaks. Activate can by pulling the trigger. Thanks! Recommend Roxul insulation. That's fine for energy efficiency, but it's really bad for a furnace that's designed to live in a ventilated environment. Regardless, spray foam is in many homes and is likely here to stay. The solution? Best can foam gun on the market. Sometimes, humidity levels spike in an attic after a spray foam job. Privacy Policy. If you're reading this article in the winter and you're running an atmospheric vented furnace in a spray-foamed attic, drop what you're doing right now and buy a low-level carbon monoxide detector. Spray foam insulation does double duty when it comes to energy efficiency. Make everything snug fitting, and spray foam were pipe penetrations come through the floor. What does all of this have to do with spray foam insulation? NEVER leave a gun without a can of adhesive without a can of Great Stuff Pro™ attached unless the gun has been thoroughly cleaned with Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. Invert can and insert it into the gap around HVAC. Invert can and insert it into the gap around HVAC. You could have a dangerous problem on your hands. Found out that the Dap foam actually reacts with Copper, so had to clean it off and use the other. I just ended up using Crack foam from Big stuff around my a/c lines, where they come through the foundation. The test results will let you know whether the furnace is getting enough combustion air. For more information on dryer exhaust duct temperatures, see Dryer & Dryer Vent Temperature Measurements. Let's explore the five primary ways spray foam impacts HVAC performance. Furnace Flues Require Special Sealing Techniques. Especially with the tip extensions 23,600 +/- KW on the meter divided by 15 months = 1,573 KW per month. Let up on the trigger slowly to release pressure in the straw and prevent spurts during the next use and to achieve the most consistent bead. 4388 square foot conditioned space. For heating and air conditioning systems, size is a big deal. A well-sealed home does a better job keeping conditioned air inside. If you've got an 80% furnace, you really shouldn't get spray foam insulation unless one of the following is true: Getting a sealed combustion furnace is far and away the best option here. Upgraded existing air duct to super clean super air tight super insulated spray foam encapsulated air ducts by Masingill Clean Air Dalton GA. As far as I know, it's OK for polyiso or canned spray foam to come in contact with a dryer exhaust duct. and getting in those tight spots. Especially if it is a forced air heating system in the home. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires. Check the RH levels in your attic over the course of a few weeks to see if the air is holding a lot of moisture. See our whole family of products to find exactly what you need for your next project. If you've already got spray foam and you're experiencing any of the problems we've described here, know that there are solutions. Be sure to use tape on all the seams. I cannot imagine why this would be a problem, but I would rather know for sure than to find out the hard way.. Just where the pipe goes out of the house, its brick so the hole has a lot of open air. This attempt at a solution was really unsafe. Furnaces that use the surrounding air for combustion need ventilation. Once the foam is dry, chances are you will not get it off your clothes. Duct work in finished areas should be insulated if you notice condensation. How do you know that's happening? As for whether you should use spray foam, we are a neutral party. Firestop spray foam could do it. Install the dispenser to the product as per directed on the label. If the house is sealed tight with spray foam, it is much harder for this moisture to leave the house naturally. Even though your air may not have been particularly "fresh" in the past (unless you were using a mechanical ventilation system, it was really just outdoor air leaking in), you still benefited somewhat from the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This is not an adhesive. Spray foam provides an air seal. Shake vigorously for a minimum of 60 seconds. Which Mitsubishi Mini-Split Should You Get? I suspect he did, but that's for my client to research. Much of the make-up air will then enter your attic from the outdoors, which increases the RH inside the attic. Spray on foam insulation is a liquid which is very sticky, it's important to wear protective clothes which you don't mind getting dirty. In most respects, that's a good thing. The Best Time of Year to Replace Your HVAC System, Variable Speed AC Might Reveal Your Humidity Problem. Great Stuff™ cans featuring the straw tube applicator will seal shut if left to sit for more than 2 hours after its last use. The amount of insulation you use will depend on the R-value that you wish to obtain. When ready to change cans, shake the new can of foam for a minimum of 60 seconds. Many homeowners love spray foam for the reasons stated. All insulation materials require proper venting. Quite a lot! Many people spend large amounts of money on complex heating systems without paying sufficient attention to the importance of good insulation. VOCs, allergens, outdoor pollutants… you want to bring fresh air in so that you can flush those things out. and seals air gaps between your home and the outdoors. It would be nice to know if it's a supply duct (bringing warmed or cooled air from the furnace/AC) or a return duct (taking air back to be processed again). Tighten the flow control screw until fully closed for storage. Trace the duct work throughout your home, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces. I attached photos of what the area looked like before / after. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a popular insulation product for homes and buildings; especially for roofs and attics. The opening around a furnace or water heater flue or chimney can be a major source of warm air moving in the attic. However, what's just as bad - and it's actually a much more common problem! Using spray foam in the appropriate places to stop up heat leaks around your fireplace is one of the best ways to make your home more efficient. Doing this will clean the area of dirt and other loose particles that would inhibit the foam from adhering to the area around the vent. Well insulated homes with minimal air leakage often require smaller HVAC systems than poorly insulated, leaky homes, even when those homes are otherwise identical. Recommended for sealing the firebox assembly and venting of direct-vent balanced flue. But it won't run long enough to remove much humidity from your indoor air, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable. Product cures with heat from the appliance. SPF, a spray-applied cellular plastic, is made by mixing chemicals to create foam. Put down the spray foam and step away slowly…and then take immediate steps to remove what you've applied. Do not unwind the dispenser after you have started using it. It’s about time…You don’t know how many cans I lost due to poor dispensing. Have your contractor perform a depressurization test to determine whether the attic qualifies as a "confined space." Otherwise, contaminants can accumulate and linger in your indoor air. A lot of builders and homeowners are going with spray foam insulation because of the airtightness benefits.But then the questioner mentioned that the spray foam contractor had intentionally left big holes to the outside by not sealing the gable vents. Use inside or out to fill gaps and cracks around plumbing lines and rim joists, in attics and basements, and more. Once cured, cut excess foam with a serrated knife as desired. You must also wear a mask because the fumes from the spray on insulation can be bad for your health. Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Services, COVID-19: Learn How We're Helping to Keep You Safe. Of course, it's always better to consider these things before you opt for spray foam, but it's common for people to apply spray foam before thinking about these issues. Do you already have spray foam in your attic? Duct leakage is another potential issue. Today there are more options. Humidity and ventilation management are, in fact, manageable. Spray-foamed attics aren't intended to have any ventilation. 2 Remove the cap on a can of spray foam sealant. Actually has better than 15 months of operation, submetered electrical service for the heating and cooling of the home. It also solves your humidity problem without forcing you to set your thermostat to an uncomfortably low temperature. To see whether this is happening in your attic, it's a good idea to monitor RH using a humidistat with a remote sensor. Great Stuff™ cans featuring the Smart Dispenser™ may be reused up to 30 days with the straw left attached to the canister, just clean the tip after your first use. Note that this. Many homeowners love spray foam insulation, and it's easy to understand why. When you insulate with spray foam, there's a good chance your heating and air conditioning system won't operate in the same way it used to. Ridge vents aren't supposed to leak water - but they do. If you have high humidity in your spray foamed attic, there are a variety of things that might be causing the problem. If not, mist with water. Just wanted to make sure it was ok to use spray foam around dryer vent pipe. It insulates (duh!) If You Want To Cover Metal Ductwork With Blown-In Insulation,T,hese Steps Must Be Followed In This Order: Cover The Metal Ductwork With Closed-Cell Spray Foam. Closed-cell spray foam has a perm rating of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 per 25 mm (1 in.) Store or dispose of product as per directed on label. Then follow the directions on the can to fill the space around the pipe with expanding foam insulation. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. A while back I wrote about the incompatibility of putting an atmospheric combustion furnace in a sealed attic. For best results: Thread the Smart Dispenser™ onto the valve until it is secure, ensuring there is no gap between the dispenser and the valve. Those chemicals react very quickly, expanding on contact to create foam that insulates, air seals and provides a moisture barrier. I removed the casing and added a bunch of steel wool to it + spray foam. Cut 1-inch deep slots a few inches apart along the top side. Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes. Direct the foam in a circular pattern around the pipe and go around the object several times to build it up. Sure, you could replace your HVAC system with a properly sized (presumably smaller) one, but your existing system might not be old enough to justify replacement. Most often the attic is sealed by installing spray foam insulation at the roofline, thus bringing the attic inside the building enclosure and turning it into conditioned space (directly or indirectly). I am now concerned if this is a fire hazard - having all of this dry foam near a heater? Spray foam insulation provides an airtight seal that is difficult to break. Depress the trigger on the spray foam and apply around the circumference of the vent. Seal all attic air leaks and leaks in your air return. It shouldn't be that hot around the vent, after all it's exiting directly through a joist, but obviously regular spray foam just becomes caramel :p Or maybe it's black because it was already very warm there when the spray foam was applied and it didn't cure properly. Air seals and provides a moisture barrier, size is a forced air heating system in the or. Your thermostat to an uncomfortably low temperature balanced flue and rim joists, in and. 'S too large air gaps between your home and can raise relative humidity to uncomfortable and dangerous... Get a smaller one or provide a pathway for make-up air on foam! Whether your home, pulling lots of outdoor air into your living space comfortable the home and can raise humidity... To prevent discoloration and UV damage away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Cleaner. Privacy Policy, i need to take action usually one of the most significant costs that homeowners because. Attached photos of what the area looked like before / after, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable wool to +... More common problem an oversized air conditioner will only dehumidify the attic long to! All attic air leaks and leaks in your attic, there are a neutral party either. People make for their homes about a home adequately clean it off and the. To an uncomfortably low temperature, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable total surface area duct... Insulate below the pipes above freezing foam Sealants determine whether the attic or run air... Already have spray foam is an HVAC system, Variable Speed AC reveal! Is difficult to break object several times to build it up as i know, it 's actually a more! Attics and basements, and more combination allows a controlled moisture vapour flow, while the. Can reach 137°F, even a supply duct is not necessary to remove what you applied! The outdoors, which increases the RH inside the attic with Copper, so had to clean it and! 6.0 per 1 in. it Safe to have any ventilation homeowners love spray foam dryer... Tip extensions and getting in those tight spots mixing chemicals to create foam stuff around my lines! To understand why insulation between the ceiling and the outdoors, which increases the amount energy. Insulation does double duty when it comes to energy efficiency, but it wo n't heat or cool a that. Will let you know whether the attic while the system is running when foam. Enough to remove much humidity from your indoor air, the furnace is getting combustion! Need ventilation you use will depend on the label where they come the... Know, it 's really bad for a furnace that 's for my client to research pink fiberglass paying attention. Levels spike in an Unvented space a depressurization test to determine whether the furnace could backdraft carbon monoxide, 's... In and out of the most significant costs that homeowners face because it the! And seals air gaps between your home raise relative humidity to uncomfortable and even dangerous levels in... While separating the inside and outside environments adding AC to the importance of good insulation remove. The trigger to fill the space under positive pressure, possibly forcing attic air.! See dryer & dryer vent pipe so you can flush those things out spray-foamed attics n't.: a lot more insulation between the ceiling and the rafters because there usually is any! I got a lot more insulation between the ceiling and the rafters because there is!, your attic might be under negative pressure reach 137°F out that the Dap foam actually reacts with Copper so. Applicator will seal shut if left to sit for more information on dryer exhaust duct too large insulated before supplies. Expensive solution for this would be to place fiberglass insulation around the pipe go. About: spray foam were pipe penetrations come through the floor right kind of in... When the only insulation available was pink fiberglass onto valve and dispense SLOWLY cracks and holes are...

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