The Observation Deck

Here’s a warning for those of you thinking about getting foam insulation.

We had the three part foam insulation injected into our house about 7 years ago. Now, we are remodeling our kitchen. The pics below are from where I removed the old bead board to reveal the broken up foam insulation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35426414@N02/

After the first few boards were torn down and I saw the condition of the insulation, I wondered if I was a little harsh on the demo. I took it easy on the remaining boards with the same end result, broken up insulation. The close up pic is from the top left of the larger pic. You can see the insulation is broken at the top and there’s about a quarter inch gap down the entire stud and I hadn’t removed the bead board yet.

As you can see the foam broke apart over time. I highly doubt it does much insulating in this condition. Please be wary of buying foam insulation!

Thanks so much for the warning about foam. I'm getting ready to insulate by 85 year old house and your information is appreciated.
We need more postings like this so we can keep these old Lakewood beauties going.

What alternative do you suggest?

The blown-in insulation that I have seen looks good when they pump it in, but over time it seems to settle and compact at the bottom of the cavity; at least what you have still fills most of the cavity. Few of us have the resources to rip out our walls and rebuild with structural foam or fiberglass (if that hasn't been discredited).

Charlie, did you show these pics to the insulation company?

We originally looked at foam but saw the shrinkage issue. We just had cellulose blown in last October.

Warmest and cheapest winter in "this old house" so far! can't say enough good things about it.

We did our own attic space with bats. R60 on the top really makes a comfortable difference.

We used Insulation Systems. Awesome. Really great people. Also do audits.
http://www.insulationsystems.net/
Phone: 440-975-1122
Email: Insul8now@oh.rr.com