Thoughts on spray foam used as isolant in roof for attic conversion?

Clickclickboom

Hey guys, 

We are currently doing an attic conversion in our new built house. The carpenter is arranging the whole work. Last week, a company (nationally known) came to take care of the isolation. I was not at home and my wife told me that spray foam was used.

I am bit worried because I recall a discussion with a colleague who was into building during which he shared some concerns about spray foam. I don't remember exactly the specifics but I recall him saying that the resale value of the house by banks can be affected negatively if foam is present in the roof..I did some Google searches and all my results were about the UK where there is indeed an issue there. This comes from the fact that foam can be damaging to roof on the long term..

Would you guys share those concerns ? I am well aware that it's a bit late to worry about it now, but I'd like to understand if there is anything I could do at this stage to make sure my roof will be OK. Thank you.

deandean

It's too late now. Just make sure you get a cert that states the product used.

Clickclickboom

thanks. Any risks on the long term if isolation was done by professionals ? The company is legit and does a lot of work in the south of Ireland

CelticRambler

This video will give you an idea of what aspects of the use may be relevant to your situation, and whether or not they're of concern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCZgv4K5aTk

My main concern would be that it's a pretty poor form of insulation to be using in a new build, something the guy in the video comments on too.

(Side note: gotta laugh at yer man talking about 1950s houses being "old" … mine was built no later than 1750 and is about average for the village. :D )

Macspower

Done correctly and in line with certification spray foam is an excellent form of insulation and far out performs it's uvalue.

I'm aware of the current UK issues but there are no issues here in Ireland and most products here are certified.

Firstly speak with the installers, they will be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork to back up the system.

If you have any queries drop me a pm and I'll see if I can advise.

NIMAN

If installed correctly I'm sure it's grand, it's probably when it doesn't allow the proper ventilation that issues can occur.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TOz6pjISrFk

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122903844#Comment_122903844

No issues in Ireland? I hate to be picky but do we have that documented somewhere?

muffler

Im not sure how many threads we need on this subject but OP you should read this recent thread to give you an idea as to people's thoughts and opinions on spray foam in general.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058368235/spray-foam-insulation-a-good-idea-or-not#latest

muffler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122903844#Comment_122903844

If you were inspecting building works particularly housing in this country you wouldn't be claiming that there are no issues with it.

Madd002

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058382684/thoughts-on-spray-foam-used-as-isolant-in-roof-for-attic-conversion

Had it done best thing we ever did, also did same built bungalow but did attic conversion at same time, spray foam done about 4/5 years ago. They had to go through cubby holes. House is so toasty, even if your away for a few days and heating is off, when you come in from cold air the warmth in house is still there.

Macspower

Strangely it's exactly what I do on a regular basis.

I stand by my comment, installed correctly spray foam is an excellect product.

I have yet to see any issue with work installed correctly.

Macspower

I would go the other way, if there is a single issue here in Ireland with foam installed in line with certification I would like to see the issue.

Recent Irish times article, which was fair and balanced reporting on the UK issues were unaware of any issue in Ireland with mortgages or insurance companies.

Obviously non issues can't be documented.

But with 17 years as an installer and certifier I have yet to see an issue.

Macspower

I would go the other way, if there is a single issue here in Ireland with foam installed in line with certification I would like to see the issue.

Recent Irish times article, which was fair and balanced reporting on the UK issues were unaware of any issue in Ireland with mortgages or insurance companies.

Obviously non issues can't be documented.

But with 17 years as an installer and certifier I have yet to see an issue.

muffler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122907007#Comment_122907007

You seem to turn a blind eye to something major that everyone in your line of work should be aware of. 2 million Euro in damages paid to a couple. I take it thats not the story in the Irish Times you are referring to.

Macspower

No blind eye to this. Installer was correctly found negligent.

There are clear rules to this. Judge ruled correctly imo and client deserved compensation and got it.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122907550#Comment_122907550

Most folk here are not that focussed on the issued raised in this court case which was around the toxicity of the product.

Having read this, I am even less inclined to use it.

As you are clearly an expert on certification of spray foam

How would you certify to me that the joint below, inside the blue box, will not rot after say 15 years of being spray foamed?.

Macspower

I'm afraid there is not nearly enough information there to make any informed opinion..