Chose foam insulation over fiberglass for my garage attic. Hotter in summer but way less dust in my lungs.

I was standing in the insulation aisle at Lowe's on Coors last month trying to decide. Fiberglass was $0.60 a square foot, spray foam was $1.10. But I've helped a buddy do fiberglass before and that itch drove me crazy for days. Plus I read foam seals air gaps better. Went with the foam, had a pro spray it. Two weeks later, garage stays cooler but honestly the real win is I can actually breathe when I go up there. Has anyone else tried doing foam themselves instead of hiring out? Seems like a nasty job solo.

2 comments

2 Comments

anna5674d ago

Actually you mentioned the foam keeps the garage cooler in summer, but most spray foam is closed cell which can actually trap heat more than fiberglass in attics. Open cell foam breathes a little better for temperature regulation, but you're right about the air sealing being a major plus. As for DIY foam, I did a small shed with the two-part kits from the hardware store and it was miserable. The overspray gets everywhere and if the temperature isn't perfect the foam doesn't cure right. Left it halfway done for two days before I finished. For a whole attic you made the right call paying a pro.

elizabeth_bailey264d ago

Oh boy, you're bringing back some memories with that DIY foam story. I read an article last year from a building science guy who said the biggest mistake homeowners make is thinking those two-part kits are just like spray paint cans. He said the chemical reaction is super sensitive to surface temperature, humidity, and even the age of the chemicals in the can. I tried doing a small gap around some pipes in my basement and ended up with a sticky, runny mess that took forever to clean up. You're right that @anna567 is spot on about closed cell vs open cell for temperature control, I had no idea there was that big a difference until I looked into it more. After that basement disaster I decided any future foam work is getting handed to someone who does it for a living.