Do You Need Attic Ventilation With Spray Foam Insulation

It is winter and you are feeling a draft coming from your attic. Attics keep our home warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months. However, it is not just the attic that does this job but the insulation. There are different types of insulation and you want to choose what is right for your home. One of those is spray foam. Do you need attic ventilation with spray foam insulation? No, spray foam insulation is applied to the ceiling and creates an air-tight seal.

Let’s take a look at spray foam insulation.

What is Spray Foam

Basic spray foam is created when you combine isocyanate and polyol resin. This makes polyurethane. Spray foam materials have been used as insulation in homes since the 1970’s. Let’s take a look at the differences of the spray foam types.

  • Open Cell Spray Foam-this allows air into the cells, which makes the foam softer and less dense.
  • Closed Cell Spray Foam-this creates an air seal and is the best insulator.

Is It Eco-Friendly

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states that the curing of spray foam means that there is a chemical reaction that produces the polyurethane foam. It is recommended by manufacturers, that those who use spray foam insulation wait 24 hours after the application of the high-pressure material, before exposure. The term “off-gassing” refers to the curing or releasing of chemicals from spray foam. The chemicals from the spray foam are released into the environment as it dries. Anyone that is not wearing personal protective equipment, should not come into contact with the spray foam process. This could cause serious illness and health complications.

Is Ventilation Needed

Believe it or not, attic ventilation for spray foam insulation is not needed. The simple reason is that spray foam is applied to the attic ceiling and not the attic flooring. The idea is that the attic is now insulated from the outside weather and able to keep the temperature inside the attic and living spaces the same. Due to this aspect, the disadvantage of an unventilated attic is canceled out. However, you now need to condition your attic space with heat/AC to match the house.

The varying differences between a spray foam attic space and an attic space with cellulose and fiber layers on the attic floor are quite obvious. When laying cellulose and fiber insulation to the attic floor, there is no real sealing and this creates a layer of cold air from the roof and warm air from the home. However, when you seal your attic with spray foam this keeps the warmth from the sun from penetrating the attic space and allows it to stay cooler longer. Unvented attic spaces are more comfortable to the homeowner, even during the cooler months.

spray foam insulation

Types of Insulation

  1. Spray foam insulation-a very popular and reliable type of insulation. Once it is sprayed in, it does not move unless cut out or disturbed by animals. Life span is not exactly clear and it is likely not very eco-friendly.
  2. Cellulose insulation-very effective at blocking air movement and eco-friendly. Life span is not that long and will start to break down after 15 years. You might see a range of 20 to 30 years with this recycled insulation material.
  3. Fiberglass insulation-this type can last 80 to 100 years if not disturbed or damaged by water. If moisture is present, this insulation can fail in as little as 15 years to 20 years.
  4. Mineral wool insulation-available in all three ways of rolls of insulation, blown-in insulation, or batt insulation and lasts 30 to 80 years depending on the environment that it is exposed to.

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost

The cost of spray foam insulation is relatively inexpensive. You are looking at an average of $.44 to $1.50 per board foot. This is a one-inch thick or one square foot of insulation covering. If you were to request expanding foam insulation, you are looking at $.50 to $.2.50 per square foot.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Taking a look around your attic when trying to figure out the type of insulation you need is a good idea. One maintenance idea is to look at the plywood to see if there is mold growing. If there is, the good news is you can clean it off with a chemical solution, spraying, and scrubbing. However, after you do this, you will need to find out the culprit.

Electrical wires over insulation.

Another area in the attic you want to look at is your electrical wires. If you have electrical wires, then the insulation you need that can lay over them is fiberglass. This is because fiberglass is non-flammable. You won’t be able to use spray foam insulation for attic ventilation or areas where there are electrical wires. Something to think about when you are adding more insulation to the attic and debating between the type of insulation to use or using electrical wires in the attic.

Lastly, if you notice that your electric bill is higher and it seems you may be losing air in the home, you may need to air seal the attic. This can be done by a contractor or homeowner.

When to Call a Professional

When dealing with attic ventilation or anything in your attic space, you should contact a professionally licensed contractor. Calling on a professional to add to your attic insulation, change the attic insulation, or add a ventilation unit, is a great idea. As the homeowner, you do not want to get involved with the safety concerns of replacing attic insulation. In addition, you might not have the right tools or knowledge to ensure a safe attic space. Call your local home inspection team to inspect your attic and have them recommend the best professionally licensed contractor for your project.

Conclusion

When working on an attic project like insulation and ventilation it is always best to contact your local home inspection team. They can refer you to a professionally licensed contractor that has a high rating of workmanship in your area. In addition, the home inspection team can check for mold in your attic space and other small issues that could arise before installing spray foam. Getting the home inspection can save you money on your home upgrades and ensure that you are getting the best workers for your project. Give Home Inspection Geeks a call. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your attic needs when we come out for a home inspection in Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

When To Worry About Sprinkler System Freezing

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As the winter months approach it is completely reasonable to think that you forget about your sprinkler system. Unfortunately, this is not an option when it comes to winterizing. Just like how you look to winterize your swimming pool pipes, you should winterize your sprinkler system. While you ensure that the chimney or HVAC system is ready for winterization, don’t forget the sprinkler system. When to worry about sprinkler system freezing? Running the sprinkler system when it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below is cause for concern.

Let’s take a look below at the best ways to protect your sprinkler system in the winter months.

Working sprinkler system
Working sprinkler system

Best Ways To Protect The Sprinkler System

Remembering to winterize your sprinkler system to protect the system is typically the furthest thing from your mind. Projects like cleaning your chimney or sealing your doors and windows before the winter months usually take priority. Should you forget to winterize your sprinkler system, this could prove to be costly. When it comes time to restart your system, you need to ensure everything is working properly. When to worry about your sprinkler system freezing is typically around the months before cold temperatures begin to arise. Here are some ways that you can avoid spending more money on your sprinkler system.

  • Water supply-shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This ensures that no running water is remaining in the pipes after they are blown out. Water will freeze and expand in the pipes if you leave water in them.
  • Unplug booster pump-not all systems have this, however, if yours does, simply unplug it from the outlet or disconnect the control box from it’s power source.
  • Relieve pressure-run the system for up to 2 minutes on any zone. This pushes out any pressure from the system. No water comes out, simply air pressure release.
  • Outside pipe-open the outside pipe by turning the spigot that attaches to the outside pipes.
  • Open outside RPZ valves-using a flat head screw driver open the RPZ valves that are located on the outside of your system.

Calling out a professional winterization irrigation or sprinkler system company is the final step. They can blow out the lines of your system and ensure that no remaining water is left to freeze and expand in your pipes or sprinkler heads.

Sprinkler system spigot
Sprinkler system spigot

How Much Does It Cost

Winterizing your sprinkler system costs vary depending on where you live and the time of year. The national average for blowing out your sprinkler system lines can range from $30 to $160 in costs. This cost covers all equipment maintenance and service. The national average depending on the size of the system is $55 to $85.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are exploring your options for winterizing your sprinkler system, ensure that all pipes are free from damage. Knowing this answer can also save money. Having a professional come out and inspect your sprinkler system before winterizing is key. You can also look into how to repair broken PVC pipes. This ensures any issues are handled in a timely manner.

Since you are on the topic of winterizing projects. It is a great idea to look into your fireplace maintenance at this time. Maintaining your fireplace is important to ensure that you do not end up with major repairs. Hiring a professional to come and clean your chimney is a great idea. Completing all winterizing projects in the early Fall is key.

Finally, as the snow and rain appear more often in the winter months, consider waterproofing your basement. Understanding the importance of waterproofing your basement can save you a lot of money. It also saves you from the headache of the groundwater seeping into your basement. Allowing water intrusion can cause mold and mildew to build. These are not ideal circumstances. Water-proof your basement in the summer months so it is ready for the winter.

Sprinkler system shut off
Sprinkler system shut off

When Do I Call A Professional

Calling on a professional irrigation or sprinkler system company is a great idea. In this case, they can provide you with the best service for maintaining your sprinkler system in the winter months. Winterizing the sprinkler system is not always an easy task for the homeowner. Getting your local irrigation or sprinkler system professional out to assist is highly recommended. The irrigation or sprinkler system company can look over your system and provide the recommended maintenance so you don’t worry about the sprinkler system freezing. This ensures the system is ready for use when the temperatures sustain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

Winterizing your irrigation/sprinkler system is a great necessity. Failing to get this project completed risks the possibility of having your system’s pipes burst. You might even see the sprinkler heads pop off. At the freezing point of 32 degrees, Fahrenheit water left in your sprinkler system can expand and burst the pipes. Call on Home Inspection Geeks to take a look at your winterizing needs. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your winterizing needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.