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Message

re: Spray Foam Insulation

Posted on 3/14/09 at 9:53 pm to
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/14/09 at 9:53 pm to
quote:

I took a Residential Energy Design course last summer. The thought being that, in the South, the difference in temperature outside to inside isn't that big on average, therefore you won't have much heat transfer through the walls...basic insulation is plenty. The main sources of heat gain in the home are the attic and solar gain through the windows.

Another issue they discussed related to foam, is since the house is sealed much better than normal, the owner needs to install an air exchanger to make sure there is enough fresh air flowing through the home.


Interesting. I would agree that there is school and books and then there is real world, but I'm certainly not disputing it. I definitely look forward to learning more about it practically and real world speaking. It sounds logical though.

What do you do now?
Posted by shawtiger
Baton Rouge, LA.
Member since Jan 2004
433 posts
Posted on 3/14/09 at 9:53 pm to
quote:

Don't believe jack shite that you learn in college


Too general.
Posted by mytigger
Member since Jan 2008
15279 posts
Posted on 3/14/09 at 10:24 pm to
make sure if you're getting foam sprayed under your roof you get the opened celled foam. That way if your roof leaks you'll be able to find it before it ruins the better part of your roof system.
Posted by ForeLSU
The Corner of Sanity and Madness
Member since Sep 2003
41525 posts
Posted on 3/14/09 at 10:36 pm to
quote:

Don't believe jack shite that you learn in college.

Wait till you get in the real world and learn your trade from experience - through mentors.

College is only good to show that you can stick to something long term and finish it.




I graduated 25 years ago.
Posted by ForeLSU
The Corner of Sanity and Madness
Member since Sep 2003
41525 posts
Posted on 3/14/09 at 10:43 pm to
quote:

I would agree that there is school and books and then there is real world, but I'm certainly not disputing it.


this was a RESNET course designed to prepare one to take the HERS test. I wasn't taking it for that reason, more for business planning. I own a company that does residential lighting and energy systems for large custom homes, and am developing a business offering to do energy design and consulting targeted at architects and upper-end builders.

The math is pretty simple though, and I'm not saying that foam in walls isn't beneficial, just that there may not be much in the way of payback over standard insulation compared to other energy investments. Most heat in the south is generated from the attic and windows.
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 12:02 am to
quote:

What's wrong with saying you're successful. I know from experience that a man who always looks to improve is a man that's successful.

Just the Best for You!


I was just asking if we knew each other. What's your name? What do you do? Do you know me?
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 12:04 am to
quote:

I built a house in SWLA last year & used foam insulation. My attic is never more than 3 degrees warmer than the rest of the house. My electric bill is never high. I think foam is worth the money.


What company and product did you use? How big is your house? How much was the total job cost versus what traditional insulation would have been?

That's awesome! I'd love to know more!

What do you do?
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 12:06 am to
quote:

make sure if you're getting foam sprayed under your roof you get the opened celled foam. That way if your roof leaks you'll be able to find it before it ruins the better part of your roof system.


What makes you say that? Hopefully not a bad experience. Did you have open cell foam sprayed in your house? If so by whom. What's your understanding and knowledge of the Spray Foam industry?

I'm just trying to learn as much as I possibly can!
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 12:08 am to
quote:

this was a RESNET course designed to prepare one to take the HERS test. I wasn't taking it for that reason, more for business planning. I own a company that does residential lighting and energy systems for large custom homes, and am developing a business offering to do energy design and consulting targeted at architects and upper-end builders.

The math is pretty simple though, and I'm not saying that foam in walls isn't beneficial, just that there may not be much in the way of payback over standard insulation compared to other energy investments. Most heat in the south is generated from the attic and windows.


We definitely need to speak and/or meet for a cup of coffee, breakfast or whatever. It sounds like we're definitely on similar paths and I think a discussion between us might prove to be extremely win/win.

Will you e-mail me at cst@cox.net so we can talk more and to set up a time and place to meet?

Thanks in advance!
Chandler
Posted by ForeLSU
The Corner of Sanity and Madness
Member since Sep 2003
41525 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 7:56 am to
quote:

We definitely need to speak and/or meet for a cup of coffee, breakfast or whatever. It sounds like we're definitely on similar paths and I think a discussion between us might prove to be extremely win/win.


I live in Birmingham...I'm working on a website for this concept though, I'll shoot you an email when I get it done.
Posted by LoyalTiger211
ds
Member since Dec 2008
223 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 10:26 am to
quote:

Will you e-mail me at cst@cox.net so we can talk more and to set up a time and place to meet?

Thanks in advance!
Chandler


I will email you also. I would like to learn more about your energy solutions to the market.
Posted by JustinTI
New Orleans
Member since Nov 2006
208 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 11:08 am to
Not to hijack the thread (it's somewhat related), what is everyone's opinion on double paned windows or any other type of energy star windows? Is it worth the additional costs if building new? Roughly, what is the additional cost to purchase/install these over standard single pane windows (just a ballpark # per standard window)?
This post was edited on 3/15/09 at 11:18 am
Posted by LoyalTiger211
ds
Member since Dec 2008
223 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 11:28 am to
quote:

Not to hijack the thread (it's somewhat related), what is everyone's opinion on double paned windows or any other type of energy star windows? Is it worth the additional costs if building new? Roughly, what is the additional cost to purchase/install these over standard single pane windows (just a ballpark # per standard window)?


They have some that are injected with Argon gas, and are supposed to be very efficient if done right.
Posted by Meauxjeaux
102836 posts including my alters
Member since Jun 2005
45842 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 1:22 pm to
So, tullis, you're basically an expert in insulation installation.

Say that 5 times real fast.
Posted by wmtiger69
west monroe
Member since Nov 2007
969 posts
Posted on 3/15/09 at 11:01 pm to
Can foam insulation be installed in a exsisting home? Obviously can't be put in the walls but how about the attic. I have regular insulation now and in the summer it is insanely hot up there.
Posted by Art Vandelay
LOUISIANA
Member since Sep 2005
11410 posts
Posted on 3/16/09 at 9:09 am to
quote:

They have some that are injected with Argon gas, and are supposed to be very efficient if done right.
Get Low-E insulated, don't bother with the gas, it will leak out in a few years anyway. Most building codes are starting to require this in new homes. The price has gone down drastically over the last few years. I hardly sell anything non-insulated.

The foam is a good product but it is still pretty expensive. I want to say around 1.25-1.50 a square foot of wall or ceiling. Puts you around $7000 for an average size house. You see a difference in bill right away and will probably make that money back in 5-7 years. It does a good job of sealing your house from air infiltration in or out.
Posted by ForeLSU
The Corner of Sanity and Madness
Member since Sep 2003
41525 posts
Posted on 3/16/09 at 10:05 am to
quote:

Obviously can't be put in the walls but how about the attic.


yes, it's actually fairly easy from what I've seen. They vacuum out the blown-in stuff, seal the openings and spray the foam in. As an interim solution, you can also put up a radiant barrier on the inner part of the roof that will knock down the temp some. You can get it from Home Depot pretty cheap.
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/16/09 at 11:42 pm to
quote:

Get Low-E insulated, don't bother with the gas, it will leak out in a few years anyway. Most building codes are starting to require this in new homes. The price has gone down drastically over the last few years. I hardly sell anything non-insulated.

The foam is a good product but it is still pretty expensive. I want to say around 1.25-1.50 a square foot of wall or ceiling. Puts you around $7000 for an average size house. You see a difference in bill right away and will probably make that money back in 5-7 years. It does a good job of sealing your house from air infiltration in or out.


If you don't mind, drop me a line at cst@cox.net. I'd like to talk to you about what you do and how we might be able to help each other. Thanks in advance!
Posted by cstullis
Dallas/Fort Worth
Member since Sep 2007
240 posts
Posted on 3/16/09 at 11:44 pm to
quote:

yes, it's actually fairly easy from what I've seen. They vacuum out the blown-in stuff, seal the openings and spray the foam in. As an interim solution, you can also put up a radiant barrier on the inner part of the roof that will knock down the temp some. You can get it from Home Depot pretty cheap.


We should talk sooner than later. I have a number of time sensitive things going on that may be of interest to you.

Send me an e-mail and your contact info to cst@cox.net and let's talk. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Tigah in the ATL
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2005
27539 posts
Posted on 3/16/09 at 11:55 pm to
quote:

Don't believe jack shite that you learn in college.
By this measure, welders would make great bridge designers.

Some people don't have 20 years of experience. They have 1 year of experience 20 times.
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