Insulation Question
Hello all,
I saw a few similar questions answered here, so I’m hopeful you guys can help me out. We had some ice damming issues a few months ago, and are getting everything put back together. My town requires R49 insulation to meet code, so the insurance paid for, in my dining room area, closed cell, spray foam insulation in the entire 2×8 rafter space, which is the only way to meet R49. (We have a vaulted type ceiling, and only just over 7″ of void space.) The insulation company was meh at best, but the big question I have now – there is a bit of spray foam insulation coming out of one of the soffit vents on that side of the house.
I’m guessing this isn’t a huge deal, but I’m not positive. The kitchen half of the house has cellulose spray insulation to 18″ I think it is, with baffles, etc. Those are clear still it appears. The dining room half had the closed cell insulation applied directly to the roof decking and stud space, so no baffles, and as a result, I’m guessing it doesn’t really matter, other than cosmetically, and we can just cut the little bit off.
Am I correct in my thoughts?
Thanks!
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Replies
Spray foam expands when applied, so it probably just got a bit overfilled in that soffit location and oozed out a bit. As long as it's properly cured (not gooey), it shouldn't be a problem -- just trim it off. DeWalt makes a nice handle that holds the end of a regular hacksaw blade. Use that handle and a fine-tooth hacksaw blade as a trimming tool and you'll be able to do a good job trimming any excess spray foam quickly.
Note that ice damming is often due to air leaks and not just lack of insulation. Spray foam should have done a good job air sealing the roof too if it was applied correctly and no spots were missed. I recommend keeping an eye on things the next time you have frost -- watch for any dark spots where there is NOT frost on the roof, those spots are areas that might have air leaks or voids in the insulation that you need to fix.
Bill
Thank you, I thought that's what it was, but I wasn't positive. It isn't gooey, so that part is done correctly.
I will be looking for air leaks or voids in the future. I think I'm also going to install the little rope heater thing, since this project was a nightmare and I'd really rather just not do it again. Even though we wound up with a brand new roof, better insulation in our house, and the painting we wanted to do anyway, if I don't ever have to do it again, I won't complain!