Love hate with foam
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I have a love hate with foam. Either in can, spray or board.
I’ve heard that Europe has discontinued its use because of several reasons. I built a ICF house and the little foam bubels went all over creation. Not to mention the energy, gases and craddel to grave of the product.
Am I being to picky or what?
And what are our options?
Thank you
Jason
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Replies
It depends greatly on which foam (or more specifically, which blowing agent). I'd also think twice about using so much concrete.
I think you’re being overly picky. Any product has tradeoffs, and insulation inarguably benefits (reduces) the energy use of a home for both heating and cooling over the life of the structure.
Polystyrene that isn’t UV stabilized will actually break down fairly quickly as plastics go so a few little “foam balls” blowing away isn’t that big of a deal, besides that it’s annoying. I would try to contain the mess as best as possible during construction though, even if just as a matter of principle.
Bill