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House insulation

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by beckerj3, Aug 10, 2015.

  1. Aug 10, 2015 #1
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

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    We need to add additional insulation to our house in the attic. My husband is looking at spray foam insulation. He has read and heard that this can be toxic to people - and that it is often recommended that people remain OUT of the house for 24 hrs when this is applied.

    That's not an option for my fish and corals. Has anyone had experience with spray foam insulation? What did you do about your tanks and the inhabitants? Did you loose any animals (fish, inverts, corals) ?????
     
  2. Aug 10, 2015 #2
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

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    I would treat this as if you are going to bug-bomb the house. Make a plastic tent for your tank, seal it up all the way, and then duct air in from the outside with a fan to keep it at positive pressure with respect to the inside of the house. I've seen this done on LS Fishguys where they had to bomb the house for termites or something.
     
  3. Aug 10, 2015 #3
    Ray/Jen_Reefin Davenport, IA

    Ray/Jen_Reefin 2016 Vice President / 2015 Volunteer of the year.

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    Agree with @Turbo's post cover up as much as u can..
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  4. Aug 10, 2015 #4
    Supert Johnston, IA

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    Interesting, never thought it can be toxic. Keep us posted on the process. I might be doing the same thing next year of adding additional insulation up in my attic.
     
  5. Aug 10, 2015 #5
    abower Ryan, Ia

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    Spray foam is like paint. It has a solvent that has to evaporate out and is toxic until all volital solvents have expelled.

    My oppinion. Use cellulose, it packs tight, Cheap, and you can work through it. Foam will seal everything it touches and because of this is unconventional in the attic. Makes it difficult to run new drops for outlets or cable.
     
  6. Aug 10, 2015 #6
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

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    I think they are talking about spray foam on the underside of the decking though, not on top of the joists - right?

    That would make more sense. Normally the reason for venting the attic is so that it stays cold in the winter to reduce the chances of ice damming (you want a cold roof / attic). But if you foam the decking, then the heat in the attic won't transmit to the decking and melt the snow, the roof will stay cold.
     
  7. Aug 10, 2015 #7
    B_Braz

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    I just had this done about 3 months ago in a crawl space in my basement. I did not cover up my tank. Everything is just fine. However I also really didnt think about it to much and the space that was done at my house was under the house and much smaller then your attic i'm sure.
     
  8. Aug 10, 2015 #8
    Placid Norwalk, IA

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    I use to build new homes. If they are spraying the attic only. I would also assume they are spraying the Joist and not the rafters. Spray foam is a multi part chemical and needs oxygen to cure. It is applied like paint out of a spray gun and can become airborne. This is only toxic if breathed in while wet. I would recommend taking painters plastic and covering up ANY vent, light fixture, extra that is in/on the ceiling. You can also buy plastic barrier kits that have zippers built into them from home depot. This way you could also seal the room where you gain access to the attic. It you take the right precautions, should not have any issues with the tank.
     
  9. Aug 10, 2015 #9
    jeremy Davenport, IA

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    I thought the spray foam insulation was for walls and use cellulose for your attic. Probably cheaper to.
     
  10. Aug 11, 2015 #10
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

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    Thanks for the responses. I've passed them on to my husband for review. I think we may not go this route as the bid came in more than twice the cost for this option.
     
  11. Aug 11, 2015 #11
    new2salt Mingo

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    Check with your power company you can usually get a nice rebate back that will darn near pay the cost to spray foam it
     

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