[Greenbuilding] Foam insulation advice needed

[David Posada]

Bobbi,
Many sources agree that the two-part SPF chemicals are a health hazard during installation (so installers need to wear masks and suits) until the two parts cure. If installed properly and once they are cured, they are not supposed to off-gas any further.

There a long discussion (141 posts) on spray foam that continues off-gassing over at GreenBuildingAdvisor.com. The original Q&A post was "Out-gassing of bad stuff from spray foam insulation." (link is below) I posted an observation of the demi lec  foam you're considering at post #17 on 2/22/2010. The product is a low-density spray polyurethane foam similar to icynene. 

In this installation, the areas with a thin spray-on application (open 2x4 stud bays in one room, and basement rim joists) cured quickly and were odor free. The area with the thick application of 8-10" in an enclosed crawlspace and unvented low attic continued to off gas a noticeable sweet/ ammonia odor for many months.

I can only speculate on the possible cause(s): 
-- whether the lack of ventilation into the space during installation made a difference (I've heard it is advisable to vent the area well for the foam to cure properly), 
-- whether the mix of the part A and part B of the foam was incorrect (I've heard the particular smell can be from a catalyst-rich mix), or 
-- whether a thick application prevents the initial material from getting enough air to cure properly.
 
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/green-products-and-materials/14537/out-gassing-bad-stuff-spray-foam-insulation

It looks like people have continued adding comments to that thread even in recent months. 

David


Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:54:23 -0500
From: Bobbi Chukran <bobbi.chukran at suddenlink.net>
To: Green Building <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org>
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Foam insulation advice needed
Message-ID: <C31A8FD8-F7AD-41A3-935E-E21053333030 at suddenlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

We finally got some info. from the insulation guy for our new/old home.

He proposes using an open cell foam, Demilec Selection 500 in the  
attic rafters.  I'm concerned because even though the company has  
LEED ratings, etc. that product is still polyurethane based.

I mentioned that I wanted water-sprayed, and indeed that product is,  
but I'm still leery of the health issues.  Since I'm chemically  
sensitive and have asthma, and since we'll be working in the house  
(although I won't be in the attic) for months, then living in it, I  
have to be cautious.

All of the green building info. sites say it's a great product for  
insulating a home.  But what about the health of the inhabitants?   
That's what I have to worry about, foremost.

Any cautions, comments, etc. about this product?  Thanks!

bobbi c.
Leander and Taylor, TX

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