When You Should Not Use Spray Foam Insulation

If you've researched spray foam insulation, you've probably encountered two attitudes on spray foam. One attitude regards spray foam as a dangerous and problematic insulation. The other attitude insists spray foam has no problems when installed correctly.

Our team at South Central Services tends to fall into that second category of people claiming spray foam is the best insulation product out there. However, we recognize that spray foam is not a miracle product. Like any other insulation, spray foam has benefits, drawbacks, and limitations. So, what are the circumstances where you should not use spray foam insulation?

We've installed spray foam in hundreds of residential and commercial projects. We have also consulted with curious homeowners about spray foam as a solution for their specific problems. Spray foam is not always the best solution. This article will discuss the most common issues spray foam is not the best solution for.

By the end of this article, you will understand:

• What problems spray foam insulation cannot solve
• What problems spray foam insulation is not best at solving

Situations Where Spray Foam Insulation Cannot Be Used

There are some problems that spray foam insulation cannot solve. You do not want to waste money on the wrong solution; we don't want that for you, either. Spray foam must stand on its merits rather than be touted as a solution for any problem.

Spray Foam Insulation Is Not A Solution For Water Leaks

Spray foam insulation seals air leaks and provides thermal insulation with a high R-value. Closed cell spray foam can also prevent some water vapor transfer or condensation. However, spray foam is not designed to handle water leaks.

Some homeowners approach our team to ask about spray foam as a solution for a leaky roof or basement. Spray foam is not a solution for water leakage and is not a waterproofing product.

Spray foam should only be installed after a water leakage problem is addressed. Otherwise, there are risks of mold growth, continued water damage, and even structural damage.

Address Your Roof Leak Before Installing Spray Foam Upstairs

If you're dealing with a leaky roof, you'll need to contact a roofer or general contractor to find the source of the leak and to make the necessary repairs.

After solving the water leaks in your roof, you can install open or closed cell spray foam to the underside of your roof to create a conditioned, unvented attic space.

Solve Your Basement Leaks Before Installing Closed Cell Spray Foam

For basements prone to water infiltration, a more comprehensive approach is needed. Drainage systems like French drains and waterproofing membranes can offer a robust solution. These systems are designed to channel water away from your home.

Before installing a separate drainage system, check your downspouts and soil grading. Both of these factors can contribute to water in basements. All downspouts should direct water away from the foundation of your home. If the soil grade around your foundation is sloped towards your house instead of away from it, you could risk running ground water into your foundation.

Once the water leakage in your basement has been addressed, you can install closed cell spray foam on your basement walls.

If you want to use your basement as a conditioned space, such as a game room or guest area, your basement walls are the area to insulate. If you have no plans to finish your basement, installing spray foam on the basement ceiling could be a great option.

Situations Where Spray Foam Insulation Is Not Best To Use

Spray foam insulation offers excellent performance. So, why would we ever recommend a different solution if spray foam can perform? For some situations, while spray foam can technically perform, some other factor prevents it from being the best or most practical solution.

Let's examine the top two situations where spray foam is not the best option available.

Spray Foam Is Not The Best Choice For Interior Wall Insulation

Spray foam insulation offers more performance than interior walls need. For interior walls, thermal resistance is not a primary concern. Spray foam is also an expensive insulation option, making it less cost-effective for this application.

We recommend insulating materials like fiberglass batts or dense pack cellulose for interior walls. While these insulations offer less performance than spray foam, interior walls do not require high performance like exterior walls. Fiberglass and cellulose also provide more sound control than closed cell spray foam.

Sound control is often desirable for interior walls, so we recommend using an insulation with better soundproofing performance. You’ll also save money on interior wall insulation, since batt insulation tends to be much cheaper than spray foam.

Spray Foam Insulation Is Not The Best Choice For Maximum Sound Control

Spray foam insulation is not a soundproofing product. Between open cell and closed cell spray foam, only open cell spray foam offers sound benefits. However, open cell spray foam is a sound attenuation product. Sound attenuation means muffling and quieting sounds, not eliminating them.

With open cell foam, you can expect sounds to be quiet and indistinct. There is still a good chance that you'll hear noise after insulating with open cell spray foam.

If you're looking for a soundproofing solution that will eliminate noise, spray foam insulation is not the product you're looking for. Materials like acoustic foam panels, mass-loaded vinyl, or specialized acoustic insulation batts are better choices for soundproofing.

These products are specifically designed to absorb and block sound, providing a more effective solution for noise reduction. They can be installed on walls, ceilings, or floors to create a quieter living environment.

We recommend connecting with a sound professional like Soundproof Cow if you want complete soundproofing. These professionals can consult with you about what combination of products can eliminate sound transfer completely.

The Bottom Line About When Spray Foam Insulation Isn't Best

Spray foam insulation is a versatile and effective material for many insulation needs. Still, there are better solutions for some situations. Whether you're dealing with water leaks, insulating interior walls, or need effective soundproofing, there are instances where other materials or methods may be more appropriate or cost-effective.

Now that you know where spray foam cannot be used, your next step is to:

• Discover how using spray foam insulation appropriately can save you money
• Compare open cell and closed cell spray foam
• Learn whether you could install spray foam insulation yourself