Hey everyone! I'm considering installing closed-cell spray foam insulation under my home in northwest Florida because I've been struggling with condensation, mildew, and high humidity issues during the summer due to an overly moist dirt crawlspace. Unfortunately, no contractors seem willing to take on this job, so my husband and I are planning to tackle it ourselves. My husband is pretty adamant about using spray foam in a can, and I've been trying to gather as much info as possible but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm specifically looking for advice on the following: 1. Which brand should I go with – I've found AKFix 840p and Vegabond purple. 2. Is it safe to install it without any covering? 3. Just how bad are the fumes if a fire does happen? Any tips or tricks from those who have experience would be greatly appreciated! Also, he wants to start by insulating under our additions which is about 600 sq ft. Thanks!
3 Answers
You might want to rethink just using spray foam. From what I've researched (and what’s been echoed by others), it's not a complete solution and can potentially trap moisture. Make sure to use a 12mil vapor barrier on the ground and along the perimeter to prevent moisture from getting in. You'll also need good sealing around any vents and openings. Think about running a dehumidifier down there to help manage the humidity levels too. But if you make mistakes here, it could lead to bigger problems down the line!
DIYing spray foam in a crawlspace can be risky. Honestly, using spray foam cans isn’t the best idea; consider getting a proper DIY spray foam kit instead. The fumes can be toxic if there's a fire, so it's generally safer to have it covered. While AKFix is decent, I really recommend consulting a professional who can offer better guidance on this.
Instead of spray foam, have you thought about using rockwool? It’s fireproof, waterproof, and much easier to handle without degrading in moisture. Plus, it's often more budget-friendly! Also, consider fully encapsulating your crawlspace to combat humidity issues. But if your husband is allergic to it, maybe you need to find another insulation type or a solution that works for both of you.
I actually looked into rockwool, but my husband has an allergy to it and we can't find anyone willing to crawl under the house to help with the installation.