I'm considering tackling the insulation of my unfinished basement with closed-cell foam after an energy audit highlighted it as a top priority. The quotes I've received to hire someone have all ranged from $4K to $5K, which feels pretty steep. Since my basement floor is dirt, uneven, and kind of creepy (think random bricks and poor lighting), I'm confident I can do a DIY job without worrying about aesthetics or future drywall installations. Material costs should range between $1,500 to $2,000, which makes it tempting to go the DIY route. I've done some research already, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with DIY spray foam insulation. I'm considering using Froth-pak or Tigerfoam and would appreciate any brand recommendations or advice, especially since my 150-year-old house has a stone basement.
2 Answers
You really need to think about the moisture issue here. If you have a stone foundation that hasn't been excavated or waterproofed, spraying foam could lead to serious problems with high moisture levels. Instead, focus on air sealing in areas like the rim joists to tackle the heat loss. This is more crucial than just adding insulation. Plus, consider any other issues like your attic insulation or balloon framing that might be affecting your house’s comfort level.
I’ve done this myself and while it’s pretty straightforward, there are a couple of key tips. First, make sure to suit up and ventilate the area since the chemicals can get intense. Don’t overapply in one go because it heats up while curing. A fan helps with both ventilation and managing the temperature in the work area. Stick to these tips, and it should go smoothly!
Thanks for the heads up about the heating during curing! I’ll definitely keep a fan handy while working.
So you’re saying it's safer to seal those gaps instead of spraying foam directly? I honestly thought spray foam would solve my problems!