Q: The foundation on my 1980s-era house is insulated on the exterior with sheets of foam board. Several inches of foundation are exposed above grade, where the foam is protected by aluminum flashing. The foam and flashing are unsightly. Would it risk termites or other problems to raise up the ground level with soil or river rock to cover up the foam? Are there better … [Read more...] about How To Protect Foam Insulation on Foundation?
Insulation
How To Install Foam Sheathing: Thickness, Vapor Barrier & Housewrap?
Q: I'm tearing the house down to bear studs inside and outside. I'm putting 1-inch rigid foam board on the outside. Do you suggest foil-faced or unfaced foam board? Where and how should I use moisture barriers in the construction of the interior walls? I live in zone 5, should I use rain screen? What do you think of cement lap board for siding? – Ron B. A: Foam … [Read more...] about How To Install Foam Sheathing: Thickness, Vapor Barrier & Housewrap?
Air-Sealing An Unvented Cathedral Ceiling
Q: We live in Kingston, NY and cathedral ceilinged the main living space of our 1925 raised ranch. The rafters are 2×6's. we used R-21 fiberglass batts (5 1/2 " thick) and 1" pine tongue and groove boards. The roof is an unvented shingle roof. Is there an affordable solution to prevent humidity build up? – Kate A: In cold climates, unvented roof cavities can lead to moisture … [Read more...] about Air-Sealing An Unvented Cathedral Ceiling
Spray Foam For Unvented Cathedral Ceilings
John asks: Is it better to use Icynene (open-cell) or closed-cell spray foam in an unvented cathedral ceiling? We are building a new home in Atlanta, GA. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: I don't really like unvented cathedral ceilings, also called "hot roofs", because they are very unforgiving. If the roof sheathing or rafters ever gets wet from a roof leak, or … [Read more...] about Spray Foam For Unvented Cathedral Ceilings
Dense-Pack vs. Exterior Foam Insulation
Aaron writes: I own a post-and-beam house built in Portland, OR, in the 1950's with no insulation. The entire house has an exposed beam ceiling that we do not want to cover up, so we plan to put rigid foam above the roof sheathing. On the walls, however, we are getting conflicting advice and strong arguments for each option -- drill-and-fill cellulose vs. exterior foam. I do … [Read more...] about Dense-Pack vs. Exterior Foam Insulation