Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 10, 2003 04:52pm | #1

   One version of Dow's (Coletex) Iso pannels can that they can get left exposed.

   I *think* that I ran into another brand that a similar product. Don't remember who it was.

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Oct 10, 2003 08:13pm | #2

   the ones in the article were not the kind you describe... nor did the author even address the issue..

    in February... 100 people died in a nightclub fire in RI.. primary culprit... the foam soundproof insulation..not much different than the stuff we useMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   mike_guertin | Oct 11, 2003 03:24am | #3

   Hi Mike,

   The JLC editors kind of addressed the issue in the caption on figure 4 pg 86 but didn't go into depth.  You are right, foam MFGs and the IRC requires us to cover the foam.  And I'll bet our inspectors will be all over exposed foam.

   I was at the Affordable Comfort New England conference last week and attended a presentation called Wet and Dry Crawlspaces and Basements by Nathan Yost who works with Joe Lstibruek at BSC.  He went through several details to address both situations.  Great info.  He mentioned the problem with foam insulation being left exposed and mentioned one brand of foam that was rated. I don't recall if it's the Dow stuff Bill Hartman mentioned but perhaps if you could go to the Building Science Corp's website and hunt around you may find something.  The site has lots of content and if you send Nathan a note via the website referencing the presentation, he'll probably get back to you with the foam brand.

   I have copies of the presentation notes I can fax you if you want - the foam's name isn't there and the text does note that drywall or other covering is necessary.  There are a few  Joe Lstibruek drawing details for proper crawlspace / basement construction / retrofits.

   Of course in the presentation Nathan said something to the effect - 'lots of people don't bother covering the foam and inspectors don't pay attention.'    Nathan made the argument that in attics the foam isn't required to be covered so what's the deal with crawl spaces - people are as likely to crawl around in a crawl space as they are in an attic.

   One thing I've been recommending for use as finished basement wall covering instead of drywall is Dens Armor Plus.  No paper - they use fiberglass instead.  Can be finished and painted like drywall, maybe even veneer plastered.  I think it would be the ticket for use to cover foam in crawl spaces just to keep the cellulose out of the equation.

   Mike Guertin

1. 
   BUSTER | Oct 11, 2003 05:32am | #4

   Ditto on the 1/2" gyp. in the crawl..as well as attic spaces.  We require it here in my area of Oregon.  Contractors and homeowners really pitch a fit about the requirement (especially if the house is completely framed-in w/ ICF blocks/panels.

1. 
   mike_guertin | Oct 11, 2003 04:28pm | #5

   Are you saying the code there requires rigid foam in the attic to be covered? 

   I use rigid foam in lots of instances in an attic.  For instance I cover the attic scuttle hole (or stairs) panel with rigid foam and gasket it but the attic side of the foam is left exposed.  Would your inspectors require the foam exposed to the attic space be covered with drywall? 

   Mike

2. 
   SledBC | Oct 11, 2003 08:46pm | #6

   Although they don't require it here, I do agree with covering with drywall in crawl spaces, it IS however required here in basements...but in an attic, where the airspace is outside the living area, i don't understand the reasoning.

3. 
   BUSTER | Oct 12, 2003 02:48am | #7

   Yes. We require it in ALL accessible attic and crawl spaces.  I have however have spoken at length to a tech representing "R-MAX" insulating products about the issue of requireing their product to be covered in the stated areas. I said it was'nt necessary, especially since their flamespread and smoke development numbers are low (age causes me not to remember specs !!).

   Same issue w/ ICF materials...w/ the exception that the most common ICF panels used in the area will usually have buried in fine print the issue of requireing cover.

   A fello 'spector I work with said he's not going to require a product to be covered if the man. said it is'nt necessary.  Our BO / supervisor says to cover it. Nothing like consistancy !

   I also hear from a contractor who's going to do an ICF house that in Wash. state, they don't require it.

   Sooo...thats' kind-of where we're at here in "Ory-gun".  Good luck.

4. 
   mike_guertin | Oct 12, 2003 03:41pm | #8

   I'm always amazed how code provisions (and manufacturer instructions) are enforced differently between states, communities (and in your example - within a community).

2. 
   4Lorn2 | Oct 20, 2003 05:13am | #9

   Sorry haven't read it. Given a choice between magazines, JLC and FHB, I'll stick with FHB. I could read it online, at a price similar to a subscription so no joy there.  

   It would be nice to be able to read and contribute to their forum but here again I would need to spend money. I am not going to pay to read opinions that are generally not any better, from what little I have seen, no better than what I can get for free on other sites.  I choose not to pay to read or post to their, or any other, forum because I think my opinions and efforts have value. My small contribution should be payment enough for the effort it takes to support my limited use.

1. 
   MartinHolladay | Oct 20, 2003 04:35pm | #10

   4Lorn1,There is no cost to participate in the JLC Forums, either to read discussions or to post your opinion.  The only limitation (a limitation enforced, as far as I can tell, by the honor system) is that the JLC Web forums are for building professionals only -- "Only persons with a professional affiliation to the construction industry should post questions or responses."