I’ve seen it in stud bays in some vintage 1970’s houses, as well as in some older homes that I suspect were insulated during that same time period. It’s almost pure white, and although it’s somewhat rigid, it turns to dust the minute you touch it. Almost always has shrunk at least an inch around all sides, and it appears to have been blown in (based on the presence of ~1.5-2″ diameter holes near the top of the bays).
Anyone know?
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Interesting post, so here is a bump to keep it going.
I used to install cellulose in the 70's and was unaware of any blow in foam at the time.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
Ask Piffin.
Urea-formaldehyde was used around that time.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I'vve seen it instaled and replaced it too, but No knowedge of exactly what it was. I was just another dummy back then
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My money would be on it being urea formaldehyde.
It was known for it's shrinkage and outgassing.
I found some photos of the stuff. I take it that urea formaldehyde is now passe? Other than that it appears to be providing minimal insulation value, any other reasons that I can give the HO to remove the remaining stuff?
Thanks for your responses.
If it is urea formaldehyde, the house is probably unsaleable unless it is removed. In many areas, a seller must provide an affidavit that there is none in the house.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned it at least 20 years ago.
It was banned because of formaldehyde outgassing. But significant outgassing of this stuff ended about 20 years ago.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
It was banned because of formaldehyde outgassing. But significant outgassing of this stuff ended about 20 years ago.
I understand that to be the case, but if you have UFI, your property is often unmarketable until it is removed. Some people will not be persuaded that it is no longer a problem.
By the way, I just checked and as of 2003, the seller disclosure requirement in Massachusetts was repealed.
Edited 3/3/2008 5:15 pm ET by smslaw
I believe it is "urea-formaldehyde' foam. This is the only foam I've ever seen that was actually fire resistant. Even new, it was crumbly, and your fingers could easily leave an impression in it.
IMO, you're one of the lucky ones. Even with the shrinkage .... that was an issue with the application ... you still have a very good insulation. Ever look inside any other kind of old wall? Most insulations shrink / settle / otherwise lose a lot of their effectiveness over time. I'd just pack the gaps with another material.
It's definately UFFI (urea-formaldehyde foam insulation) which was banned in 1982 for residential use by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because of complaints of health effects soon after installation.
Most of the formaldehyde outgasses in the first few days after installation and then continues for a few months. Old UFFI is not considered a health hazard, but as you've discovered, it shrinks and becomes very friable.
It is not a vapor barrier, is not fire resistant, and had an installed R-value of about 4 per inch.
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that is the stuff that makes me very leary of the new foam being installed. My house was insulated with it back in the 70's, before I owned it. Have removed most of it as I remodeled rooms. It is terrible to remove!!!
I remember there was a government program to help pay to install the stuff....then people began to have problems and a new program began to help pay to remove it. Here in Canada it is not neccessary to disclose its presence according MLS because it poses no harm to occupants.
I don't know if there was medical evidence that is was a problem or more psychosomatic. I think the same thing happened in my school when they changed to fluorescent bulbs.
Jon
Russian saying
My understanding is that long-term exposure is very hazardous to the installer, causing various chronic health problems. Safety gear, anyone?
It's UFFI. I don't think it would pose any hazard at this point. You can read a little about it here.
http://www.allaroundthehouse.com/lib.stu.u1.htm
Sure it isn't mushrooms?
(If not, then likely urea-formaldehyde.)