Inspecting Spray Foam Insulation & HVAC System in an Older Home (what problems to look for)
By Eric George
Introduction
Renovating an older home can be a rewarding journey, but it’s also filled with unique challenges. One of the most important aspects of modernizing an older property is ensuring proper insulation and an efficient HVAC system. In this article, we’ll dive into an inspection of a 1927 bungalow undergoing significant renovations, highlighting potential issues with spray foam insulation and HVAC systems, and how to address them.
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The Homeowner’s Vision
This project began as a straightforward upgrade of a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house. The homeowner’s vision expanded into a complete transformation, creating a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home. As part of the renovation, she opted for open-cell spray foam insulation and sought an inspection before the drywall installation to ensure everything was properly sealed and optimized for energy efficiency.
Why Inspect Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a popular choice for its energy efficiency and air-sealing properties. However, it’s not a “silver bullet” solution. Proper installation is critical, and a thorough inspection can prevent costly oversights. Here’s why an inspection is essential:
Catch Gaps and Holes: Small gaps between the spray foam and the framing can allow air to bypass the insulation, compromising its effectiveness.
Identify Installation Issues: Uneven application, poor adhesion due to dust, or expansion gaps can reduce insulation performance.
Address Missed Areas: Corners, soffits, and attic spaces often require extra attention to ensure full coverage.
Key Areas to Inspect
During the inspection, several problem areas were identified and addressed:
1. Small Gaps and Holes
Gaps were found in corners and behind framing where spray foam didn’t adhere properly. These can be sealed with over-the-counter spray foam or by having a professional return to flash the areas with foam.
2. Framing Challenges
Older homes often have unconventional framing that complicates insulation. For instance, California corners were not used in this house, making it difficult to insulate corners properly. Solutions included drilling small holes to fill gaps with spray foam or using fiberglass insulation as a secondary measure.
3. Attic Spaces
The attic’s gable ends and roof rafters required full encapsulation to ensure a conditioned attic. Proper sealing prevents air leaks and improves energy efficiency.
4. Bathroom Ventilation
A bathroom exhaust vent had been roughed in but not properly vented outside. To resolve this, the vent will be directed through an exterior gable wall, which minimizes backdrafting and ensures proper airflow.
5. Basement and Rim Joists
The basement rim joists had significant air leaks that required sealing with spray foam and silicone caulk. Insulating the foundation walls with foam board or closed-cell spray foam was also recommended for long-term comfort and energy savings.
HVAC System Inspection
An efficient HVAC system is critical in an older home to maintain comfort and manage energy costs. Here are the key findings from the inspection:
1. Ductwork Design Issues
The existing ductwork was sized for heating only and struggled to handle the air volume required for cooling. Recommendations included resizing the return drop and upgrading to a media filter rack for better airflow and filtration.
2. Air Filter Recommendations
Switching from a one-inch filter to a four- or five-inch filter improves filtration and airflow, reducing strain on the system. Avoiding overly restrictive filters (e.g., high MERV ratings) is crucial for older duct systems.
3. Static Pressure Testing
Testing the system’s external static pressure ensures it operates within safe limits, preventing inefficiencies and potential system damage.
Lessons Learned
From this inspection, several key lessons emerged for homeowners renovating older properties:
Spray Foam Requires Inspection: Always inspect spray foam insulation before covering it with drywall. Small gaps or missed areas can negate its benefits and cause big problems down the road.
Ventilation Matters: Properly venting bathrooms and kitchens can significantly improve indoor humidity levels and air quality.
Upgrade HVAC Components: Improving ductwork design and using better air filters can enhance HVAC performance.
Plan for the Future: Consider insulating foundation walls and addressing underlying issues during renovations to avoid larger expenses later.
Want to Learn More?
At Home Comfort Advisors, we’re passionate about helping homeowners improve their properties. Check out our FREE Guide to Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality or sign up for our online course to learn how to save thousands while making your home more comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient.
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