Humidity, Attics, and Spray Foam, Oh My! - Episode 26

In today's episode, we are joined by Keith Simon of BES/Terracon and Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard to discuss moisture issues associated with the use of spray foam insulation in attic assemblies. There's a little bit of background information on Joe Lstiburek's article called "Ping Pong Water & The Chemical Engineer" that you'll want to check out if you're trying to better understand where this conversation is coming from, as well as a few other Energy Vanguard articles to help wrap your head around it.
We also mention some cool RHT sensors in the show, which you can check out here. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for updates on The Humid Climate Conference 2017 in the new year. Big thanks to Ultra Aire Whole House Dehumidifiers for sponsoring this great conversation.sqA

[@scottfishing2948]

I'm pretty sure they never addressed the real reason people don't use closed cell on attic ceiling: if you have a roof leak + closed cell, you can't tell you have a leak, perhaps not until its too late.

[@rj.parker]

I am a regular listener and enjoy the detailed content your company provides. This particularly episode is a favorite. I wish there was a way to supply everyone in your conference room with a lapel mic to reduce the speakerphone acoustics.

[@positiveenergy1565]

Great feedback. Thanks for writing! The audio is always tough when we're not sending guests to studios. We get stuck with some less-than-ideal scenarios from time to time.

[@Jakehiggins89]

I’m late to the game, video is old. It’s seems that closed cell foam, being a vapor barrier would help greatly reduce the humidity in the home. Plus an Ultra-Aire humidifier would make a wonderfully comfortable home. I like to hear thought and options on this?

[@xamphoa]

I am having the same issue and am curious if you guys have more data points on whether or not a whole home dehumidifier has solved this problem in other homes besides the one in Georgia?

[@mclordhelmet]

I just had my attic spray foamed (open cell) at the roof deck. I live in the Atlanta area. The humidity problem is real. Immediately installed a dehumidifier in the attic. I have 2 smart hygrometers tracking Rh at the floor and the highest point in the attic. Anyone interested in some data points?