Soy-Based Insulation. Please proof this new inspection article.

Specific Inspection Topics Green Building Inspections
1

Soy-Based Insulation.

2

I would like more info regarding the percentage cost diferential (labor inclusive) in the article with respect to the open/closed varietites and with respect to comparable r values for fiberglass as opposed to open cell.

3

Hey Nick,

Here’s a few thoughts:

  1. There is also soy-based closed cell with an R Value of R6/inch
  2. Most spray foams are listed with initial R Values, and aged R Values. Ex: R6.8 initial, R6 aged, which is the long term R Value. Maybe this should be explained a bit to clarify for homeowner as some contractors promote initial R Values because they are higher.
  3. Rodents will not eat it: You should check with a few manufacturers of soy based foam.You will find it can be a marketing ploy by contractors and is not true in most cases.
  4. Most consumers are focused on the R Value of spray foams, however the airsealing capabilities of closed cell spray foam is mostly why it can be so much more effective that traditional insulation methods.
  5. Spray foam is not a new product, it has been around for 20+ years.
4

thanks

5

This needs to be compared to other similar foam-based insulations, not fiberglass batt insulation.