There are two options for attic insulation installation with spray foam
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The first option is roof on the deck/rafters
Attic Rafters / Roof Deck Spray Foam – The first option is installing spray foam on the roof deck/rafters, completely sealing the attic from the outside, converting your vented attic space to a climate-controlled space. On top of creating a perfect seal between the inside and outside of the home, there are also additional benefits foam has to offer. The average home’s ductwork is estimated to leak approximately 25% and most homes have a large majority of the ductwork located in the attic space. Rather than wasting the air that your system produces you will then be using it to cool/heat the inside of the attic space.
This process will require the removal of all fiberglass batt insulation between the ceiling and attic space. You will also need to remove attic vents and fans so the space can be completely sealed off from the outside air. the fiberglass removal is needed for air circulation.
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The second option is on the attic floor
Attic Floor Spray Foam – The Second option is removing the current insulation from the attic floor and installing spray foam in its place. One of the biggest flaws with conventional attic insulation is that it is not an air barrier. In all areas where there are penetrations in the ceiling between the living area and the attic space, you are losing air/heat. These areas may include can lights, ceiling fans, and more. Spray foam creates an air-tight barrier that eliminates any air exchange where it is applied. This option is not ideal and we rarely recommend this to customers.
This process requires less insulation due to the flat surface as opposed to the roof surface. There are downsides to this strategy which may include potential risk of nail pops in ceiling sheetrock. You also are not going to be able to take advantage of additional conditioned space as you would insulating the roof deck.