Sprayfoam insulation? DIY?

[Admiral Blue]

I am in the process of finishing my lower level and would like to put 1" of spray foam on the ceiling in between the joists to seal everything up real nicely. This will be followed by multiple layers of sound reducing material/insulation.

I have not had much luck with local companies coming out for estimates and keeping appointments. There are companies online that sell everything you need to do it yourself. Has anyone done it? How did it turn out? :bigears:

[Cybercowboy]

This would be in a crawl space then?

[Torqaholic]

Be careful about expanding foam. It can generate a lot of force and possibly pushing things out of place. There is a non-expanding variety also.

I have a cobblestone foundation that doesn't like the expanding stuff.

[simpleman68]

Not sure what you mean by between the joists. In the crawlspace below the lower level/floor I assume?

Expanding foams for consumer use are typically for sealing out drafts and degrade over a 7-10 year period.
You would be much better off using an r-13 or 19 (if you have 10 X joists)
Dead air space is the best thermal insulation.

You can use foam to help seal where the joists meet the foundation if there are gaps/cracking.

Pictures of the area would be helpful.
Scott

[simpleman68]

Be careful about expanding foam. It can generate a lot of force and possibly pushing things out of place. There is a non-expanding variety also.

I have a cobblestone foundation that doesn't like the expanding stuff.

:iagree: You can also use the mild expanding foam that is designed for use around window seams that is low pressure.
Scott

[Admiral Blue]

Thanks guys. Yes...I would not want to use anything expanding! No, this is not a crawl space, it is the rec room area. We demolished everything when we renovated the other 2 levels this year, so now the joists and subfloor between the joists are exposed.

I have to get on the pictures and post up---Scott, I still owe you pictures from my subwoofer question thread! :( I'll have to take the time to figure out how to post them. :slap:

[simpleman68]

Thanks guys. Yes...I would not want to use anything expanding! No, this is not a crawl space, it is the rec room area. We demolished everything when we renovated the other 2 levels this year, so now the joists and subfloor between the joists are exposed.

I have to get on the pictures and post up---Scott, I still owe you pictures from my subwoofer question thread! :( I'll have to take the time to figure out how to post them. :slap:

No worries, I'd be glad to help you post 'em up.
Pictures are really important in communicating what your options are in the way of construction.

I'm no master of the trade but over a near 20 year period have done full rennos on 30 homes and do all my own plumbing, electric, framing/trim etc
I was fortunate enough to grow up working with pros in those fields and they taught me all I know.

There is no 1 right way to do any job and somebody will always have a differing opinion but I'm always happy to lend you mine. :cert:
Scott

[Cybercowboy]

Thanks guys. Yes...I would not want to use anything expanding! No, this is not a crawl space, it is the rec room area. We demolished everything when we renovated the other 2 levels this year, so now the joists and subfloor between the joists are exposed.

I have to get on the pictures and post up---Scott, I still owe you pictures from my subwoofer question thread! :( I'll have to take the time to figure out how to post them. :slap:

Just from the sound of it, sounds like fiberglass insulation would be the way to go. Then I assume either sheet rock or a suspended ceiling. You really just want to be able to deaden noise from above and make the home more comfortable and easier to maintain different heat zones.

[Black94lt1]

I know you have not had luck with the pros showing up, but from a cost standpoint, I've been told by many that the DIY kits are only economical for really small jobs.

[Craig]

Lowes sells the DIY kits, you have to special order them. I'm pretty good at DIY, but when I looked into it, it looked really tricky, messy, and not all that much cheaper. The chemicals involved are expensive, so that's where most of the cost is.

[Admiral Blue]

Thanks again. :seasix: I finally learned how to post pics. I should have done that a long time ago. :slap:

I am going to put more in the ceiling than fiberglass insulation. I think I will do 2 layers of Roxul with airspace in between.

Instead of this spray foam (which is not sounding very attractive), I may use a rubber spray to create a thin layer to seal everything up and stop a little bit of sound.

For the final layer under the joists, I will use USG QuietRock that will be isolated from the joists.

http://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/members/admiral+blue-albums-renovation-picture1941-ceiling-1.jpg

http://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/members/admiral+blue-albums-renovation-picture1943-ceiling-3.jpg

http://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/members/admiral+blue-albums-renovation-picture1942-ceiling-2.jpg

[Admiral Blue]

I decided to go with rubber spray paint. I talked to a trusted home inspector/builder and a couple others. Btw, before all you structural engineers come out, there is 3/4" tounge and groove plywood screwed and glued above those 6" planks for the subfloor above. :cert: