Foam and Baffles

Submitted by Ana White on Thu, 09/20/2012 - 10:27

Mom to Mom, I just want to say thank you for all the positive comments to the girls on their Momplex Video Tour! You totally made their day! The girls were jumping up and down squealing "they like our video, they like our video!" as I read your comments to them, and are busy planning more videos! 

 Did you notice inside the Momplex that we actually are closer than you'd think? Alot of this has to do with building with ARXX blocks - we skipped five steps in one! But there's still tons and tons of work to be done. First up, we've got to start sealing the Momplex in!

Step 1 Diagram
Step 1

You've probably already noticed the huge gaps and cracks in the Momplex. Mom certainly has, and commented on how she doesn't like drafts.

Well we are going to take care of that today!

Now remember, not only are we trying to get our Mom's a new house to live in, but we are also building super insulated to keep heat bills down. Getting these cracks filled is very important to keep Mom warm and not broke! Some people in Alaska pay upwards of $1000 a month to heat their homes in winter months!

Step 2 Diagram
Step 2 Instructions

Spray foam works great for sealing in cracks and gaps. It just sprays in.

Step 3 Diagram
Step 3 Instructions

We've invested in a spray gun so you can turn it off when you need to without spoiling a whole can.

Step 4 Diagram
Step 4 Instructions

Every inch of the Momplex is inspected and filled with spray foam where needed.

Step 5 Diagram
Step 5 Instructions

We especially don't forget the <a href="http://www.arxx.com&quot; target="_blank">ARXX blocks</a> to<a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/12/momplex/top-plates-hard-way&quot; target="_blank"> top plate joint</a> - heat rises, and this would be a big spot for heat to sneak outside.

Step 6 Diagram
Step 6 Instructions

And of course, windows are spray foamed too.

Step 7 Diagram
Step 7 Instructions

And then you let the spray foam dry.

Step 8 Diagram
Step 8 Instructions

<p>But what to do with the excess foam?</p><br /><p><img src="http://ana-white.com/sites/default/files/spray foam doors windows21.jpg" alt="" /></p><p></p><p>We find a handsaw works best.</p>

Step 9 Diagram
Step 9 Instructions

The dried foam cuts easily off, flush with the wall. Another trick is to use a sharp, thin bladed knife.

<i>So that's why my shoulder was aching that day! Not from the handsaw.</i>

Step 10 Diagram
Step 10 Instructions

<p>And you are left with a nice clean window!</p><p></p><p><img src="http://ana-white.com/sites/default/files/spray foam doors windows20.jpg " alt="" /></p><p></p><p></p><p>And a nice big mess!</p><p></p>

Step 11 Diagram
Step 11

After spray foaming all of the gaps and cracks, there's still the open eaves at the truss ends. We've got to put something in there to keep the blow in insulation in place.

Step 12 Diagram
Step 12

You want your roof to breathe through the sofits, so whatever we put in, has to hold the blow in insulation inside the roof.

Step 13 Diagram
Step 13

We start by cutting a bunch of blocking and placing the "blocking kits" in between each truss.

Step 14 Diagram
Step 14

The blocking kits are nailed in place with a piece of plywood covering.

Step 15 Diagram
Step 15

But the plywood isn't enough.  Come a good wind, the blow in insulation will just fill up those sofits!

You can buy foam baffles specifically designed for this application for less than a buck each.

And they just get stapled in place.

NOTE: You actually don't need the plywood blocking for these foam baffles, but with the high winds up at the Momplex, we opted to put them in.  Cheap insurance.

The baffles went up really fast! 

Now we are one step closer to getting the Momplex fully insulated!

What's left?

- Vent Pipes in ceiling (done deal - will be blogging about in few days!)

- Plumbing Pipes for vents in ceiling (done deal too!)

- Electrical Boxes in ceiling with wire run to switches (still working on wiring)

- Vapor Barrier on ceiling

- Drywall hung on ceiling

- Insulation blown in ceiling

- Garage doors installed (happening right now!)

I feel pretty good about getting at least one Mom moved in by this year! 

So how do you insulate where you live?  Is insulating for hot weather the same as cold weather?  Have you used the baffles?  Do they hold up?  We'd love to know!

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