DIY Foam Insulation

[Ellentob]

I'm wondering about applying spray foam to the undercarriage as a do it yourself project. This would protect and insulate the tanks and insulate the floor. Has anyone gone this route and what are the disadvantages? Just thinking out loud.

Harris

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Ellentob

I'm wondering about applying spray foam to the undercarriage as a do it yourself project. This would protect and insulate the tanks and insulate the floor. Has anyone gone this route and what are the disadvantages? Just thinking out loud.

Harris

Harris, I did a large 2 part spray foam application in our attic. More and more places now handle the materials as it becomes more popular. The modern 2 part foam is supposed to be non-outgassing when cured, but it is very nasty to work with in the application process.

I can speak from experience that it is VERY hard to do overhead with any consistence of coverage. Also, you very much need protective gear, tyvek coveralls as you will be coated with it and a very good organic vapor mask and tight goggles. Pros use full face masks with piped in air supplies. One of the components in the liquid foam is attracted to moisture and will coat the outer layer of eyeballs -- and again I can speak from experience! I spent 2 days with cloudy vision after the attic process and I was wearing goggles, but I knocked them off a couple of times.

My recommendation would be that it can indeed be done DIY, but if it were me, I would look for a professional to do it for me.

[Jim Bennett]

We have used the spray foam system lots, usually the Froth Pacs fro Dow Corning. They offer all sizes up to ones you need to truck mount. The ones we use cover 620 board feet, and look like two 20lb propane bottles. A set of these bottles costs me about $800, and comes with a set of hoses, a gun, and a bunch of tips. For reference, one board foot is equal to 12"x12"x1". So doing 16'x6'x4", would be 380 bf, so a smaller set of cannisters could be used.

Eric is right that getting it even is an acquired talent. For something like this, I think even I would have someone do it.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Ellentob

I'm wondering about applying spray foam to the undercarriage as a do it yourself project. This would protect and insulate the tanks and insulate the floor. Has anyone gone this route and what are the disadvantages? Just thinking out loud.

Harris

You do realize that is an option offered by ETI where the entire undercarriage is encased with foam for warmth and protection of the tanks in the winter. They then spray it all black. I think it costs $500, had it done on both of mine and would repeat.

[Ellentob]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You do realize that is an option offered by ETI where the entire undercarriage is encased with foam for warmth and protection of the tanks in the winter. They then spray it all black. I think it costs $500, had it done on both of mine and would repeat.

I thought it might be cheaper and easier to do it myself. I see now it would be more expensive, dangerous and foolish to do it. Just goes to show you how valuable and informative this forum is. Thanks for the input.

Harris