Spray Foam

[Fishalittle]

So my builder rep is suggesting that it is not a good idea to spray foam the ceiling of the fish house if I do the floor and walls as it can seal it up to tight and then have condensation issues? Anyone out there have total spray foam and what is the result? Any great ideas to help with condensation....other than open a window!

Finally it sounds like total spray foam upgrade will run about 1200-1500 more in the build- Is it worth it?

[BartmanMN]

What kind of heater do you intend to run?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

That's complete nonsense. Who is the builder?

My first question would be, "Can you please explain to me how this fish house will breathe condensation out through the metal or rubber roof?".

[Fishalittle]

Builder is well known, but I don't want this to become a bashing thread. I didn't understand it either- thats why I wanted some input. Is it difficult to spray foam a roof vs walls/floor or why wouldn't they want to do it? Wiring more difficult?

How is the cost for an 8x16+V you think?

I plan on forced air furnace with rooftop AC for summer use.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I paid $1,000 for my 8x20+v. It'll be right around there, maybe a touch cheaper.

Not sure why they wouldn't want to do it. Wiring is the same, or easier.

As for extra cost being $1200-1500...that's a total rip off (unless it is Ice Castle and it is extra over their traditional fiberglass insulation). Spray foam vs board foam is very close in cost, so they would be double dipping for sure.

[crazyzoe]

Lip_Ripper......is there much of a weight difference using spray foam vs foam board do you know?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

The short answer is 'no'.

The longer answer is that the exact weight difference depends on thickness and density of the spray foam. It is close enough that it doesn't really matter.

[Fishalittle]

Your very helpful an I thank you for your insight.

I will have a much better discussion when I proceed with my customized order now.

[Hawg]

Anybody else think $1200-$1500 sounds very high?

[Bulldoggr]

I paid $1,000 for my 8x20+v. It'll be right around there, maybe a touch cheaper.

Not sure why they wouldn't want to do it. Wiring is the same, or easier.

As for extra cost being $1200-1500...that's a total rip off (unless it is Ice Castle and it is extra over their traditional fiberglass insulation). Spray foam vs board foam is very close in cost, so they would be double dipping for sure.

don't want to get into a p.is.sing match about this. but spray foam is not even close to the cost of foam board.

reason I know this, I am a commerical Construction Supt. I am doing a project where we were going to use the spray foam. the value engineering of using foam board was a huge savings, and I do mean Huge!

I reccomend the spray foam. it does 3 great things.

1. it insulates, and does it well. 2. it seals up everything and does act as a vapor barrier. 3. it gives extra rigidity to the walls, and ceiling.

I had my floor spray foamed on my Ice castle, it is a 2011 model. I can tell you that even on the coldest weekends out I was either barefoot or had socks on while in the house. I have two small vents installed above each window above the wheel wells. they are the round 2 1/2" soffit style vents you can get at any home improvement store. I have them in so i would not have to crack a window.

If you can afford it, do it. You won't regret it. can you get by without it? You bet, but the Wife/ Girlfriend or younger Kids will be much more comfortable.

Foam Board Cost

Foam board insulation is more expensive than cellulose and fiberglass, but it's significantly less than foam spray. According to This Old House in 2011, extruded polystyrene, a commonly used rigid foam board material, costs about 50 cents per square foot for a 2-inch thickness. Rigid foam board is energy-efficient, retains its R-value and resistant to water and water vapor. Yet it is also flammable and must be covered with a fire-resistant material like gypsum or plaster.

Spray Foam Costs

Spray foam insulation is often used for smaller projects, since it costs much more than other materials. Spray foam costs about four times as much per square foot as fiberglass batts, which run around 38 cents per square foot, reports This Old House. Spray foam insulation is hard to beat when it comes to R-value. High-density spray foam insulation, which has a much higher R-value than low-density foam, is resistant to water and fire.

[crappiekid]

i have owned two houses with spray foam. NEVER had condensation issues anywhere. Not sure where that is coming from. Ive always had direct vent heat as well. Non-Vented heaters will cause internal sweating. Foam it!

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Cost for 8x20+V spray foam=$1,000

Board foam:

2"x4'x8'=$29.90 @ Menards

16 sheets for walls

6 sheets floor

6 sheets ceiling

28 sheets @ $29.90 + tax = $895

Now add in PL300 to glue it in place and you are within a few beers of cost being equal.

[Bulldoggr]

i have owned two houses with spray foam. NEVER had condensation issues anywhere. Not sure where that is coming from. Ive always had direct vent heat as well. Non-Vented heaters will cause internal sweating. Foam it!

That is true, for every 100,000 BTU burned it puts a gallon of water in the air. So those non-direct vent heaters no matter what you use for insulation will cause condensation in a house.

Spray foam is in the long run is the better way to go, and it will also save you on energy costs as well.

[JeremyCampbell]

My uncle and I wanna build a two man fish house this summer.Spray foam sounds like a good idea under the floor like that guy mentioned.

[bluewater2]

Just wondering if someone could tell me where and if someone can spray foam the bottom of a two year old fish house?

[Bulldoggr]

there are several companies that will do it. just type in Spray Foam insulation in Minnesota into a search engine and you should be able to find one from there

[Bothun]

sounds just like the conversation we had ordering our ice castle a month ago..the reason they don't want to do it is because its more difficult for them rather than just adding the batts. in the end we got ours foamed throughout. walls ceiling and floor.

Im an owner operator of a spray foam business. There logic is nonsense.

[Fishalittle]

I thought you had said in another post that you had all 3 sprayed. If you don't mind sharing how much was your upgrade fee and for what size house?

I think it is beneficial but I think they overcharge for it.

How do you like your house?

[traveler]

I have a 6.5 x 14 Alumalite, spray foamed walls, cieling, and under the floor. NO condensation, afer 2 years.

[JRB fishing]

I purchased a 6.5 x 18.5 shell house and finished it my self. I had my house sprayed, walls and ceiling but not the floor. The only spot i have ever seen any condensation has been the corners where it is solid framing no spray foam, but only on very cold days. Have had it for 5 years and love it,you will never be cold in my house. I payed $850.00 to have it sprayed then, well worth it in my eyes.

[Bothun]

8x16+4' v lake of the woods, i think it was like 13-1400 for everything sprayed. Which is overpriced but it is what it is.

Love the house

[Rattle_Reel6]

I have had two of my wheel houses spray foamed and have had no problems with additional condensation. The first house was 6.5 x 12 and cost 700 for the walls and ceiling, and my second house is a 8 x 16 and with walls, floor and ceiling was $1000.

Noticeable difference in floor warmness from non spray foamed to spray foamed. Really like how it adds rigidity and stiffens things up. I would recommend it

[8ucksho7]

I got quotes for spray foaming a couple of large house restores I worked on. Prices I obtained were around $1 per square foot per inch of thickness. Price out an 8x20 and you'll get about $1,400 using 2" of insulation. So $1,500 is not out of line, especially for a small job. 2" sheet foam runs $30 to $40 per sheet depending on where you buy it. That is about $.50 per square foot per inch, but I'd still spray foam. Don't think you'd have a condensation issue with spray foam because you wouldn't have any cold spots on the walls or ceilings.

[ChuckN]

I own a 100% spray foam shack. Floor, walls and ceiling. It's worth every penny. I believe the guy that built the fishhouse paid around $800 for 6.5'x14' 6 years ago.

The guy that built it used cheap wallboard, and the name of it escapes me. It is not for higher humidity environments, and because of humidity it got really "wavey". It holds moisture and I have noticed in a few areas the finish is coming off the board itself in corners near the roof. I blame this wallboard and it will be coming off and replaced with something more appropriate.

[JeffB]

I have spray foam and love it. No condensation, and don't see any reason it would cause it. The spay foam keeps your wires and propane lines nice and solid so they wont wear against anything when you travel. I didn't put any sheeting on the inside so its just the spay foam exposed and it has held up perfectly for the past four years.