"Curious if anyone's tried spray foam insulation—worth the extra cost over fiberglass batts?"
I've seen spray foam insulation make a noticeable difference for some folks, especially in older homes with lots of nooks and crannies. Fiberglass batts are decent if installed perfectly, but that's the catch—they rarely are. Spray foam fills gaps more thoroughly, creating a tighter seal and reducing drafts significantly. The downside is definitely the upfront cost, but if you're planning to stay put for a while, it can pay off in comfort and energy savings.
One thing I'd suggest before diving into spray foam is checking your ventilation setup. Spray foam seals things up tight, which is great for efficiency but can lead to moisture issues if your home isn't properly ventilated. Have you looked into your attic ventilation yet? Getting that right can make a huge difference in how effective your insulation upgrade turns out.
Spray foam definitely seals better, but honestly, fiberglass batts can do a decent job if you're careful about installation. I redid mine a few years back—took extra time to cut and fit each piece snugly—and the improvement was noticeable. Have you checked your windows yet, though? Sometimes drafts sneak in there too...
Good point about the windows—drafts can definitely sneak in there, even when insulation is spot-on. I've seen plenty of homes where folks spent hours meticulously insulating walls and attics, only to overlook window seals and frames. It's surprising how much heat loss happens around those edges, especially in older homes.
Fiberglass batts can indeed work well if you're patient and precise, as you mentioned. Spray foam has its perks, but it's not always necessary if you're careful with installation. Your experience matches what I've observed over the years: attention to detail matters more than the insulation type itself sometimes.
If you're tackling windows next, just remember to check not only the seals but also the flashing and trim around them. A small gap or improperly installed flashing can undo all your hard work insulating elsewhere. Sounds like you're already on the right track though...
"A small gap or improperly installed flashing can undo all your hard work insulating elsewhere."
Totally agree with this. I've learned the hard way that even the smallest oversight around windows can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills. One thing I'd add is the importance of checking the window's drainage system too—especially if you're putting in replacement windows. A neighbor of mine installed high-quality windows himself but overlooked the weep holes at the bottom of the frames. After a heavy rain, water pooled up and seeped into his interior walls... not fun.
Also, has anyone else noticed how some older homes have uneven window openings? I found this out when replacing mine—had to shim and adjust like crazy just to get everything level and square. Patience is definitely key, as you mentioned, but it's also worth double-checking measurements and alignment before sealing everything up.
Good point about uneven window openings—ran into that myself. Couple things I learned:
- Older homes settle over time, so nothing's perfectly square anymore. Expect to shim more than you planned.
- Flashing tape is your friend. Even if your measurements are spot-on, sealing around the frame carefully makes a huge difference.
- And yeah, drainage holes... learned about those AFTER water pooled inside my sill. Lesson learned the soggy way.
Curious if anyone's tried spray foam insulation around windows? Seems convenient but heard mixed reviews...
I've used spray foam around a couple windows—honestly, it was pretty easy to apply and sealed things up nicely. But yeah, I've heard if you overdo it, it can warp the frame. Anyone had issues with that?
"I've heard if you overdo it, it can warp the frame."
Yeah, I've heard that too, but personally never had an issue. I think it's more about the type of foam you use—some expand way more aggressively than others. Last summer, I replaced a couple windows and used the low-expansion foam specifically labeled for windows and doors. It was super forgiving, even when I got a bit heavy-handed in one spot (oops). Frames stayed straight, no warping at all... maybe just lucky?
Anyway, I'd say as long as you're careful and pick the right product, warping isn't really something to stress over much. Just my two cents though.
I've replaced a fair share of windows over the years, and I'd agree it's mostly about the foam type. The first time I did it, I grabbed whatever foam was on sale (rookie mistake), and yeah... ended up with a slightly bowed frame. Lesson learned. Since then, I've stuck strictly to the low-expansion stuff labeled for windows and doors—no issues since.
"Frames stayed straight, no warping at all... maybe just lucky?"
Nah, probably not luck—just good product choice and technique.
Yeah, agreed—luck doesn't usually factor in much. Did you shim the frames at all, or just rely on the foam? Proper shimming can make a huge difference too... keeps everything aligned while the foam sets.
I actually did shim mine, and honestly, I wouldn't skip it. Foam alone can expand unevenly, and if your frame isn't perfectly square (which, let's face it, most aren't), you'll end up with alignment issues down the road. Learned that the hard way on my first window—thought foam would be enough, but ended up having to redo it. Shims are cheap insurance for a proper fit, IMO.