I tackled something similar a couple years back, and honestly, prepping was the most annoying part. You really gotta make sure the surface is clean and dry—any dust or moisture and the foam won't stick properly. I learned that the hard way after my first attempt turned into a crumbly mess. Masking off areas you don't want foamed is worth the extra 20 minutes too...trust me, scraping dried foam off brickwork isn't fun. But once it's done right, it does make a noticeable difference with drafts.
I feel your pain on the prep work—been there, done that, and still have the dried foam stains to prove it. One thing I'd add, especially if you're budget-conscious like me, is to consider rigid foam insulation boards instead of spray foam. They're pretty straightforward to install yourself, and you can usually find them at a decent price. Plus, no worries about overspray or messy cleanup afterward. Might not seal every tiny nook quite as perfectly, but it gets the job done nicely without breaking the bank.
"Might not seal every tiny nook quite as perfectly, but it gets the job done nicely without breaking the bank."
Fair point, but do you think rigid foam boards hold up well enough under a modified bitumen roof? I've read mixed opinions on durability... Curious if you've had any issues long-term?
I've been researching this myself lately, and from what I've gathered:
- Rigid foam boards generally hold up pretty well under modified bitumen roofs, especially if installed correctly.
- Durability issues seem mostly tied to improper installation or moisture getting trapped underneath.
- Haven't personally had mine long enough to confirm long-term durability, but plenty of folks report good results after several years.
"Might not seal every tiny nook quite as perfectly, but it gets the job done nicely without breaking the bank."
Honestly, seems like a solid balance between cost and performance...
Totally agree that proper install is key. I've seen issues pop up when people skimp on sealing joints or edges. Personally, I think adding a breathable barrier underneath helps avoid moisture buildup—worth looking into maybe?