Week 16 & 17 recap

Posted by Amanda in Mesa, AZ on 11/28/2017 5:24:07 PM

They found out there is still mold in our rental, so we are still dealing with them tearing the house apart and not having a working laundry room.

On a good note, we finished the roof over the long weekend! Home depot came out and measured for cabinets. Once we have the updated cabinet plan we need to send it to plumbing so they can continue and get with their gas company. Septic is all in place and waiting for plumbing to connect it to the house. Windows are all paid for and will be installed over the next 2 days. (I like the part where I go to work and come home and work is done hahaha). We are signing a contract and submitting a check today to have our spiral staircase built. Oh ya, and we ordered appliance and have a delivery date for the end of Feb

The electrician has been a bit flakey. He kept saying his car broke down, but he would be out there in the next day or two. Finally on Thanksgiving he showed up, we were roofing, so I was surprised to see him, but he only stayed an hour (which seems strange to me, but I was happy he did work). Then, on Friday we were on the roof again and he pulled up and I was so excited to see him again, but then he didn’t even make it in the house and he left. WTH. After a few hours we texted him and he said he forgot his tools, so he will just come Sunday…….. seriously! I haven’t been to the house in a few days, but I believe he was there Sunday and Monday. He said he will be done 12/8 with rough in. We will see.

We were planning on doing spray foam insulation, but our plumber friend told us that we should do research because it has ingredients that are known to cause cancer. I have looked a little, but not a lot yet. Anyone have any knowledge on this?

Photos

Roof before we completed		Septic tank installed

Posted by Larry in Angel Fire, NM on 11/28/2017 Larry's Forum Posts: 1 Journal Entries: 271 Interview Answers: 67 Private Message Larry's Selected Image 11/28/2017

The components of the various foams that are used do contain nasty materials - polyols and isocyanates and are toxic when being applied.  However, once they react they are harmless.  The house should be aired out afterwards to eliminate leftover unreacted material which is minimal but has an odor for a few days.  I’ve used foam several times and have had no issues.   However, unless you are doing a vaulted ceiling or a conditioned attic space, I generally only use it as a “flash” coat of 1-2” to seal stud cavities, the rim joist and all plumbing and HVAC penetrations canned lights and ceiling fan boxes. Then use some form of fiberglass to finish off the insulation.  It is a far more economical method of insulating.  The importance of sealing cannot be understated.  50% of heat/cold loss is through air leakage in a tradionally frame house. More than you asked for, but some things to think about :-)

Posted by Amanda in Mesa, AZ on 11/29/2017 Amanda's Forum Posts: 0 Journal Entries: 34 Interview Answers: 1 Private Message Image from Amanda's blog 11/29/2017

That was very helpful, thank you! From what I read online it sounded like it was more the installation that was dangerous, so I was glad to hear that I was understanding correctly.