Insulation...finally!

Oh, what fun it is to see the insulation go in! After debating many options...fiberglass, open cell foam, closed cell foam...we decided on a compromise. We really want the benefits of closed cell foam (vapor barrier, seals any openings from wind and varmints, high r value per inch) but the cost did not justify doing all 5 1/2 inches in the walls. We had a company come in and spray one inch in all the exterior walls (they will come back to do the floor when it is a bit warmer, since the cold can keep the foam from adhering and giving us the full benefit). We then added 3 1/2 inches of fiberglass for extra r value.

The foam forms around the pipes in the walls, providing protection against freezing. We also used canned spray foam on all of the plumbing and electrical entrances in the floor and ceiling that the green foam didn't cover.
The men were very cautious of our doors and windows, prepping everything and then cleaning it all up. There was very little evidence they had even been there! (aside from the green in the walls, of course!)
We decided to use blown-in insulation in the ceiling, which will be a little easier than crawling around trying to install fiberglass batts. We are saving that for a fun cool summer/fall day project.

A friend, my mother-in-law and two of my sis-in-laws helped with the fiberglass insulation...three days of itchy, stuffy, tiresome work. Masks, gloves, eye glasses, long sleeves to protect us from the glass and then up and down the ladder to put it in. We put the insulation over the top of all the green foam insulation, but also in all the interior walls to help with sound deadening.
A shout out to my sis-in-law's family and their masonry business in Iowa City, advertized in this photo! They helped us move to the rental, answered questions about the brick work our builder is doing on the house and have been prayer worriers for us many times. If you are in the Iowa City area, look them up for your next brick project! Rob Smith Masonry

And now...back to drywalling fun!