Rim Joist Spray Foam for Old Houses (MYTH BUSTER!!)
Spray foam insulation gets a bad reputation, especially in Facebook groups and online forums where questions about insulating rim joists come up every winter. Some claim it traps moisture and causes decay, but that’s not true when installed correctly. In this video, I’ll explain why closed-cell spray foam is one of the best solutions for insulating old homes and clearing up common misconceptions. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Video: 🧱 Spray Foam as a Moisture Barrier: Discover how spray foam prevents condensation and protects vulnerable areas like rim joists from mold and rot. 🌬️ Why Old Houses Don’t Need to ‘Breathe’: Learn why relying on leaks and drafts for ventilation isn’t a good idea—and how modern solutions manage airflow and indoor air quality better. 🔧 Sealing Air Leaks at Rim Joists: Find out how spray foam stops unwanted airflow, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your home consistently comfortable. 💸 Energy Savings, Not Moisture Problems: See how spray foam traps energy savings, not moisture, when moisture issues are addressed before installation. 🔎 Key Insights About Spray Foam for Old Homes 🚪 Stops Drafts and Leaks: Rim and band joists in older homes are notorious for allowing air to escape. Spray foam seals these gaps and keeps conditioned air inside. 🌡️ Improves Comfort Top to Bottom: By eliminating drafts, spray foam ensures consistent temperatures throughout your home. 💦 Moisture Prevention, Not Trapping: Properly applied spray foam acts as a barrier, keeping condensation out and protecting your home’s structure. 🔄 Balances Ventilation: Modern ventilation systems—like HVAC returns, exhaust fans, and proper attic ventilation—work far better than relying on outside air for airflow. ✅ Why Spray Foam Is Safe for Old Homes When moisture issues are addressed before installation, closed-cell spray foam is safe and effective. It improves energy efficiency, reduces air leakage, and prevents moisture problems—extending your home’s lifespan. ⏰ Video Highlights 00:00 Rim Joist Insulation Trending 00:17 The Spray Foam Misconception 00:29 Busting the Myth 00:58 Old Houses Need Controlled Breathing 01:32 Systems You Likely Already Have 02:00 Proof of How Leaky the Rim Is 02:24 Spray Foam Benefits 02:36 Spray Foam Before & After 02:58 How to Learn More 🌐 Learn More About Home Performance Website: https://www.hometrustremodeling.com Eric Gans: https://www.ericgans.com 👥 Join the Community 📘 Facebook Group for Energy Auditors: / 384354076839150 📘 Inflation Reduction Act Rebates Group: / homesrebatesprograminfo 🎥 Subscribe for More Energy-Saving Tips If you want to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel. Thanks for watching! #SprayFoamInsulation #RimJoistInsulation #OldHomes #EnergyEfficiency #EricGans #HomeComfortTactics Proudly working in BGE & Pepco's Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR©® program in Maryland to deliver whole-house energy savings to improve comfort & help protect the environment.