Insulation Part I and Some Plumbing Stuff

Okay so the first part of the drywall is completed and so is the first part of the insulation. We had a delay with the insulation because of the weather though. Shocking isn't it? We are doing spray foam insulation, which can only be installed above -10* C. Of course the one week we want to insulate is the one week of the month that it was below -10. So we lost a week due to the weather, again. We must have hired the right insulator though, because he showed up on a Sunday to make up for lost time. How often does that happen?

Just a little bit about spray foam insulation for anyone who isn't familiar. I honestly don't know a whole lot but I'll share what I do know. It is sprayed on where you would put a more traditional fibreglass insulation (the pink stuff). The pros to spray foam insulation is that it doesn't deteriorate like fibreglass insulation so you never lose your R value (the amount or measurement that your house is insulated). It doesn't require a vapour barrier ( a plastic that is installed on the inside of walls to help with moisture control), so it is a quicker and more seamless system and install. In theory, there should be less places where moisture can get in so there should be less of a risk of mould.  The cons of spray foam insulation is that it is more expensive than a fibreglass insulation (but you don't have to pay for vapour barrier). Another con is that you need to hire a reputable, licensed installer for spray foam. This could also be adding additional costs to your budget because you could install fibreglass insulation and vapour barrier yourself.

The husband and I decided to go with spray foam because you never lose your R-value so your house should run as efficient in 20 years as it did on day 1. Obviously this also depends on maintaining your HVAC system and doing regular house maintenance but you should never have to take down your drywall and replace your insulation.  When you Live in Northern Alberta keeping warm is important!

According to our schedule we were supposed to have our plumbing rough-in done, but it's not. This is another delay because of the weather. The plumber was supposed to come sometime between Wednesday and Friday last week but his schedule was delayed due to the cold weather so he is now supposed to come sometime between Wednesday and Friday of this week. So there is another week we lost because of the weather. Grrr. Hopefully I have a Plumbing RI update in a week or less!