Exterior walls that are not SIP's are either stick framed or masonry and are built with empty cavities, which are intended to be filled with insulation. We chose to use Icynene spray foam insulation for insulating most of the exterior cavity walls because the blowing agent (water and nitrogen) is not harmful to the environment. Below, Icynene is shown being installed in a narrow and difficult to reach cavity located in the curving framed wall of the Guest Bedroom Wing. The foam expands to seal the cavity to eliminate the possibility of any air leakage or moisture migration through the walls.
The higher density version of Icynene (2 lbms), is shown being installed in the 4" cavity between double masonry walls in the Living Room, below. The R-value for 4" is 22.
