Toronto Star Q&A
 Tiger Foam is a do-it-yourself system for applying spray insulation foam to large surfaces. It's a polyurethane product that's just like some professionals apply, adding thermal insulation and sealing against drafts and air leakage.
Photo credit: Robert Maxwell
Q: What should I do about carpenter ants around my home. The signs are unmistakable - scratching noises, wood dust and a few visible ants.
A: I prefer to leave ants alone whenever possible, but when they’re doing real damage, you’ve got to take action. That’s especially true with carpenter ants. They really should be called "demolition ants" because they're so effective at ruining structural wood. They chew networks of tunnels into lumber for their colony home, and this is why they're so difficult to get rid of. Since the heart of the colony is probably deep within the tunnel-riddled wooden house frame, you need to get control chemicals into places you can't see.
Can you treat for an ant problem like this yourself? Maybe. It really depends on where the heart of the colony is. If you've got enough patience to watch the ants, see where they travel, then find the colony. Elimination is simply a matter of applying an over-the-counter ant killer or boric acid powder mixed with icing sugar. Try the boric acid option first, since it's especially easy to use safely.
If you can't find the heart of the colony at your house, call in a pro. Several pros, actually. It's wise to shop around since costs for treatment vary a lot. Ask for references and follow them up before choosing a pest control professional.
Whatever you do, don't sit around and hope things will get better. Even without audible chewing sounds, chances are pretty good that the little blighters are still at work ruining your house from the inside out.
Q: Is there an economical alternative to spray foam applied by a professional? The verbal quote I have for 400 sq. ft. of foam at R40 seems so expensive.
A: Spray foam insulation is substantially more costly than fiberglass or mineral wool batts, but it does work much better. There are two reasons why. Besides the fact that it never sags, it also seals structures tightly against air infiltration and drafts. One way to reduce installation costs is to do the work yourself. A product called Tiger Foam (www.tigerfoam.ca; 888-844-3736) allows DIY application that may save you money. It's still pretty expensive stuff, but way better than any kind of batt insulation. You can’t really compare the performance of expanding foam with any other kind of insulation, even if they do have the same R-rating.
Q: Should I insulate my 7-foot x 9-foot garage door? I’m planning to heat the space so I can tackle projects out there this winter, but I’m concerned about trapped moisture rotting the door over time.
A: Moisture is a definite threat. If water finds its way between the door and insulation (and it certainly will if you insulate improperly) it will lead to nasty deterioration that won't become obvious until its too late.
Before you decide whether to insulate or not, consider the rest of the garage. If the walls and ceiling aren’t insulated, then it doesn't make sense to insulate the door. And even if the garage has reasonable insulation levels, the door needs to seal well around the top, bottom and sides before insulation makes sense.
Assuming all these things check out, then I'd insulate the door with 1 1/2-inch thick extruded polystyrene foam. Begin by creating a wooden frame around the perimeter of each door section, on the inside face, using 1 1/2-inch x 1 1/2-inch lumber. Cut pieces of foam to fit within this frame, sized to leave a 3/4-inch gap between foam and frame. Use construction adhesive to secure the foam to the back face of the door, then fill the gap with expanding foam. Trim off the excess when it's hard, then cover the foam using 1/2-inch plywood, using screws to secure it to the 1 1/2-inch x 1 1/2-inch strips. If the gaps between door sections let in drafts, cover them with strips of inner tube or door sweep.
Steve Maxwell is Canada’s award-winning home improvement expert, and technical editor of Canadian Home Workshop magazine. Sign up for his free homeowner newsletter at www.stevemaxwell.ca |
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