I get what you mean about the foam insulation—it's definitely sturdier when things get damp. But I do worry a bit about how flammable some of those foams can be, especially in older basements with questionable wiring. Ever notice any weird smells from it after a while? Also, on the critter thing, I've actually seen more mice go for the foam than the felt... maybe it's just my area, but they seemed to love burrowing into it. Makes me wonder if there's really a foolproof option or if it's always a bit of a tradeoff.
Ever notice any weird smells from it after a while? Also, on the critter thing, I've actually seen more mice go for the foam than the felt...
Had to laugh at the mouse buffet image—been there myself. One winter, I patched a crawlspace with spray foam and came back in spring to find a whole mouse condo carved out. As for weird smells, yeah, sometimes you get that faint “chemical campfire” whiff, especially if it gets damp or isn’t fully cured. I hear you on the flammability, too. With old wiring, I’d lean toward mineral wool or even pipe wrap tape instead of foam—less tasty for critters, and not quite as flammable if things go sideways. No perfect fix, just picking your battles, I guess.
I get the mineral wool thing, but honestly, it’s always seemed pricier and a pain to cut for tight spots. I’ve had better luck just using the cheap pipe insulation sleeves—those foam tubes you can slit and wrap around pipes. Mice seem less interested, and if one gets chewed, it’s easy to swap out. Plus, no weird smells or sticky mess. Not perfect, but for a budget fix, it’s worked out okay for me. Maybe I’m just lucky with the critters in my area...
I’ve had better luck just using the cheap pipe insulation sleeves—those foam tubes you can slit and wrap around pipes. Mice seem less interested, and if one gets chewed, it’s easy to swap out.
Honestly, I hear you on the mineral wool hassle. Those foam sleeves are way easier to deal with, especially when you’re crawling around in a cramped crawlspace trying not to bang your head (again). Ever notice how the mineral wool leaves your arms itchy for days? I do wonder, though—do you ever get condensation issues with the foam in really cold snaps? I’ve seen it sweat a bit in some basements, but maybe that’s just my luck.
I’ve definitely noticed the foam sleeves can sweat a bit when it’s really cold, especially if there’s a lot of humidity in the basement. I usually just tape the seams with that foil HVAC tape—seems to help a bit. Mineral wool is just misery for my skin, so I’ll take a little condensation over that any day.
