Hi folks,

Last week we had our house insulated with RetroFoam, a water-based spray foam injected through holes drilled from the exterior. Within 24 hours of the installation, we noticed small bubbles surfacing all over the interior walls of our house. The bubbles are filled with water. Our walls' construction: 1939, single brick, gypsum plaster (we think), no vapor barrier, prior "insulating" material of thin sheet of cardboard and foil. Paint layers: latex over oil.

We have received completely conflicting opinions from the "experts". A flood/disaster management contractor, sent to us from our insurance co., used a conductive moisture probe and found very high moisture content in the walls. He suggested that we remove all of the walls and insulation, and redoing with drywall, etc. He claimed that mold begins to grow within 24-48 hours after presence of moisture. Q1: Is this true in the case of gypsum plaster?

The RetroFoam contractor assures us that it is normal for there to be high levels of moisture for the first couple of weeks following the installation, and that it could take several months to dry! Q2: Do we need to be concerned about damage (mold, rot, expanding walls, etc.) to the plaster during the period in which it "dries out"? Are there warning signs we should be looking for? The contractor said we would notice swelling in the plaster walls if there was a problem.

We do not know whom to trust. Obviously the contractor needs to protect himself, but he did admit to making a mistake in not checking for a vapor barrier which, presumably, would encourage the moisture to dissipate through the brick exterior rather than to the interior plaster. His family company's reputation is on the line, and he obviously wants to make things right. But, we are concerned about long-term damage.

Many, many thanks for your help!

 

They drilled from the exterior you say? You say it was brick. ???

 

Hi, ecman51. Yes, they drilled through the brick mortar. 1/2" holes every couple of feet across. Then they use a gun to spray in the foam.

 

Just wondering if you ever resolved your issues with the moisture in your plaster walls? Had my house done by retro foam here in Michigan also. Our walls also blistered and now we have a mold issue. Please let me know how your situation turned out.

 

thefirstbanzai, the OP hasn't been back to this forum in nearly four years. It is doubtful that he or she will see your question.

If you would like to get some answers relative to your situation, it will be more productive to start a new thread.