Is sealing via tape necessary for knee wall foam board insulation.

atticinsulationventilation

I have dramatically improved the ventilation and insulation situation in my house's knee wall attic space, but I have one concern.

I nailed up foam board over the studs and fiberglass batts. Do the seams really need to be sealed with expanding foam or tape? How much more performance would I gain? If so, which is the better option?

Best Answer

Sealing the seams will not increase the R-value of the insulation. However, sealing the seams is important as an air infiltration/moisture seal, preventing air from infiltrating and, as a result, preventing moisture (condensation) from occurring between the foam board and batt. Typically expanding foam creates a better, longer-lasting seal than tape.