I have BASF spray foam insulation that smells like rotten fish.
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| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
I recently had my attic roof deck spray foamed with 6″ of BASF spray foam insulation. My house smells like rotten fish. How can I get rid of the odor?
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Replies
Hire a fisherman to catch and release.
Or, demand that the installer remove every trace of the foam and then use a non-toxic insulation alternative.
The rotten fish odor is the amine catalyst residue. Were the conditions extra-humid during the application of the foam? if so it is possible that the environmental moisture acted as a catalyst and reduced the need for the amine leaving a small amount of amine residue. I'd let it air out a bit before covering it with drywall. Ventilate aggressively for three days and see if that takes care of the problem, if not I'd get a BASF rep out to offer a suggestion, they are very well-trained and conscientious at the corporate level. if they have an installer who sprayed a bad mix they would want to know and would be the best to offer a solution.
In any event there should be no exposed foam in contact with your interior environment, covering all with 1/2" drywall for fire-stop should make a pretty big difference. I see builders with walk-in attic storage rooms with exposed foam all the time. Encapsulate it, that intumescent paint is no substitute for framing in a 12x12 storage room in the attic and drywall it to isolate the foam from the living space.
Mr. Donnelly,
Though Mr. Chandler's comment is accurate, to properly assess the issue more specific information about your project and the contractor will be required. BASF stands behind their products and would like to help you with this matter as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully,
Paul Brand
BASF Corporation
I think your insulation should be removed. Based on my experience it may take decades to off gas. My question is where on the MSDS sheet do you find the name of the chemical causing the odor. No where I believe.