Anyone with a wine cellar in Austin knows the quality of a wine depends on many factors – it’s much more than the type of grapes used! Proper temperature and humidity levels are critical, as well as the construction of the cellar where your bottles are stored. What about a vapor barrier? Essentially, this barrier helps separate the distinct climates in your living spaces and your wine cellar.
In general wine cellars perform best when the humidity level is 55 and 70%, with a temperature of about 55 degrees F. Naturally most Austin homeowners don’t keep the temperature in the living areas of their homes at 55 degrees, so it’s necessary to create a vapor barrier that keeps your wine cellar at the recommended humidity and temperature levels, while enjoying comfort in your home. How to achieve this?
Insulation. There are various types of insulation, however spray foam is ideal for insulating this type of space. Because it is in liquid form when applied and expands, it creates a tight seal that’s ideal for the very specific conditions necessary for your wine cellar. Spray foam insulation is extremely strong and rigid upon drying. Because it is a liquid when applied, it’s possible to get to even the tiniest spaces, nooks and crannies.
At HabiShield our Austin insulation professionals serve both residential and commercial customers, providing top-notch service and materials. If you want the best for your wine cellar, we believe nothing compares to spray foam insulation. Give us a call today; the results will go beyond your expectations.
Comments
7 responses to “Spray Foam Insulation, the Best Choice for a Wine Cellar Vapor Barrier for Austin Homeowners”
So for a wine cellar that is against an outside wall, does the spray foam need to be open or closed cell? I have been told that closed is best but open cell is acceptable with a vapor barrier. When we built our wine room 10 years ago, the icynene folks said they would not spray the foam against a vapor barrier. Thoughts or comments? We will be building in the Hill Country next year.
Tim W.
Thank you for reaching out to us. In regards to wine cellars, we highly suggest the use of closed cell spray foam in all walls, ceiling, and floor (if accessible). Open cell spray foam is a great material, and if used with a vapor barrier (properly installed) then it can work just fine. The problem comes when the vapor barrier isn’t installed correctly. In order for it to be 100% effictive there cannot be any air gaps. Every seam has to be sealed, every staple holding it up has to be sealed, every single little hole. If they are not sealed then the competing air temperatures will meet and cause condensation, which leads to unwanted growth.
One of the benefits of the closed cell spray foam is that the material is a vapor barrier. The foam itself will seep into all the gaps and cracks. It also has a higher R-Value per inch, which only helps out when you are trying to condition and maintain a specific temperature. This is especially beneficial for those exterior walls where you are wanting a little more protection.
As far as spraying the foam against any surface that is not rigid, I would have to agree. The foam has a tendency to push out and bulge any material that doesn’t have that rigidity to withstand the pressures that the foam can produce.
Just from our experience, closed cell is best option for wine cellars or refrigerated spaces. There are just too many concerns, and potentially costly issues, that can arise going other routes.
If you have any other questions or concerns please fell free to contact us directly. We would love to go over anything that you might have. We believe the customer should be well educated, especially when some of the collections that go into these cellars are extremely valuable.
Again, thank you for reaching out Tim. We look forward to hearing from you in the future!
Hi,
My basement walls are already finished. The wall is 10” concrete with a one inch gap and then a 2×4 interior stud wall. This is filled with 3” of “open” cell spray foam insulation. It is then finished with 1/2” dry wall. So my understanding is that the dry wall will need to be removed. Then option 1) install is install 1” of closed cell insulation on top of the open cell or 2) remove the open cell insulation and install 3” of closed cell insulation. Can you comment what is necessary or the better of these two options.
Thank you
Bob,
Thank you for reaching out. In regards to your question; it is recommended that open cell never be applied directly to below grade concrete. Open cell spray foam is a porous material that can act like a sponge, and is susceptible to moisture damage. (*If the basement walls have ever had moisture problems then it is recommended to first install a weeping system that will allow any moisture to escape*) Then it is recommended that you at least flash the concrete (or the weeping system) with 1”-1.5” first, before any other insulating material is installed.
I hope this helps!
Thank you,
HabiShield
What do you mean by “flash” ? Is that just another way to say “spray” the foam?
The wall when constructed has an exterior waterproofing system installed and has remained dry. I wasn’t asking about a moisture issue. I’m sorry for not being clear. I’m wanting to build a wine cellar in my basement and asking how best to insulate a dry concrete wall.
The open cell foam is on the wall now and its dry and sound. I was asking if I should scrape it off before I install the closed cell foam and think the answer it yes?
For a wine cellar how much closed cell foam should be put in the wall.
I’ve been told 2-3inches by a foam contractor and to fill the entire wall and leave no air gap by a person that knows wine cellars. Do you have a recommendation from experience?
Thank you.
This is a very informative blog, thanks for sharing about spray foam insulation. It will help a lot; these types of content should get appreciated. I will bookmark your site; I hope to read more such informative contents in future.If you are looking same kind of valuable information, then can also visit Moisturebarrier.co.nz.
Please send installation detail for spray foam insulation for wine closet and steam room. Thanks