My question is around filling the open space in the headers above the windows. The framer is finishing the roof deck this week and then installing the windows. We are putting in Eagle triple panes so I don't want to lose efficency any where. Between the 2x10 headers above the window there is a roughly 2" space (due to 2x6 studs?) that could be filled with foam or fiberglass before the windows are placed- should I go to Lowes and get a low expansion foam to fill this area- don't think that should stay open?

Any suggestions? -- Thanks

Thanks- yes that would have been a great answer especially since I have a bunch leftover from the outside of the house! I think I will wait for the framing inspection then fill them w/ low expanding canned foam.

Thanks

Not Lowes or HD if you can avoid it. Very costly to buy foam in the cans they sell. Go to a contractor supply house, or maybe even a contractor tool dealer, like Western Tool Supply in the western states, and buy a professional foam gun and can foam to go with it. Gun will cost a few bucks but the foam is much less costly overall and a can goes a whole lot farther than the pressure can with a straw variety will. You might even be able to rent a foam gun from a tool rental place. Or maybe you can buy the foam from an insulating contractor and borrow a gun from them. Be sure to get gun cleaner also. It's acetone in a pressure can that fits the gun. You can also buy the gun and foam from Windlock.com.

Definately fill the space with foam. If headers are completely built and in place you will have to drill the interior header and spray it into the cavity. Jim Hunter Mountain Realty buailders, LLC Asheville, NC

I insulate all my headers using 2" polyiso insulation (R-13.4) bring the R-value up to R-16.9. A solid header, like most builders are used to using are only about R-6 when you consider wood having an R-value of 1 per inch. If building a box header you will still have reduced insulation at the top and bottom but the reduction is IMHO worth the effort. I did some thermal imaging of my last project and you can see the difference in temps from the middle of the header to the top and bottom. If the headers are already built and in place you can use the spray foam but like others have said a more costly option than filling them during construction with solid foam insulation. You will probably use 2 cans to fill one good size header, one sheet 4'x8' of 2" polyiso cost about $30 and can do about 49' of 2"x10" headers. Which ever method works for you do it before the windows go in if it's not to late.

Tom Pittsley
ecobuilder@aol.com
www.eebt.org