smelly insulation

[Vicky]

We are having an addition built. The builder uses products left over from other jobs which is fine with me but sometimes they look like they have been around a while.

The insulation they are planning to install smells funny. Kind of a sharp chemical smell something a little like cat pee. Is this the normal smell for insulation or should I ask him to get some new stuff?

Thanks

[Chad Fabry]

If it smells like cat pee, it probably is. I'd ask for new.

[Terence McCann]

Originally posted by Vicky

We are having an addition built. The builder uses products left over from other jobs which is fine with me but sometimes they look like they have been around a while.

The insulation they are planning to install smells funny. Kind of a sharp chemical smell something a little like cat pee. Is this the normal smell for insulation or should I ask him to get some new stuff?

Thanks

Hope your getting a great deal.

In addition to what Chad said, ask your builder if he is pulling any permits for the job as well.

[Garcha]

Ask hime whose leftovers his wife picked out for their house.

Mike Garcia

[Bill Kibbel]

The insulation they are planning to install smells funny. Kind of a sharp chemical smell

Vicky,

While I agree with the above sentiments regarding leftover building materials, I just want to mention some insulation has what can be described as a "chemical" odor.

When you first cut open a bundle of kraft faced fiberglass, there is a strong asphalt odor. The smell is identical to hot tar being applied to a roof. Asphalt is used to adhere the facing to the fiberglass.

[Jim Katen]

I agree with Bill & Mike's last posts. New fiberglass insulation smells. I've noticed the asphalt smell, but also a formaldahyde smell and a fishy smell.

If it came bundled up, I wouldn't worry about it. If it came in a loose heap, I'd toss it.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[chrisprickett]

Originally posted by hausdok

Hmmm,

You typically order 20 to 25% extra to account for wastage and the homeowner pays for it. I don't remember my old man every deducting the cost of materials left over from a job from the total cost of a home, and he always left serviceable materials with the homeowners, unless they didn't want it and asked him to take the stuff.

So, he's putting material in your home that he was paid for by someone else. Interesting. I hope he's not charging you for it, but it's likely that he is.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

When I had my construction business, we warehoused left over materials, and would bring them to the next job as needed. Left over 3-tab shingles would be used as starter course. Lumber would be used as needed. Insulation would be used to stuff around window/door jambs. I guess you COULD say that the material was paid for by the previous customer, but I would just call that good business.

On the other hand, if a contractor was intenionally over-billing to get extra materials, that would be a different story.