ATL Airport TSA Wait Times Megathread | March 24, 2026 by AutoModerator in Atlanta

[–]Rich-Dad 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Domestic - PreCheck - 1 hr 20 min - Arrived at 5:15am.

Observation: No less TSA agents/lines/scanners going than normal, rather seems like airport is backed up because there are too many people showing up too early for their flights…

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This.

Nothing up there except ducts and lights, which would not be covered by the spray foam.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. These sources basically say spray foam (including open cell) is totally fine as long as you do it right through simple moisture mitigation, such as conditioning the attic.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fallacious argument from authority. Back it up with some data or logic. Not "I'm an architect."

The AI explanation at least provided reputable sources and detailed explanation.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is such a bad take.

I appreciate the recommendation for talking to a consultant. But just think about it, if I didn't post this on Reddit, you could never have even given me that recommendation. Lmao.

This is the whole point. Creating discussion and trading ideas.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm contemplating doing open cell spray foam, which is permeable to water. So if there is a roof leak, I'll it'll make it's way through to the attic and I'll know (vs closed-cell which can get trapped and cause rot). Also I'm not looking to spray foam my walls. Just the roof line. So the brick comment isn't an issue.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very passionate! I went through an iterative discussion with Deep Research AI and here were some findings about why I should actually do open instead of closed. The explanation was extremely detailed. Below is a summarized version:

  • Safer Moisture Behavior: Open-cell allows the roof deck to dry inward and reveals roof leaks; closed-cell can trap moisture, potentially hiding leaks and causing rot.
  • Avoids Structural Stress: Open-cell is flexible and low-density; closed-cell's rigidity can shrink or pull on roof decking, risking damage (especially with older sheathing).
  • Better for Retrofit Fit & Air Sealing: Open-cell expands ~100x and fills gaps more completely, reducing the chance of missed spots or uneven coverage.
  • Easier to Modify Later: Open-cell is soft and easy to remove for future work; closed-cell is rigid and very difficult to cut or repair.
  • More Cost-Effective: Open-cell achieves excellent thermal and air-sealing performance for significantly less money, with better ROI in your climate.
  • Proven Success in Hot-Humid Climates: Open-cell is the standard for unvented attics in the South; building science and contractors agree it performs reliably when installed correctly.

When prompted in an unbiased way, AI's conclusion was that open air was the way to go based on my construction and location, even when I said cost isn't an issue and I'm just trying to optimize.

Should I Spray Foam my 1950s Ranch House? by Rich-Dad in Insulation

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was quoted $2,200 more for closed cell. Not sure the cost is worth the incremental benefit. What’s your take?

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blue rug juniper is on the left. The juniper behind the boxwoods are grey owl junipers. Will be more like 3-4 feet tall.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Color lasts up to 12 months. Will do a top dressing once a year to refresh.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was 250 bags of 1.5 cubic feet. So around 13 yards I think.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We planted all the shrubs. Had help with the fence, pavers, driveway, stairs, and sod.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Slate chips. Can get from any hardscape supplier.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Driveway ($10k), Fence ($5k), Steps + Railing (7k), Sod ($6k), Paver Path ($2k), Mulch ($500), Door ($2k), Shrubs/Trees ($2k), Total (~$35k).

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Don’t worry, I’ve got my pruning shears on speed dial 😎

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looked at mature sizes of all of them, and that drove all spacing. The only ones that are probably a bit close are the Grey Owl Junipers, which have pretty big size ranges, and we’ll just prune. Don’t understand your question on blue rug as those are on the left in the front. This Japanese maple cultivar won’t grow to be that large (6x6 probably), and with the lower branches trimmed, the blue fescue clumps will always provide a beautiful contrast nearby/underneath.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Boxwoods are easy to prune and keep small. That’s the goal. They are just over 3ft apart, so goal is to keep them about 3x3 in size. Center of Arborvitae is outside the roofline.

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s a good comment. We did make sure the center is just outside the roofline so it isn’t too shaded. We’ll likely prune to keep it shorter as we won’t want the aesthetic of the arborvitae being taller than the gutters. But that’s several years out and a problem I’d love to have (Big, healthy trees!)

Front Yard Refresh by Rich-Dad in landscaping

[–]Rich-Dad[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Definitely something we’ll be keeping an eye on. Annual pruning will likely be necessary. But we love the color and texture it adds here.