Great points here. Closed-cell foam is great, but I've also seen folks have success with rigid foam boards combined with proper sealing. Cheaper, and still pretty effective at keeping moisture out. Just make sure everything's sealed tight...water finds every little gap. Learned that one the hard way myself.
Rigid foam boards definitely save some cash, but I've found they can be tricky around corners or uneven surfaces. Have you had any luck sealing awkward spots, like around pipes or wiring? That's always been my headache area...
I've had decent luck using spray foam around pipes and wiring—it's messy at first but expands nicely into those awkward gaps. Just wear gloves, trust me... learned that one the hard way, haha.
Yeah, spray foam can really save the day around tricky spots. Totally agree about gloves—learned that lesson myself after spending half an hour scrubbing my hands, haha. One extra tip I'd throw in is to use closed-cell foam specifically if you're dealing with flood-prone areas. Unlike open-cell foam, it doesn't soak up water like a sponge. I've seen too many homes where folks used the wrong type and ended up with mold issues down the road... not fun to deal with.
Also, don't underestimate good old-fashioned caulk for smaller gaps or joints. It might not expand as dramatically, but it's easy to control and cleans up easier than foam. Plus, it gives you a tidy finish—something spray foam isn't exactly known for, right?
Closed-cell foam is definitely the way to go. Learned that the hard way after a basement flood... open-cell foam turned into a soggy mess and mold city. Caulk's great too, especially around windows—way easier to handle neatly.
