What is the best insulation for a house?
What is ISO insulation?
What is the R value of polyiso insulation?
What is the best foam board for below grade?
What is the most eco friendly insulation?
Does R value help insulate your home?
See 3 more
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Which is better EPS or XPS?
XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.
Which rigid insulation has the best R-value per inch?
In the construction industry, how well a particular type of insulation resists the flow of heat is represented by a value called “R.” Among insulation types, rigid foam panels have the highest R-value per inch.
What is the most efficient foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 insulation?
Type 1 is moulded bead polystyrene. However, Type 2 is moulded expanded polystyrene (design R4/inch) or of extruded polystyrene (design R5/inch). Type 3 and Type 4 polystyrene insulation are generally extruded polystyrene.
How thick should my rigid insulation be?
Rigid board insulation generally comes in standard thicknesses ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches. It is possible for homes located in extreme climates to order specialty thicknesses of up to 6 inches directly from certain manufacturers. Obviously, the thicker the rigid board, the higher the insulation capacities.
What is the difference between pink and blue foam board?
Main Difference Between Pink And Blue Foam Boards The two products also have the same insulating power. However, blue foam boards are manufactured by Dow Chemical Co. whereas the pink foam boards are manufactured by Owens Corning company. The boards are marketed under different brand names.
What R-value foam board do I need?
Foam board insulation R-value varies based on type but is anywhere from 3.6 per inch of insulation thickness to 8.0. The types of foam board insulation include polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene foam, and expanded polystyrene foam.
What is the downside to foam insulation?
On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job.
What is the longest lasting insulation?
Spray Foam (Polyurethane Foam) Spray foam insulation is one of the most durable, effective, and reliable forms of home insulation. It can last a lifetime or longer. Because it is mold resistant and does not hold moisture, it doesn't move around and typically stays put until physically removed.
What brand of insulation is best?
If you are considering fiberglass insulation for your home, the next thing to tackle is deciding which manufacturer to use. The best manufacturers of fiberglass insulation include Johns Manville, Guardian, Knauf, and Owens Corning.
Does foam board insulation need a vapor barrier?
0:392:02Install Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Before or After Foam Board on WallsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it may not be necessary to actually put a vapor barrier over the foam board. But if you'reMoreSo it may not be necessary to actually put a vapor barrier over the foam board. But if you're worried about aesthetics. And you want it to look nice. And you want everything to be nice.
What is the highest R-value foam board?
PolyisocyanuratePolyisocyanurate: Known as polyiso for short, polyisocyanurate foam has the highest R-value per inch (R-6.5 to R-6.8) of any rigid insulation.
Which R-value inch is best?
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. See the Department of Energy's (DOE) ranges for recommended levels of insulation below.
What is a good R-value per inch?
Exterior walls should have an R-value ranging from R-13 to R-23. A good R-value for exterior walls is R-23. Attics can have R-30, R-38, or R-49. The best R-value for attics is R-49, or even higher.
What is the thinnest insulation with the highest R-value?
Thermablok® AerogelThermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold bridging. Classed as a Super Insulation, Aerogel has the highest insulation value of any known material with the lowest thermal conductivity value of any solid (0.015W/mK).
What pipe insulation has the highest R-value?
Generally, foam pipe insulation has an R-value of 2 per inch, but heavy-duty foam pipe insulation has an R-value of 4 per inch. Open-cell spray and closed cell spray foam have about R-3.7 and R-6.5 value per inch. Fiberglass pipe insulation has an R-value of 2.9 and 3.8 per inch.
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Rigid Insulation - Homedepot.ca
Owens Corning FOAMULAR C-200 XPS Rigid Foam Insulation Board; 1-1/2-inch x 24-inch x 96-inch R-7.5 Ship Lap Edge . FOAMULAR Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Insulation is made in Canada and offers a combination of characteristics that result in long-term thermal performance of R-5 per inch, compressive strengths of 20 100 PSI and exceptional moisture resistance.
What is rigid foam?
When most people think of insulation, they picture fiberglass batts and rolls—and that’s perfectly okay. However, we often forget to consider all our options. There are many different types of insulation available to us. One type that may be unfamiliar to you is rigid foam.
What are the benefits of using rigid foam insulation?
Although it’s not necessarily better than fiberglass, it does have some advantages that can make it worth considering as a replacement to other insulation types. Here are three reasons why you might want to consider using rigid foam insulation in your home:
How many layers of insulation are there in a retrofit wall?
In this retrofit wall assembly, the air control layer is applied directly over the existing wall sheathing and then covered by at least two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips. The vertical furring strips also provide the means of attachment for the exterior siding.
What is the weight of a vertical furring strip?
Other types of siding that can be attached using the vertical furring strips may be used as well, provided the weight of the siding is less than 10 lb/sf. Taped insulating sheathing may serve as a layer to control water, air, and heat loss.
How does vertical furring work?
The vertical furring strips also provide the means of attachment for the exterior siding and provide a ventilation gap under the siding.
Why install insulation sheathing?
Install insulating sheathing in accordance with code to satisfy the high R-value performance target for the assembly and for adequate condensation control.
Where is the water control layer on a retrofit wall?
There are two possible locations for the water control layer for this retrofit wall assembly – at the outer face of the insulating sheathing or between the insulating sheathing and the existing exterior wall.
How to prepare wall sheathing for air/water control?
Prepare the wall sheathing to receive the air/water control membrane or house wrap, if one is going to be used. Appropriate preparation of the wall sheathing will depend upon the nature of the existing sheathing and the air control strategy pursued. If using a sheet good (house wrap) as the air/water control layer, all protruding fasteners must be removed to avoid punctures or tears in the membrane. Gaps or voids in the sheathing layer may need to be filled in. Use a primer for self-adhered membranes if recommended by the membrane manufacturer if installing membrane.
What are the advantages of retrofitting a house?
Some advantages to this retrofit approach include minimizing the impact of the wall retrofit on the interior finishes of the existing house, supporting continuity of the water and air control layers, reducing thermal bridging or heat transfer through wall framing, and lowering the risk of water damage and condensation within the existing wall structure.
What is rigid foam insulation?
Rigid-foam insulation packs a lot of R-value into a relatively thin package. It is often used as a layer of continuous insulation on exterior walls and in the roof. Used in this way, the foam lowers the loss of energy through framing members, a phenomenon called thermal bridging, and increases the overall R-value of the roof or wall assembly. Some types of foam also can be used under basement slabs and on slab perimeters to lower heat loss through the concrete, which is a very poor insulating material. In choosing which type of foam to use, consider its location, R-value, and other performance attributes. The three most common varieties of rigid foam are expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate (ISO). An Irish manufacturer offers a fourth and more recently developed type, phenolic foam.
What insulation can help reduce condensation?
Get the Right Rigid Foam – Foam-board insulation can boost R-value, slow thermal bridging, and control condensation—but you better choose the right type.
Why do we need a vapor barrier?
The purpose of the vapor barrier on the inside of the insulation is to keep water vapor from inside the living space from traveling through the sheet rock and condensing inside the insulation in the wall cavity when it gets close enough to the outside wall for the temperature to reach the dew point.
What is the perm rating of XPS?
XPS comes unfaced or with a number of different plastic facings. Unfaced 1-in.-thick XPS has a perm rating of around 1 , making it semipermeable.
What is EPS insulation?
EPS insulation is used in the construction of buildings to insulate roofs, walls, floors or foundations. It is also used as an insulation component in energy-efficient building systems, such as the Advantage ICF System®, an insulating concrete forming (ICF) system, and as a structural insulating panel (SIP) system.
What is the lowest R value?
EPS has the lowest average R-value of the three most common types of rigid-foam insulation, around R-4 per inch. It also is the least expensive. EPS is suitable for ground contact and can be treated to resist insects. If you plan on placing it in contact with the ground, make sure it’s rated for that use.
Is foam insulation good for a house?
Foam isn’t the only way to build a super-insulated home. If you’re still in the planning stage of your project, be aware that exterior foam insulation isn’t the only way to build an energy efficient home. Take a look at the article Six Proven Ways to Build Energy-Smart Walls if you want to explore your options.
Why Do R-values Differ in Foam Board Products?
Since foam board comes in different variations with different compositions, each product has its own effectiveness in preventing heat energy loss. For instance, expanded polystyrene has a lower density and lighter mass. This means it has a lower R-value per inch as compared to other forms of foam board, such as polyurethane. Nonetheless, all of these types count as foam board and bring significant insulation properties to the table.
How Long Does Foam Board Insulation Last?
What good is an insulation that requires replacement after every couple of years? Foam board insulation is one of the most solid solutions out there that provides a durable barrier against the weather. Its closed-cell forms have a long life due to their high-density composition. Not to mention foam board’s resistance towards moisture, which is one of the key reasons behind insulation going bad before its due time. You can expect the R-value to remain constant as well because rigid board does not deteriorate with time. Therefore, durability is the last thing you need to worry about if you’re opting for foam board insulation.
What is Rigid Foam Board Insulation?
Spray foam and rigid foam board insulation are the two most popular types of foam insulation. This article will focus mainly on the latter. (To learn more about the former, click here.)
Types of Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Depending on how a rigid foam panel was manufactured, it can have slightly different properties. The various manufacturing processes have given rise to three different types of rigid foam board insulation, which are:
Characteristics of Foam Board Insulation
All types of rigid foam board insulation have several common characteristics or features. These characteristics are:
A Brief Overview of Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation typically comes in tightly packed rolls of extremely fine glass fibers. It is one of the most common materials used to insulate American homes.
Types of Fiberglass Insulation
There are two main types of fiberglass insulation that typically have distinct applications and offer their own advantages and drawbacks. They are:
Differences Between Rigid Foam Board and Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass and rigid foam board insulation are pretty different in terms of their structure and properties.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors you must consider when deciding whether to install fiberglass or rigid foam insulation in your living space. In addition, you might want to consult a trusted architect, builder, or insulation technician, to get a better idea of which type would be best suited to your home.
What is Batt Garage Insulation?
Batt insulation comes in fiberglass, mineral wool (also called rock wool or slag wool), plastic fibers, and natural fibers (which are usually cotton or wool).
What is Foam Board Insulation?
Foam board insulation is Styrofoam. In fact, the extruded polystyrene type of foam board is the same material in a takeaway coffee cup. It does not biodegrade, making it just as environmentally unfriendly.
Can I Grow a Garden in My Garage?
You can convert your entire garage into a garden, or allocate part of the garage using a grow tent or vertical aquaponics.
Do Dehumidifiers Work in Garages?
Dehumidifiers do work in garages, but some work much better than others do. Refrigerant-condenser dehumidifiers are effective above 60 deg. F. Desiccant de-humidifiers can remove moisture when the temp is about 40 deg. F. Even a small dehumidifier can bring moisture down to safe and comfortable levels.
Preparation
Before you even start working on your piece of Styrofoam, or rigid foam insulation, it’s important to securely clamp it to your workbench.
The Cutting Process
The cutting process will vary depending on the type of tool you are using. Below are the steps followed when using a knife to cut the foam.
Using Circular Saws
I recommend the use of circular saws when making a lot of cuts for insulation sheets.
Best Foam Knife: Klein Tools Combination Duct Knife & Wire Cutters
I’m not usually a fan of combination tools, but I’m making an exception for the Klein Duct Cutter\Wire Cutter combination knife.
Best Foam Saw Blade: Bullet by Marshalltown Foam Blade for Circular Saws
If you already have a table saw, then the best (and cheapest) option is to get a replacement blade that’s designed specifically for foam. I’m a big fan of Marshalltown tools, having used them extensively on my drywall project. So their dust-free foam blade was a natural choice.
What is the best insulation for a house?
The Best Insulating Rigid Foam. Rigid foam insulation offers as much as double the R-value of traditional fiberglass batts, according to the United States Department of Energy. This additional R-value boosts your home's thermal resistance, keeping valuable heat indoors in the winter, and unwanted heat energy outdoors during the summer.
What is ISO insulation?
The U.S. Green Building Council calls polyisocyanurate (ISO), or polyiso, the most eco-friendly foam insulation. Not only does this material contain at least nine percent recycled content on average, it also contains a flame retardant that's much less toxic than flame retardants used in other foam insulation. With an R-value of 6.5 per inch, polyiso offers greater thermal resistance than other rigid foam products. ISO is the most expensive of all rigid insulation materials. Because of the tendency of polyiso to absorb water, this material should not be used for below-grade applications.
What is the R value of polyiso insulation?
With an R-value of 6.5 per inch, polyiso offers greater thermal resistance than other rigid foam products. ISO is the most expensive of all rigid insulation materials. Because of the tendency of polyiso to absorb water, this material should not be used for below-grade applications.
What is the best foam board for below grade?
Extruded Polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene (XPS), also known as blueboard, acts as the best insulating foam board for below-grade applications, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. XPS offers greater moisture resistance than EPS, without the need for special films or coating to fend off moisture. It's also stronger and denser ...
What is the most eco friendly insulation?
The U.S. Green Building Council calls polyisocyanurate (ISO), or polyiso, the most eco-friendly foam insulation. Not only does this material contain at least nine percent recycled content on average, it also contains a flame retardant that's much less toxic than flame retardants used in other foam insulation.
Does R value help insulate your home?
This additional R-value boosts your home's thermal resistance, keeping valuable heat indoors in the winter, and unwanted heat energy outdoors during the summer. Choosing the right insulating rigid foam can help you keep energy bills in check, reduce your impact on the environment and maximize the comfort of your home.
