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.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Langfang Clear Chemical.
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. Also, remember there are other options for continuous exterior insulation, including mineral wool and fiberboard insulation, neither one of which is comprised of petrochemicals.
EPS is the insulation used most widely in insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels (SIPs). 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. Some builders avoid using any type of foam on foundation exteriors because of the risk that tunneling insects like carpenter ants and termites will bore through it or nest in it. Check with your local building office first. When applied as sheathing, EPS should be used over housewrap. Most EPS is unfaced, which means it is fragile. It’s also considered semipermeable to water vapor, so it does not create a vapor barrier.
Easily recognized by its blue, green, or pink color, XPS falls in the middle of the three types of rigid-foam insulation in both cost and R-value (about R-5 per inch). 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. Thicker, faced XPS is stronger and can have a lower perm rating, but it is still considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of the building materials that you use, remember that the blowing agent used to make XPS has a very high global warming potential. For this reason, many green builders avoid using it. Thermal drift, the gradual lowering of R-value over time, is a consideration with both XPS and Polyisocyanurate.
ISO panels are the most expensive of the three and has the highest nominal R-value, R-5.7 to R-6. Its blowing agent is pentane, which has a very low global warming potential. Because ISO starts as liquid foam and has to be sprayed against a substrate to form a rigid panel, all ISO panels are faced. Foil-faced ISO panels are considered vapor impermeable. Because applying these products as sheathing creates an exterior vapor barrier, they never should be used with an interior vapor barrier. More permeable ISO panels are faced with fiberglass and can be used without creating a vapor barrier.
Although the nominal R-value of polyiso is the highest of the three major types of rigid foam, its cold weather performance is lower: As the temperature drops, so does the R-value. Some builders working in cold climates give it an R-value of 4.5 or 5 per inch. Polyiso is not rated for ground contact.
Read the complete article: Save Energy with Rigid-Foam Insulation
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.
Is Your Exterior Rigid Foam Too Thin? – Whether it’s to meet code or to adhere to a “green” target, more and more builders are adding a layer of rigid foam insulation on the outside of homes. The idea makes sense, if it’s done correctly. Learn if you’re applying exterior rigid foam correctly.
Detailing Walls With Rigid Foam – Builder Steve DeMetrick shares construction and design details for efficient and trouble-free installation of exterior foam sheathing. His method employs Zip System sheathing for structure and air-sealing, 2-in. foil-faced foam for exterior insulation, and a felt-paper weather-resistive barrier behind a rain screen.
Choosing the Right Thickness of Exterior Foam – Rigid foam must be thick enough to prevent condensation on the roof sheathing.
Insulate Your Basement, Part 3 – In this episode, Justin Fink explains the why and how of using foam insulation on masonry walls, and demonstrates how to properly insulate the rim joist area with rigid foam and batt insulation in your basement.
The UK has some of Europe's most poorly insulated housing, responsible for a staggering 27% of national CO2 emissions. With the ambitious Net Zero by goal in place, home insulation materials have never been so important.
Insulation boards, lauded for their high heat retention, durability, and resistance to weathering, are a booming market for all the right reasons. From synthetic PIR to all-natural cork, there are plenty of effective options for all budgets, purposes, and applications.
This complete guide by GreenMatch UK will provide you with all the information you need to make the right insulation decisions for your home.
Ready to insulate your home? Look no further than GreeMatch UK for a one-stop solution to all your insulation needs. Instead of spending endless hours online, spend just 30 seconds filling out our intake form and receive up to 3 home-tailored quotes, completely free of charges and obligations. Click below to begin!
Get your best dealQuickly compare FREE quotesSimply put, insulation boards are dense and rigid panels or sheets made from various thermally efficient materials. Depending on the chosen materials and their density, insulation boards can provide a varying degree of thermal effectiveness.
Insulating boards are most commonly made of synthetic polymers such as polyisocyanurate (PIR) or polystyrene (EPS), but there are also plenty of eco-friendly and sustainable options.
Luckily, there is a near-endless range of various insulation panels on the market, tailored to all kinds of budgets and applications. Here’s a summary of some of the most popular insulation boards available on the market today:
In addition to the importance of your chosen insulated board, it’s just as vital to work with a professional installer. While DIY insulation may seem financially tempting, shabby work is a fine line between saving a quick buck and creating a financial nightmare full of repairs. GreenMatch UK can help you here.
Instead of spending endless hours surfing the web and scheduling calls, spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of installers. No costs, no obligations. Simply click below to begin!
For more information, please visit Phenolic Foam Slab.
Get your best dealQuickly compare FREE quotesThe best board insulation would likely be phenolic boards, due to their superior heat retention capacity, exhibiting a remarkable u-value of 0.018 W/m²K. This is closely followed by PIR boards, which are also very thermally effective, demonstrating a u-value range of around 0.022 - 0.028 W/m²K.
However, the best board is a subjective matter that hinges on which factors matter the most to you, such as cost or sustainability. To make things easier, here’s a look at some other best boards on the market:
For the most educated decision, it’s best to consult with an industry professional who can assess your property and help tailor the best course of action for your needs.
The greatest aspect of insulation boards is their durability, making them ideal insulation solutions for a range of jobs around the house. Here’s a breakdown of some key home projects for insulation boards that are well-suited for:
To make the most optimal decisions for your home, consider hiring a professional insulation installer to assess your property and construct the best course of action for your needs. With GreenMatch UK, all you need is 30 seconds.
Fill out our quick and easy online form to receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our nationwide network of pre-vetted installers. No costs, no obligations. Simply click below to begin, and let the bargains come to you!
Get your best dealQuickly compare FREE quotesThe cost of insulation boards can vary depending on your chosen material, its thickness, thermal efficiency and much more. The average cost range for insulation boards is about £3 - £25 per m2, but this can vary significantly.
Here’s a breakdown of costs per m2 based on your chosen insulation board type:
Of all the insulation materials covered, multi-foil insulation boards are by far the cheapest home insulation option, however, it's important to note that multi-foil alone will not provide adequate thermal heat retention, and will need to be coupled with other insulation methods.
Several factors can impact your overall costs that are worth keeping in mind:
To make the best decision for your home, we recommend working with a professional installer. That way, a home assessment can be carried out to determine the best course of action tailored to your home.
In general, most rigid panel insulation will require to be around 100mm - 120mm thick to meet UK Building Regulations for heat retention. This is significantly less than what is expected for blanket-style insulation such as mineral wool, which is at about 270mm for optimal insulation.
Ultimately, each property and its conditions will influence what thickness is needed. For this reason, it’s recommended to work with a professional insulation installer who can assess your property and tailor the best course of action to meet your needs.
To make the most educated decision, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of your chosen insulation material. To make things easier, we’ve summarised the key advantages and disadvantages associated with rigid insulation panels for you:
ProsUltimately, each home situation will be different, which is why working with a professional installer gives you the best chance for a perfect fit. Unfortunately, finding the right installer at the right price can see homeowners spend endless hours surfing the web for quotes. That was until GreenMatch UK came along.
Instead of spending all your valuable time on research and vetting, spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 home-tailored quotes, completely free of charges and obligations. Click below to skip the line and get the best bargains!
Get your best dealQuickly compare FREE quotesThe best insulation board depends on your budget and needs. Overall, the most thermally effective insulation boards are phenolic and PIR boards. Both boast a superior heat retention capacity but are more expensive than most other insulation board options.
The main disadvantages of insulation boards are their higher costs, less versatility, and potential unsustainability with some synthetic polymer-based insulation boards. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to opt for eco-friendly-based boards such as cork or wood fibre.
In general, most insulation boards need around 100mm – 120mm of thickness to achieve the required thermal efficiency outlined by the UK Building Regulations.
Some insulation boards have a closed-cell structure, such as XPS polystyrene or polyurethane insulation boards. This means they do not allow the passage of vapour, making them impervious to moisture and stopping dampness. Open-cell structured boards may allow vapour to pass, but also create room for the moisture to evaporate, making them damp effective.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Aluminum Air Duct Board.