Rigid Insulation Board:.
R-value Packed in to a Rigid Foam Panel

Just what comes to mind when you listen to the word “insulation?” Many of us think of fiberglass batts, visualizing pink rotated glass fibers that look a lot like candy floss. Other individuals could visualize shredded paper, the major ingredient in cellulose insulation. Firm foam boards likewise belong in this classification of varied, different-looking products that all objective to conserve energy in the house by decreasing heat transmission.

There are various kinds of stiff foam insulation, which we’ll have the ability to in a min. But all firm foam insulation has certain advantages and constraints. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation can not stop air movement, yet firm foam can.

To be an efficient air obstacle, rigid foam needs to be closed at joints and sides, however this is fairly simple to accomplish with tape and spray foam. Rigid foam panels are available in a selection of densities and widths. 2-ft. x 8-ft. and 4-ft. x 8-ft. panels are most common. Rigid foam cuts conveniently with a blade or saw. It’s normally chopped to match and wedged (friction-fit) into place, but it can also be glued to surface areas with caulk, panel adhesive or spray foam.

Unlike batt and blown insulation, it won’t blow or reposition out of place once it’s put in.

Stiff foam board insulation cost-per-R-value

On a cost-per-R-value basis, stiff foam is more costly than fiberglass or cellulose, and it’s certainly more challenging to set up around challenges or in odd-shaped rooms. Here are the three major sorts of firm foam insulation:.

• Polyisocyanurate (polyiso for short) foam has the greatest R-value each inch (R-6.5 to R-6.8) of any kind of firm insulation. This kind of firm foam usually comes with a reflective aluminum foil dealing with on both sides, so it can likewise offer as a radiant barrier in some applications. Polyiso board is much more expensive compared to various other kinds of firm foam.
• Extruded polystyrene (XPS) firm foam is typically blue or pink in shade, with a smooth plastic area. XPS panels typically aren’t encountered with various other material. The R-value has to do with 5 each in. This kind of firm foam won’t absorb water like polyiso and is stronger and even more sturdy compared to broadened polystyrene, so it’s most likely the most versatile sort of firm foam. XPS drops between polyiso and increased polystyrene in cost.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the least-expensive type of rigid foam and has the most affordable R-value (around R-3.8 per in.). It’s additionally a lot more conveniently harmed compared to the various other sorts of rigid foam.

A comprehensive residence power audit could aid you recognize if stiff board insulation is right for your residence, and what R-value you have to maximize your cost savings on your cooling and heating costs.