If you are thinking of installing foam board insulation into your home or office it may just be the most effective insulation you can choose. It provides high R-values from R-4 up to R-8 per inch of thickness which is almost three times the insulation value of fiberglass. An R-value indicates an insulation’s resistance to heat flow, so the higher the R-value the greater the effectiveness of the insulation. Even though one type of insulation is thicker than another type of insulation, if the R-value is the same they will insulate equally. An interesting fact is that one inch of insulation is equal to thirty inches of concrete. It is good to remember that the R-value in house insulation is lowered if there are any air or moisture leaks. This is why it is so important to install foam board insulation properly.
There are three type of foam board insulation. Polystyrene which is a colorless, transparent thermoplastic and is used to make things like cooler chests. Polyisocyanurate which is a type of plastic that contains a low-conductivity gas. Polyurethane, which is a closed cell foam that also contains a low-conductivity gas. You can install foam board insulation by applying it directly onto concrete walls using an adhesive to keep it in place. However, if you use this method, you will need to cover it with fire resistant paneling or drywall. Foam board insulation is usually set between the exterior finish of your home (the brick or vinyl) and the studs of exterior walls. You should set rigid insulation boards tightly together and seal the seams with caulk. This will keep the air out of your home or office. Doing this correctly from the start will help to prevent future mold problems. Another problem you might want to consider when installing foam board insulation is insects. Insects will not eat this insulation but they can burrow through it. It is a good idea to find out if the manufacturer of your foam boards has treated them with an insecticide like borate. And while you are at it, you might want to treat the earth around your home or building with this insecticide as well.
When you are ready to cut your foam board insulation it is best to use a small handsaw. The fine teeth in one of these saws will create a minimal amount of fine foam dust that will be easy to vacuum up. Another tip is to never leave your insulation out in the sun before you use it. The sun can have a negative effect on the R-value which will reduce the insulation’s effectiveness. It is also a good idea to keep the insulation covered prior to use, as all foam board will absorb water vapor. As we all know, adding insulation to our homes or offices will inevitably save us money as well as energy. At the same time, you will be helping the environment by limiting your use of non-renewable resources. This is a small way that all of us can help protect our planet.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Foam Board Insulation - Things To Consider
If you are thinking of adding an addition onto your home, or even adding a garage or a shed that will be used as an office or a play area, you will want to consider insulating your home with foam board insulation. It is easier to work with than fiberglass insulation and it will not cause an allergic reaction like itching or congestion. Before you begin the process, there are some things to consider.
Types
Foam board insulation is made from either polystyrene, polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. Polystyrene is usually used in roofs and in low walls where moisture can be a problem. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are a thinner board and mainly used where space is a consideration and when you are looking for a less expensive insulation option.
Uses
Foam board insulation can be used in most areas of a building. It can be installed during construction and even on the exterior of a building or home. It can be used between studs on interior walls and over concrete walls to insulate basements. And foam board insulation is used to insulate ceilings and roofs as well.
Sizes
Four foot by eight foot sheets is how most foam board insulation will come. They can be cut to any size you desire by using a utility knife or a small handsaw. The thickness of this insulation will usually range from one-half inch to four inches depending on where you will be using it.
Benefits
Some benefits of using foam board insulation are that it can be installed with glue or nails instead of staples, which is a great time saver especially when working on overhead projects. It is a less irritating insulation; it can be used in small spaces; and even on the exterior of a building for added warmth. An additional benefit is the fact that it can be cut to fit into even irregularly shaped areas which will offer better overall insulation.
Installing foam board insulation into your building or home will save money and at the same time you will be helping the environment by limiting your use of non-renewable resources. It is important that you do not leave your foam board insulation in the sun while waiting to install it as it can damage the insulation. Foam board will also absorb water vapor so remember to keep it covered. If you install the insulation on your roof it is wise to add a coating of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it from the harsh rays of the sun. More and more people are realizing that foam board insulation is the most effective insulation they can choose.
Types
Foam board insulation is made from either polystyrene, polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. Polystyrene is usually used in roofs and in low walls where moisture can be a problem. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are a thinner board and mainly used where space is a consideration and when you are looking for a less expensive insulation option.
Uses
Foam board insulation can be used in most areas of a building. It can be installed during construction and even on the exterior of a building or home. It can be used between studs on interior walls and over concrete walls to insulate basements. And foam board insulation is used to insulate ceilings and roofs as well.
Sizes
Four foot by eight foot sheets is how most foam board insulation will come. They can be cut to any size you desire by using a utility knife or a small handsaw. The thickness of this insulation will usually range from one-half inch to four inches depending on where you will be using it.
Benefits
Some benefits of using foam board insulation are that it can be installed with glue or nails instead of staples, which is a great time saver especially when working on overhead projects. It is a less irritating insulation; it can be used in small spaces; and even on the exterior of a building for added warmth. An additional benefit is the fact that it can be cut to fit into even irregularly shaped areas which will offer better overall insulation.
Installing foam board insulation into your building or home will save money and at the same time you will be helping the environment by limiting your use of non-renewable resources. It is important that you do not leave your foam board insulation in the sun while waiting to install it as it can damage the insulation. Foam board will also absorb water vapor so remember to keep it covered. If you install the insulation on your roof it is wise to add a coating of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it from the harsh rays of the sun. More and more people are realizing that foam board insulation is the most effective insulation they can choose.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Where To Use Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation can be used in almost any room in your home; from the foundation up to the roof. It helps to save energy by insulating your home and it can even add structural strength to your home. There are three types of material that are the most commonly used to make foam board insulation. They are polystyrene (a colorless, transparent thermoplastic), polyisocyanurate (a type of plastic that contains a low-conductivity gas) and polyurethane (a closed cell foam that also contains a low-conductivity gas).
In order to get maximum performance from foam board insulation it is important that you install it properly. Make sure that you obtain safety precautions and full instructions from the manufacturer. You will also need to check your local building and fire codes. Always protect every type of foam board insulation from direct sunlight as this can damage the insulation. If you are putting insulation in your roof, for example, you can apply a layer of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it.
Foam board insulation is usually placed between the exterior finish of your home and the studs of exterior walls. In order to keep the air out of your home, you should set rigid insulation boards tightly together and seal the seams with caulk or even tape. Doing this correctly from the start will help to prevent future mold problems. You will also need to consider insects when installing foam board insulation. Although they do not eat this matter, they can tunnel through it to get into your home. So find out if the manufacturer of your foam boards have treated them with an insecticide (like borate). You also might want to treat the earth around your home or building with this insecticide. If you have a basement in your home, it may be better to install the foam board insulation over the interior of the basement walls. This will prevent certain insects from even finding the insulation. However, you will probably have to install a fire barrier over the insulation, and while this may cost a little more initially, it will repay you many times over. While foam board is pretty hard to ignite, if it does ignite, it will burn quickly and it also emits toxic gases so it is always best to install a fire barrier.
Foam board insulation not only offers insulation it also offers a degree of soundproofing. It can be used to insulate almost anything including roofs, foundations, walls, garage doors, and pipes. This insulation is much easier to work with than fiberglass insulation as foam board is in rigid sheets and does not have the fibers that can cause an allergic reaction. Foam board insulation is also more resistant to mold and mildew than fiberglass insulation. It usually comes in four foot by eight foot sheets that can be cut to any size you may need by using a utility knife or a handsaw. Foam board insulation can even be used on the exterior of a building to provide additional insulation and warmth.
In order to get maximum performance from foam board insulation it is important that you install it properly. Make sure that you obtain safety precautions and full instructions from the manufacturer. You will also need to check your local building and fire codes. Always protect every type of foam board insulation from direct sunlight as this can damage the insulation. If you are putting insulation in your roof, for example, you can apply a layer of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it.
Foam board insulation is usually placed between the exterior finish of your home and the studs of exterior walls. In order to keep the air out of your home, you should set rigid insulation boards tightly together and seal the seams with caulk or even tape. Doing this correctly from the start will help to prevent future mold problems. You will also need to consider insects when installing foam board insulation. Although they do not eat this matter, they can tunnel through it to get into your home. So find out if the manufacturer of your foam boards have treated them with an insecticide (like borate). You also might want to treat the earth around your home or building with this insecticide. If you have a basement in your home, it may be better to install the foam board insulation over the interior of the basement walls. This will prevent certain insects from even finding the insulation. However, you will probably have to install a fire barrier over the insulation, and while this may cost a little more initially, it will repay you many times over. While foam board is pretty hard to ignite, if it does ignite, it will burn quickly and it also emits toxic gases so it is always best to install a fire barrier.
Foam board insulation not only offers insulation it also offers a degree of soundproofing. It can be used to insulate almost anything including roofs, foundations, walls, garage doors, and pipes. This insulation is much easier to work with than fiberglass insulation as foam board is in rigid sheets and does not have the fibers that can cause an allergic reaction. Foam board insulation is also more resistant to mold and mildew than fiberglass insulation. It usually comes in four foot by eight foot sheets that can be cut to any size you may need by using a utility knife or a handsaw. Foam board insulation can even be used on the exterior of a building to provide additional insulation and warmth.
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