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.
