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.
