What is Foam Board Insulation?
A high resistance value recommends the use of foam board insulation in
buildings. However, this resistance value can be affected by various factors,
like the initial density of the foam board, the way the panels are handled, the
type of facing used, the conditions during installation and such. Even so, foam
board insulation is preferred against other products for its resistance
qualities.
How to Install Foam Board Insulation
There are several ways for applying foam board insulation. Foam board insulation
can be used from aerosol containers and sprayed as a chemical mixture or in bulk
from a pressure sprayer. This way, all the cavities and spaces in walls are
completely covered and sealed. Foam board insulation can be applied as a liquid
that enters all the holes before it expands. Also, foam board insulation comes
in the form of solidified plastic foam applied as loose beads into blocks or as
rigid panels.
Foam board insulation is preferred when air infiltration must be kept under
control, as other insulation products are less efficient. Foam board insulation
is also used when there is not enough space to install non-foam products or the
existing insulation cannot be changed due to construction impediments. Other
insulation products, like fiberglass and cellulose, cost less per their
thickness, but foam board insulation is considered ideal as its resistance value
is higher.
Where to Use Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation can be used on roofs, curtain walls, foundations, entry
and overhead garage doors, pipes and tanks, and climate-controlled storage
units. Foam board insulation is also recommended for sheathing and insulating
the inside surface of basements or space walls. Foam board insulation is also
used beneath basement slabs and slab-on-grade floors. When insulating walls, the
best solution to incorporate foam board insulation is through pouring foam beads
into masonry.
Problems with Moisture
One problem when using foam board insulation is related to moisture. When it is
cold outside, the warm air from the inside, filled with vapors, pass through the
wall insulation. On the cold surface of the outside walls condensation might
appear.
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