There are several different types of solid foam insulation. These include Fiberglass insulation, Extruded polystyrene, Polyisocyanurate, and Spray polyurethane. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision on which type of insulation is best for your home depends on your budget and your comfort level.
Fiberglass insulation
The primary benefit of fiberglass insulation is that it reduces heat transfer. This material is made up of millions of air pockets that trap and retain heat. However, this insulating material is also prone to trapping moisture, which can result in mold growth. For this reason, it is important to install the material properly.
There are several types of fiberglass insulation available on the market. Some are loose particles, while others come in solid batts. Both types have high R-values, but they are considered to be relatively expensive. Fiberglass is a respiratory and skin irritant, so it is important to wear protective clothing when handling it.
Fiberglass has a higher R-value than EPS foam. However, it is less flexible. In some cases, fiberglass can be more effective in areas with curves. In addition, it can be easier to install than rigid foam, and it does not have fibers that can irritate the eyes.
Fiberglass insulation comes in batts, rolls, and loose-fill forms. It is widely used for attics, exterior walls, and walls. Depending on the density, it can have a higher R-value. Fiberglass batts are available in different widths. Medium-density fiberglass batt insulation offers R-values of between 2.9 and 3.8 per inch. Higher-density fiberglass batt insulation is used in areas with limited cavity space.
Fiberglass insulation has some disadvantages, including the fact that it is not airtight. As a result, around 30% of the heat can escape. Fiberglass has a lower R-value than solid foam insulation. Because of this, fiberglass may not be a suitable option for places with high humidity.
Fiberglass is made of glass fibers that are held together by a special adhesive. Fiberglass is a popular material for home insulation. It is widely available and sold in most home improvement stores. Rigid foam boards are much more expensive than fiberglass, but they provide better resistance to heat flow. Rigid foam boards can also be used on floors and interior walls.
When it comes to insulation, R-value is an important metric. While many homeowners can install certain types of insulation on their own, it is best to get a professional to perform this work. For this reason, it is important to get multiple cost estimates from contractors and ask about their experience installing the material.
Extruded polystyrene
Extruded polystyreniol (also called XPS) is a closed cell thermoplastic material that is used for solid foam insulation in buildings. It is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to water absorption. It is a common choice for new construction and remodeling projects.
Extruded polystyreniol is an excellent solid foam insulation material that works as both an air barrier and vapor retarder. Because it is a thermoplastic material, it will soften at temperatures of 165-210 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why extruded polystyrene is also popular for structural panels. This material is affordable and lightweight, but it also provides excellent r-value retention.
The process for manufacturing extruded polystyrene board insulation starts with solid polystyrene resin granules, which are then fed into an extruder. After the resin granules are mixed, a blowing agent is injected to help the plastic product expand. The rigid foam plastic is then trimmed to the final size and shape of the product. Once trimmed, the product is recognized as a board. This continuous process creates a closed-cell structure with a smooth surface on the top and bottom.
There are a number of different types of extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam. The most common one is EPS. It is used outside of the home, below grade, and in confined spaces. Other types include blown-in cellulose, fiberglass batt, and rigid foam.
Extruded polystyrena is a versatile thermoplastic that is a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice for insulating buildings. Its versatile manufacturing processes allow for a range of different applications and can be molded into any shape or size. It is also resistant to moisture and is lightweight.
Extruded polystyreniol is environmentally friendly. It is 100% recyclable and contains no chlorofluorocarbons. Its construction material is made from recycled materials. XPS is a more expensive alternative to EPS.
XPS is a closed cell form of foam insulation, making it an excellent choice for high-performance buildings. It is also highly water-resistant and performs well in difficult situations.
Polyisocyanurate
In 2009, RDH Building Science, Inc., a Canadian company, and the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia conducted a field monitoring study to assess polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation for its thermal performance in buildings. Researchers installed temperature-dependent monitoring equipment in a building that measured insulation performance over five and a half years. They compared the in-service results to laboratory-aged samples.
Polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation is an excellent option for insulating buildings. It is lightweight and easy for contractors to install. It is composed of closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam cores bonded to coated glass fiber faces. The material offers high thermal properties and compressive strength. These properties have made polyisocyanurate insulation an indispensable component of roof systems.
Polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation is one of the most common types of rigid foam board insulation. It is commonly used in roofing, walls, and specialty applications. Polyiso is also a very affordable insulation option. It can reduce energy costs in a building and improve its service life.
Polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation panels are available in various types and thicknesses. Many of them feature foil on both sides to prevent moisture from escaping. Unlike traditional polyethylene insulation, polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation panels can be installed in high-performance stud walls.
The materials were evaluated in laboratory and field settings by comparing their flexural strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Using a crosshead test, five 2-inch-by-2-inch specimens were placed between compression plates. The crosshead speed was 10% of the specimen thickness per minute. The test continued until the specimen had deformed to 13% of its original thickness.
Polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation can be made of two basic liquid chemicals: polyol and isocyanurate. These compounds are mixed together in a special way to create closed cells. The result is an insulating panel with the highest thermal value of all the rigid foam insulation types. However, it should be noted that polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation does not have the same thermal properties as polyurethane.
The long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) of polyisocyanurate solid foam insulation has been determined by a collaborative research of NRCA, the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association, and the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association. This research included testing in the laboratory of 20 specimens. Among them, seventeen had R-values lower than the established LTTR values. As a result, it appears that LTTR methodology overestimates product R-values at five years of relative aging.
Spray polyurethane
Spray polyurethane insulation is a great choice for the interior of new or renovated buildings. Since spray polyurethane is sprayed into an open cavity, it doesn’t need to be applied to the entire wall cavity. A closed wall cavity may cause damage to the insulation, so a small gap in the wall is ideal.
Before spraying insulation, it is essential to create a thermal barrier between the spray polyurethane foam and the interior of the building. A thermal barrier protects the spray insulation from fire and prevents it from igniting. A standard thermal barrier for spray insulation is 1/2-inch gypsum wall board. Thermal barriers are also required by building codes, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
This type of foam is widely used for a wide variety of applications. It can be applied to walls and ceilings and can also be used to cover pipes and electrical wiring. The non-flammability of polyurethane makes it the ideal choice for places where electrical wiring is exposed. It can also be applied to rough surfaces, including parking lots and even vehicles.
Another benefit of spray polyurethane insulation is that it can add structural rigidity to a project. According to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, spray foam insulation has twice the racking strength of batting insulation. It is also a vapor barrier, and it lasts the life of the house. It is also customizable to fit any size wall.
Another great use for spray polyurethane insulation is to insulate the underside of a trailer. It is also used to insulate crawlspaces and can help you save money on energy bills. A foam contractor can recommend the best type of foam for your climate and building codes. Remember, any foam installation is best done by a licensed professional.
Another benefit of spray polyurethane insulation is its high thermal resistance. Its initial R-value is about R-3.4 to R-6.7 per inch. By comparison, glass wool typically has an R-value of R-3 or R-4.