Foam insulation is an efficient way of insulating crawlspaces, basements and walls and can help lower energy costs by keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Foam insulation comes in batts, rolls and loose fill. It comes with different R-values; some homeowners opt for fiberglass while others favor spray foam insulation.
Closed Cell
Closed cell foam is an ideal material choice for many purposes, providing outstanding resistance against air, moisture and liquid penetration as well as naturally being mold and mildew resistant. Made from crosslinked polyethylene it comes in different colors, densities and thicknesses and is easy to cut while being adhesive friendly.
Closed-cell foams differ from open-cell versions in that their internal pores or cells are tightly packed together, which makes them more durable and insulating material. Their ability to absorb and retain energy plays an integral part in its insulation properties; thicker versions offer increased soundproofing properties, such as reduced engine noise, tyre whine, and road noise; thinner options offer less protection, but can still offer adequate levels of safety protection; typically used in plumbing/plumbing, medical supplies or automotive products.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene foam insulation roll is a resilient closed-cell material with excellent vibration dampening, insulation and buoyancy properties. Resistant to moisture and chemicals, it makes polyethylene an economical and long-term material choice that’s simple to fabricate for various uses. This non-abrasive packaging solution also makes fabrication quick and straightforward for quick deployment in any location.
Foam Sales’ Polyon cross-linked IXPE* rolls (also referred to as XLPE and XPe Foam) are ideal for applications requiring shock absorption, vibration dampening, insulation, barrier or buoyancy properties. Furthermore, these foams are waterproof, fire retardant and offer resistance to extreme temperatures.
Polyethylene foam also comes in anti-static versions designed to dissipate static electricity around delicate electronics or machines. This type of foam comes in various densities and length options as well as being laminated onto various substrates; CFC- and HCFC-free foams may even be laminated onto foil for enhanced performance and protection.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene, an economical plastic material widely used for toys and packaging, can also be expanded into foam insulation known as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Extruded Polystyrene (XPS). Both versions feature closed-cell structures containing millions of tiny air pockets which act as effective heat barriers that help impede heat flow.
Both EPS and XPS insulation materials can be lined with aluminium foil on one side to increase thermal resistance, as well as having low moisture contents that help prevent condensation and mould growth.
When installed properly, both EPS and XPS insulation products are highly effective. Not only are they non-toxic and odourless materials to work with; their cutting edges also make cutting much simpler compared to mineral wool batts – something which may pose difficulty when fitting them around tight spaces or obstructions – and much safer alternatives like fiberglass blanket batts which release fibres during cutting or installation.
Styrofoam
Although Styrofoam has become associated with disposable coffee cups and packing peanuts that inevitably end up in landfills, true Styrofoam refers to closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or Blue Board), used for building insulation purposes as well as water barriers and thermal insulation purposes.
Batts and rolls of spray foam insulation come in sizes that fit standard spacing between wood-frame wall studs, attic trusses/rafters, and floor joists. HVAC contractors sometimes blow it in place through ducts while spray-in-place products may also be applied directly by users.
Although styrofoam insulation cannot be recycled as easily as fiberglass batt insulation, it can still be recycled through numerous businesses that collect it for reuse in other products. It is essential to note, however, that improper disposal can be dangerously toxic to the environment – thus it is vital that proper recycling methods are implemented and not used for construction projects or food packaging purposes.