Insulation boards are solid panels designed to insulate buildings. Made of fiberglass or foam material, insulation boards help keep heat inside during winter and cool air out during summer. Furthermore, their simple installation makes for quick results.
These rigid insulation boards come with various R-values and fire ratings, making them an excellent choice for cavity walls or warm flat roofs.
They are easy to install
Foam insulation boards are simple and straightforward ways to prevent thermal bridging in any space, making installation fast and effective. Simply lay them over or between studs – but make sure that their sealant meets energy efficiency goals by sealing around it with expanding spray foam or caulking; additionally they should be secured firmly against them to keep from shifting or shifting out of place.
Rigid foam insulation boards can be constructed of various materials. The two most frequently used are expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), with the latter boasting higher R-Value than its EPS counterpart and offering superior thermal and acoustical performance.
For best results when working with fiberglass, always wear a dust mask, eye protection, gloves and long sleeves. Insulation that contains asbestos should only be handled by professionals trained to do so safely and properly. Avoid old asbestos insulation products as well as those containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which have been linked with various health problems including neurological conditions as well as toxic effects on children and fetuses.
They are durable
Insulation boards are robust and can withstand significant pressure, making them perfect for use on walls, floors and ceilings to increase comfort, energy efficiency and sound reduction. Insulation boards come in various thicknesses to achieve different insulation values. Most commonly made out of expanded polystyrene board (EPS) or extruded polystyrene board (XPS), both materials offer water resistance as well as moisture-proof properties and may last for many years when installed correctly.
EPS insulation boards can be cut easily with a box knife or hand saw, yet can be dangerous to touch if exposed to flame and will produce black smoke if they burn. As such, wearing a face mask when cutting such insulation boards is highly advised.
Rigid foam insulation such as EPS and XPS has an impressively long lifespan; when installed properly it could last 100 years or longer. Their resilience comes from their water resistance, low moisture absorption rate, pentane blowing agents used during production that do not harm the atmosphere, as well as being made out of material which does not contribute to climate change.
They are affordable
Insulation boards are durable, rigid materials constructed to resist harsh environments. Insulation boards offer more affordable insulation alternatives to spray foam insulation which requires special equipment and professional installation services. Foam insulation boards can be used to insulate brick walls, foundation walls, interior walls, attics and roofs with various thicknesses and R-values available as well as many environmental advantages.
EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation boards are among the least costly rigid foam board products on the market, offering reduced carbon emissions through air blown application. Furthermore, their moisture resistant qualities prevent condensation and mold growth.
XPS (extruded polystyrene) insulation is made of recycled plastics, helping reduce waste. With an R-value of 5, it offers high R-value performance while being easy to install. Moisture-resistant and compression strength are additional qualities of this product. Both EPS and XPS insulations can be cut with handsaw or box knife; when using a knife be sure to score the board before cutting; when it comes time to using this insulation be aware that any fire may ignite it quickly so take all necessary precautions when working with it! EPS insulation will burn with black smoke when ignited so it is important that when working with it all necessary precautions be taken when using it – as soon as you encounter flames it could ignite in minutes – taking all necessary precautions is important when handling it when using it!
They are easy to cut
Rigid foam insulation boards can be cut easily using either a utility knife or hot wire cutter, for an efficient and precise cut. In order to achieve a clean cut, using the right tool is key; in addition, your work area must be prepared as well as having all necessary safety equipment such as gloves and masks on hand if you plan on cutting rigid boards.
Before cutting insulation board for your space, it’s essential that you first accurately measure its exact specifications. Always double check measurements and mark them with pencil or pen – marker pens may leave too fine of an impression on the board; additionally, you should avoid cutting insulation board on decorative tables as this could scratch or damage them.
One of the easiest ways to cut rigid foam insulation is with a SMART insulation blade, specifically designed for this task. This versatile tool can also be used for cutting floor coverings and silicone sealant sealants – locate your local stockist today to take advantage of one of these useful tools!