January 8th, 2010 by foam board insulation guide
Foam Board Insulation
Things To Consider Before Installing The Foam Board Insulation
If you are thinking of adding an addition onto your home, or even adding a garage or a shed that will be used as an office or a play area, you will want to consider insulating your home with foam board insulation. It is easier to work with than fiberglass insulation and it will not cause an allergic reaction like itching or congestion. Before you begin the process, there are some things to consider.
Types of Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation is made from either polystyrene, polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. Polystyrene is usually used in roofs and in low walls where moisture can be a problem. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are a thinner board and mainly used where space is a consideration and when you are looking for a less expensive insulation option.
Insulation Uses
Foam board insulation can be used in most areas of a building. It can be installed during construction and even on the exterior of a building or home. It can be used between studs on interior walls and over concrete walls to insulate basements. And foam board insulation is used to insulate ceilings and roofs as well.
Foam Board Insulation Sizes
Four foot by eight foot sheets is how most foam board insulation will come. They can be cut to any size you desire by using a utility knife or a small handsaw. The thickness of this insulation will usually range from one-half inch to four inches depending on where you will be using it.
Benefits of Foam Board Insulation
Some benefits of using foam board insulation are that it can be installed with glue or nails instead of staples, which is a great time saver especially when working on overhead projects. It is a less irritating insulation; it can be used in small spaces; and even on the exterior of a building for added warmth. An additional benefit is the fact that it can be cut to fit into even irregularly shaped areas which will offer better overall insulation.
Installing foam board insulation into your building or home will save money and at the same time you will be helping the environment by limiting your use of non-renewable resources. It is important that you do not leave your foam board insulation in the sun while waiting to install it as it can damage the insulation. Foam board will also absorb water vapor so remember to keep it covered.
If you install the insulation on your roof it is wise to add a coating of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it from the harsh rays of the sun. More and more people are realizing that foam board insulation is the most effective insulation they can choose.
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January 1st, 2010 by foam board insulation guide
Foam Board Insulation Tip :
Where to Use Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation can be used in almost any room in your home; from the foundation up to the roof. It helps to save energy by insulating your home and it can even add structural strength to your home. There are three types of material that are the most commonly used to make foam board insulation. They are polystyrene (a colorless, transparent thermoplastic), polyisocyanurate (a type of plastic that contains a low-conductivity gas) and polyurethane (a closed cell foam that also contains a low-conductivity gas).
In order to get maximum performance from foam board insulation it is important that you install it properly. Make sure that you obtain safety precautions and full instructions from the manufacturer. You will also need to check your local building and fire codes. Always protect every type of foam board insulation from direct sunlight as this can damage the insulation. If you are putting insulation in your roof, for example, you can apply a layer of tar or rubberized paint to help protect it.
Foam board insulation is usually placed between the exterior finish of your home and the studs of exterior walls. In order to keep the air out of your home, you should set rigid insulation boards tightly together and seal the seams with caulk or even tape. Doing this correctly from the start will help to prevent future mold problems.
You will also need to consider insects when installing foam board insulation. Although they do not eat this matter, they can tunnel through it to get into your home. So find out if the manufacturer of your foam boards have treated them with an insecticide (like borate).
You also might want to treat the earth around your home or building with this insecticide. If you have a basement in your home, it may be better to install the foam board insulation over the interior of the basement walls. This will prevent certain insects from even finding the insulation. However, you will probably have to install a fire barrier over the insulation, and while this may cost a little more initially, it will repay you many times over.
While foam board is pretty hard to ignite, if it does ignite, it will burn quickly and it also emits toxic gases so it is always best to install a fire barrier.
Foam board insulation not only offers insulation it also offers a degree of soundproofing. It can be used to insulate almost anything including roofs, foundations, walls, garage doors, and pipes. This insulation is much easier to work with than fiberglass insulation as foam board is in rigid sheets and does not have the fibers that can cause an allergic reaction.
Foam board insulation is also more resistant to mold and mildew than fiberglass insulation. It usually comes in four foot by eight foot sheets that can be cut to any size you may need by using a utility knife or a handsaw. Foam board insulation can even be used on the exterior of a building to provide additional insulation and warmth.
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