Rigid insulation is a building material made of polystyrene or polyurethane that provides thermal resistance to walls, roofs, and foundations. It improves energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and reduces energy bills. Rigid insulation can be installed with fewer gaps or joints, resulting in less air leakage. There are three main types of rigid insulation: MEPS, XEPS, and polyurethane foam board.
Rigid insulation is a building material used to provide thermal resistance to walls, foundations and roofs. It is available in shaped or extruded sheets of various sizes, made of polystyrene or polyurethane. This material helps improve the energy efficiency of a home by preventing cold or hot air from entering the walls. The thermal resistance of rigid insulation is measured by the R-value of the material. Higher R-values mean the material is more resistant to temperature transfer, while low R-values mean air can easily enter or leave the house.
Using rigid insulation in your home can greatly improve occupant comfort while helping to reduce your energy bills. The resulting reduction in energy consumption also benefits the environment, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. While many types of insulation can perform this function, rigid insulation generally provides greater thermal resistance than other materials of a similar size. Rigid panels are denser and thinner than other insulation materials and can be installed with fewer gaps or joints, resulting in less air leakage.
Sheets of rigid insulation are typically installed between the frame members of a home and the exterior sheathing or cladding. The panels are seated tightly together and the joints can be caulked or sealed to provide maximum thermal resistance. In situations where moisture infiltration is possible, the insulation can be coated with a water resistant coating.
Rigid insulation can also be installed on roofs or foundations. Roof panels must be dense enough to walk on and are usually installed above the roof framing, but below the shingles or shingles. Water-resistant hardboard can be placed outside the foundation, but it’s more common to install it inside basement walls or under a ground-level floor. Once installed outside the foundation, the panels can be treated with insecticides to prevent termite damage.
There are three main types of rigid insulation, and each offers advantages and disadvantages. Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS) consists of sheets formed from liquid polymers. This is the cheapest and most common type of hardboard and is often referred to as beadboard. Extruded polystyrene foam (XEPS) is more expensive, but is also stronger and denser, making it suitable for rooftop installations. The polyurethane foam board is the thinnest of the three and works best in small spaces or in homes subject to extreme temperatures.
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