Rigid foam insulation is a prefabricated panel used to insulate roofs, foundations, and exterior walls. Its R-value ranges from R3 to R6.5, depending on the material used. It can be applied to the exterior of a building before finishes or siding are added and creates an uninterrupted sheet of insulation. Polyisocyanurate insulation is the most expensive but has the highest R-value, while expanded polystyrene is the least expensive but has the lowest R-value and is not water-resistant. Extruded polystyrene panels fall somewhere in between in terms of cost and R-value.
Rigid foam insulation is a type of insulation that comes in prefabricated panels. It can be used to insulate the roof, foundation or exterior walls of a building. This type of insulation is a good choice for buildings with limited space for insulation that still need high thermal resistance.
The effectiveness of the insulation is noted using the resistance value (R value). R-value is the ability of the insulation to resist the flow of hot and cold air. The higher the R-value, the greater the thermal protection. This value varies according to the climate where the insulation is installed.
The R-value of rigid foam insulation ranges from R3 to R6.5. This is nearly double the R value attributed to other types of insulation of the same thickness. Rigid foam insulation is installed as an uninterrupted sheet on the outside of the building, thus increasing the overall R-value of the structure.
Wood is not a good insulator. Many modern homes are wood frame structures, and insulation is often installed between the studs of a wood frame home. This means that, according to some experts, about 25 percent of the average home is insulated with wood alone.
After a home is framed, but before any finishes or siding are added, rigid foam insulation can be applied to the exterior of the home. It can also be used to coat the outside of roofs or foundations. The panels are placed tightly next to each other and fixed to the wall with glue or nails. Looks and holes are then taped to prevent air leaks. This forms a solid layer of insulation over the entire structure.
The R-value of rigid foam insulation depends on the material used to make the panels. It can be made of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate. The most commonly used of these is expanded polystyrene. It is the least expensive but also has the lowest R-value. It also has no coating, so it’s not water resistant.
The most expensive of the three, polyisocyanurate insulation also has the highest R-value. Construction crews start with a liquid foam that they spray onto a substrate to create rigid foam insulation board. If you use foil siding, the insulation can create an airtight barrier to your home.
Extruded polystyrene panels represent the mid-range of rigid foam insulation. Their cost and R-value fall somewhere between the other two strains. These panels can be coated or uncoated. Coated panels form a moisture resistant barrier for the home.
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