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Deciding on the Different Types of Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam is usually a preferred option for home insulation. Within this material selection, there is a variety of insulation types. Read on to gain deeper insights into rigid foam insulation.

Purpose of Rigid Foam Insulation

The main reason why rigid foam insulation is so widespread is that it provides a continuous insulation layer for the roof and exterior walls. Foam is a reliable material for protection against heat loss. It’s effective for preventing energy loss and making your home energy efficient and comfortable throughout the year.

A key benefit to rigid foam that other forms of insulation may not have is that the foam doesn’t move from where it’s installed. Other benefits are that it’s resistant to water and pests, making it useful for basements. Additionally, the rigid foam provides versatility as it’s easy to cut into the desired shape.

Understanding R-Value

The metric that homeowners should be aware of when it comes to insulation material is the R-value, which is a measurement of the insulation material’s resistance to heat flow. Higher values are preferred since they reflect greater resistance. The three main factors that affect R-value are insulation type, thickness, and density. Minor factors include the age of the material, temperature, and amount of moisture.

Insulation Types

Each type of common rigid foam insulation has its pros and cons. One of the most common types is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or beadboard. It’s popular for its affordability, but its lower R-value makes it less desirable for homeowners who want high-end solutions. Another popular option is Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), which provides greater moisture resistance. Its high R-value of 5 per inch and its durability make it attractive for homeowners who can afford to pay for higher quality. Expanded Polyurethane (EPU) is a form of rigid foam material with an R-value of 5.9 per inch that goes well with concrete. It works as a long-term solution when installed while the concrete cures.

An eco-friendly rigid foam insulation used in modern homes is Polyisocyanurate (ISO) or polyiso. With 9 percent of the product coming from recycled materials, this option appeals to homeowners who want to contribute to community sustainability. Its R-value of 6.5 and flame retardant quality make it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to maximize insulation effectiveness, although it’s among the more expensive options.

Mineral Wool is another recycled material that works well for home insulation. One of the reasons it’s among the most eco-friendly choices for rigid foam is that it’s not made of petroleum. Unlike petroleum, Mineral Wool is nontoxic and created from recycled materials. Another great benefit of using this material for insulation is that it’s effective for soundproofing. It’s also fireproof and isn’t degraded by moisture, although it isn’t effective as an air barrier.

Gathering and Organizing Data

When deciding on the type of insulation your home needs, you should study the pros and cons of different materials. You can organize this information using project management software such as eSub. The software allows you to estimate how long an installation project will take based on various factors , such as the number of workers and equipment.

Consulting a home energy auditor can provide you a home energy assessment, which you can use to determine the type of insulation you need.

The above information serves as a guide for insulation to the average homeowner. Using the right insulation is also a good strategy for protecting your business. Another good protection strategy is to make sure you have the right insurance. For easy and convenient business liability coverage, contact the experts at Artisan Insurance Solutions. We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.

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