Homes and buildings must be equipped with proper insulation to resist external temperature and to prevent heat loss. Having the proper insulation on the walls, roof, ceiling, pipes and even floors has indispensable benefits. Pipe insulation will prevent the water and pipes from freezing during winter. This will save home and business owners hundreds of dollars of repair and replacements costs. Simply put, insulation is important, regardless of the size of the home or building. Because of the constant need for efficient, convenient and cost-worthy insulative materials, there are many kinds of insulation available today depending on the application. Among these are foam insulation boards.
These boards are panels that are available in widths ranging from 1.5″ to 4″. The most common materials used for foam insulation are polyurethane and phenolic foam. Other commonly used materials are polystyerene and polyisocyarunate. Most foam boards are made with CFC but there is a new process involves the use of water in the foaming stage. These boards are best used for insulation in walls, floors, ceilings and roofs.
These boards are not flexible, but the materials used in foam insulators can also be used for pipe insulation lining. Aside from being used in walls and ceilings, they are also used in insulating ducts and air vents because these boards are incredibly lightweight and fire resistant. In order to cover bended surfaces, these boards are often cut and connected with an adhesive. The junctions are also sealed hermetically to ensure that there is very little air leakage. In order to bolster its thermal properties, most foam boards are lined with a thin aluminum layer on both sides. The thickness of the aluminum will depend on the area where the board will be installed.
Installation and Standards
When choosing a board, take note of the R-value. The R-value represents the heat resistance of the insulative material. For some materials, a high R-value may fetch a higher price as well. The price also depends if the boards will be installed in an old or new home. When availing of professional insulation, it is ideal to inquire about air sealing as well. Installation can become futile if there are slits and cracks that allow hot or cold air to seep inside your home.
Insulation boards are used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Therefore, they should preferably be installed by a licensed professional, usually a heating engineer.