Foam Insulation

Foam Board Insulation: What You Need to Know

Foam board insulation, also referred to as rigid foam insulation or foam panels, is an energy-efficient and versatile solution for residential and commercial construction projects. Designed to reduce heat transfer and enhance structural integrity, foam boards are lightweight, easy to install, and highly durable. Whether you’re insulating walls, roofs, or foundations, foam board insulation offers superior thermal performance and moisture resistance.

Key Features:

• Exceptional Thermal Efficiency: Foam boards provide high R-values, ensuring superior insulation by minimizing heat transfer. This helps maintain indoor comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.
• Moisture Resistance: Many foam boards, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), resist water absorption, making them ideal for use in basements, crawl spaces, and roofs.
• Lightweight and Durable: Foam boards are lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for easy handling and long-lasting performance in various environments.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for interior and exterior use, foam boards can be installed in walls, roofs, foundations, or even as part of continuous insulation systems.
• Sizes: Foam boards are available in standard sizes like 4' x 8' sheets, with varying thicknesses ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches for different R-value requirements.

Types of Foam Board Insulation:

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Affordable and versatile, EPS is commonly used for general insulation purposes and provides reliable thermal resistance.
• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): Known for its higher compressive strength and moisture resistance, XPS is an excellent choice for below-grade applications like foundations.
• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso): Offers the highest R-value per inch among rigid foam boards, making it ideal for projects requiring maximum thermal efficiency.

R-Values:

• EPS / R-3.6 to R-4.2 per inch: EPS provides moderate thermal resistance and is best for above-grade applications where cost efficiency is important.
• XPS / R-5 per inch: XPS offers better insulation and moisture resistance than EPS, making it a preferred choice for basements, foundations, and damp environments. Its durability ensures consistent performance over time.
• Polyiso / R-6 to R-6.5 per inch: Polyiso provides superior thermal efficiency, ideal for space-limited projects like commercial roofs or wall insulation. Foil-facing enhances reflectivity, though it may need pairing with other materials in colder climates.

Applications:

• Exterior Wall Insulation: Foam boards enhance energy efficiency by providing a thermal break between the framing and exterior siding, reducing heat loss.
• Roofing Systems: Polyiso foam boards are often used in flat or low-slope roofs for their exceptional R-value and moisture resistance.
• Foundations and Basements: XPS foam boards are perfect for insulating foundation walls and basement floors, preventing moisture infiltration and reducing heat loss.
• Continuous Insulation: When installed as a continuous insulation layer, foam boards eliminate thermal bridging and enhance overall building performance.

Additional Features:

• Foil-Faced Options: Polyiso boards often come with a foil-facing to enhance thermal reflectivity, making them a top choice for radiant barriers in attics or roofing systems.
• Cut-to-Size Convenience: Foam boards are easy to cut with standard utility knives or hot wire tools, enabling precise sizing for custom applications.
• Environmentally Friendly Choices: Many foam boards are manufactured with eco-friendly materials or processes, reducing environmental impact.

Why Choose Supply Ontime?

At Supply Ontime, we deliver drywall across the Greater Los Angeles area. Whether you’re building a home, remodeling an office, or working on a large-scale commercial project, you can count on us for materials that get the job done right. Order drywall now and get it delivered today!