Rigid foam insulation packs a lot of r value into a thin package but not all rigid foam performs the same.
Different types of insulation board.
You can also get loose fill fiberglass which it suitable for blowing into a garage attic space above a finished ceiling.
They include expanded polystyrene extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate unfaced or foil faced.
It s sold in pre cut batts and long blankets that fit between wall studs and ceiling joists.
Dow products has lots of information on their site about different foam board products here.
Polystyrene polyurethane or polyisocyanurate.
You can mix insulation materials and types.
It gains it insulating power like spray foam in that foam board has billions of tiny bubbles which are set in a medium like polystyrene or polyurethane.
Here we outline the details of five major options.
Just like xps boards eps insulation boards are made of polystyrene.
It provides an r value of 4 per inch of thickness and is the cheapest type of foam board insulation.
This is the same stuff your disposable coffee cup and is made out of and it s used to protect fragile items in their packaging.
We especially know this insulation material as a protective material for household appliances.
Here are the installation methods from lowest to highest average r value per inch.
Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes.
Blown in or loose fill insulation insulation blankets batts and rolls spray foam insulation and foam board insulation.
The basic types of foam board insulation include.
There are a few different kinds of foam board insulation diyers should know about.
The three main types you ll find at your local building supply store are expanded polystyrene eps extruded polystyrene xps and poly isocyanurate iso.
Home insulation types include any of the above materials in the form of loose fill batts rolls foam board spray foam and radiant barriers.
The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam.
In general how the insulation s method of installation can give you an idea of how it compares to other types of insulation.
These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2 5 inches.
Fiberglass is the most commonly used type of insulation in garages just as it s the most popular type in homes.
Expanded polystyrene eps is often used in styrofoam insulation materials.
Not all insulation is created equal and various types exist for different applications.
Choose rigid insulation wisely and consider the effect its characteristics will have on the performance of the your project overall product cost and the best way to get the bang for your buck.