How thick should foam board insulation be?

It comes in standard-size 4×8 sheets, and smaller sizes, in many different thicknesses from 1/4 inch to 2 inches. Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available, but they may need to be special ordered.

What is a phenolic foam?

Phenolic foam is a versatile material used in a wide variety of applications where thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire performance and even structural strength are key performance criteria. The mining/tunnelling industries use mining foam to fill in cracks and stabilise crumbling rock faces.

What is the difference between phenolic and PIR insulation?

As with the PIR/PUR boards above, phenolic insulation boards also have a closed cell structure. Phenolic board has a slightly higher r-value (higher is better, unlike u-values) and a slightly thinner profile than PIR/PUR boards due to the manufacturing process.

What is the R-value of phenolic foam?

Phenolic foamed-in-place insulation has a R-4.8 value per inch of thickness and uses air as the foaming agent.

What thickness XPS do I need?

XPS – a.k.a Extruded Polystyrene – a.k.a Rigid Foam Board: This is what I installed, and the topic of this article. Boards come of varying thickness up to 2in. You get a thermal capability of R5 per inch of thickness. I recommend going with the 2in thick for an R10 rating.

What thickness does insulation board come in?

Three types of PIR Insulation Boards available in different thicknesses, 12mm-45mm, 50mm-100mm and 110-150mm, all especially designed to eliminate thermal bridges, very easy to cut and shape and energy-efficient.

How does phenolic foam insulation work?

Phenolic foam insulation

1. It has over 90% closed cell formation, giving it good stability.
2. Phenolic foams come in varying densities in the range of 35 kg/m³ to 200 kg/m³.
3. It has low thermal conductivity.
4. It has fire retardant properties and a low smoke level (even under pyrolysis).
5. It is water resistant.

Is phenolic foam expensive?

The most common materials used in rigid insulation are: polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene, bead board, EPS, XPS, rigid fiberglass and phenolic foam boards. However, this type of insulation can be one of the most expensive types thanks to its thermal comfort and durability.

What thickness is rigid insulation?

½ inch to 2 inches
Rigid board insulation generally comes in standard thicknesses ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches.

How thick should my rigid insulation be?

Rigid board insulation generally comes in standard thicknesses ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches. It is possible for homes located in extreme climates to order specialty thicknesses of up to 6 inches directly from certain manufacturers. Obviously, the thicker the rigid board, the higher the insulation capacities.

How thick is r30 rigid insulation?

Typical R-30 fiberglass insulation is 10-inches-thick. Prior to buying fiberglass insulation, it is important to measure the joint spacing you are working with. Note that the actual space between the framing members will be less than 16 or 24 inches, but the foam batts can easily be stuffed between these lengths.

What is a phenolic resin foaming material?

A phenolic foam is made by foaming and curing a foamable phenolic resin composition that comprises a phenolic resin, a blowing agent, an acid catalyst and an inorganic filler.

What can phenolic plastic be used for?

Phenolic plastic, a composite resin material made from a combination of phenol and aldehyde, is a rigid material used in a wide range of consumer fitting applications. Because phenolic is easy to manufacture and relatively affordable, it is also frequently used as an acrylic alternative, as a binder, and as an insulator .

Is polystyrene foam a good insulator?

Polystyrene is a great thermal insulator, and can achieve excellent R value ratings at a given thickness for EPS , and even higher ratings for XPS. XPS polystyrene foam is more effective due to its dense structure and excellent moisture resistance.

What does phenolic resin mean?

1 : a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives. — called also phenolic resin.