Thermal board insulation is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. It can be used in a variety of applications and is fairly easy to install.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at when you should use thermal board insulation and the different applications it can be used in. We will also discuss the R-value of insulation boards and the installation process. If you need to update your home’s insulation, consider using thermal board insulation!
What is Thermal Board Insulation?
Thermal board insulation is a type of insulation that is made from rigid foam. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and R-values, making it a versatile option for home insulation. Thermal boards can be used in both new construction and existing homes.
Thermal board insulation is also sometimes called laminated insulating plasterboard. They come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and materials. While board insulation is great at its primary job (thermal efficiency) it can also be used as a moisture barrier or as an acoustic panel to muffle sounds. Its versatility makes it a popular choice!
When Should I Use Thermal Board Insulation?
There are many different applications for thermal board insulation. Some of the most common applications include:
-Cavity wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation is when insulation boards are placed in the cavity between the inner and outer walls of a home. This helps to prevent heat loss through the walls of the home.
-Loft insulation
Loft insulation is when insulation boards are placed in the attic or loft space of a home. This helps to prevent heat loss through the roof of the home.
-External wall insulation
External wall insulation is when insulation boards are placed on the exterior of a home. This helps to prevent heat loss through the walls of the home and can also improve the appearance of the home.
-Roof/attic insulation
Thermal insulation is one of the most important system components in a roof, creating a comfortable environment inside the building by protecting it from heat and cold while also helping to reduce heating and cooling energy costs.
-Floor insulation
Floor insulation is when insulation boards are placed under floors. This helps to prevent heat loss through the floors of a home.
What is the R-Value of Thermal Boards?
The R-value of a material is a measure of its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is at insulating.
Thermal board insulation typically has an R-value between R-0.78 and R-0.93 per inch of thickness. This makes it a great option for home insulation!
Board insulation R-value varies based on type but is anywhere from 3.6 per inch of insulation thickness to 8.0. The types of foam board insulation include polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene foam, and expanded polystyrene foam.
Polyurethane board insulation: Open-cell polyurethane foam: Expect an R-value of about 3.6 per inch. Open-cell foam is permeable to moisture but impermeable to air.
- Polyurethane (PUR) board insulation: PUR boards are generally better than both EPS and XPS boards, with higher R-values, good resistance to fire and water, and high compression strength.
- Polyisocyanurate (PIR) board insulation: Polyiso is typically used with a foil facing and it has an R-value of 7.0 to 8.0 per inch of thickness. PPI includes more blowing agents, boosting its R-value. It’s dense, strong, and fire retardant, though not as helpful against moisture.
- Extruded polystyrene (XPS) board insulation: R-value of about 4.5 to 5.0 per inch of thickness. This polystyrene foam is made with a different production process than EPS. The resulting boards are denser than EPS and have a higher R-value for the same thickness. XPS boards are less prone to absorbing liquids and more resistant when directly exposed to fire, making them a safe choice for areas with high exposure to water and heat.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) board insulation: R-value of about 3.6 to 4.0 per inch of thickness. EPS is the cheapest thermal board, largely due to the lower thermal resistance
Installation Process
Installing thermal board insulation is a relatively simple process. The first step is to measure the area where the insulation will be installed. Then, cut the insulation board to fit the space. Next, install the board using screws or nails. Finally, seal any gaps or cracks around the edges of the board with caulk or expanding foam.
Need to Update Insulation? Consider Thermal Insulation Board!
If you need to update your home’s insulation, consider using thermal boards! Thermal board insulation is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home and can be used in a variety of applications. It is also easy to install and has a high R-value, making it a great choice for home insulation. Contact the team at Ideal Insulation today to learn more about thermal board insulation and how it can benefit your home!