Rigid Expanded Polystyrene Insulation Panel For Walls

While all foam insulation products are derived from petroleum some of the key differences include water resistance r value per inch compressive strength facings permeability to water vapor and evidently cost.

Rigid expanded polystyrene insulation panel for walls.

Highest average r value per dollar about 4 6 r per inch costs the least while meeting or exceeding all required building and energy codes. Used most widely in insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels. Rigid foam insulation commonly called styrofoam insulation is made up of expanded polystyrene or eps panels that are secured to basement walls to increase the wall s r value. Pir polyiso or iso is a thermoset plastic product typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation panel most often with aluminum foil facing.

Choose this option for areas that need a good amount of strength and water resistance. Thermal performance is rated at r6 6 5 per inch but don t count on that if your winters are cold for the reasons we re about to explain. Also called styrofoam insulation this is the least expensive material. Used in roof wall floor below grade structural geofoam applications.

Expanded polystyrene eps the most versatile of the three rigid insulation options.