Insulation boards can be cut to size using a sharp utility knife or a table saw. To cut insulation boards, you need to lay them flat on a surface and measure and mark the surface using a pencil or marker. Ensure that you have protective gear like masks and gloves on while cutting insulation boards.
Insulation boards can be used for:
Board insulation can be used to insulate pitched and flat roofs. Insulation boards can be cut to size and used either under or above the roof rafters or between the ceiling joists (though loft insulation roll works better between ceiling joists since they can be easily rolled out).
PIR insulation boards like Celotex GA or Xtratherm XT/PR and lightweight insulated plasterboards like Knauf XPS laminate work best for roof insulation applications.
Foam insulation boards, like PIR or polystyrene insulation, can be used to insulate walls. For stud wall insulation, PIR boards are an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can also use insulated plasterboards like Celotex PL or Knauf XPS thermal laminates for internal walls. Foam insulation boards, like Celotex CW, can be used for cavity wall insulation.
Floor Insulation:
Insulation boards like extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene are perfect for floor insulation. They have high compressive strength, making them ideal for underfloor insulation as well. At Buy Insulation Online, we also stock underfloor insulation boards or underfloor heating boards from leading brands like Cellecta, Prowarm, and Warmup.
PIR insulation is the market-leading insulation board, simply because of its unmatched thermal efficiency. The closed-cell nature of PIR boards allows a low thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK, which ensures that the heat stays indoors, no matter the application.
PIR or Polyisocyanurate insulation boards are generally about 2.4m long and about 1 2m wide. They are available in different thicknesses ranging from 25mm to 200mm.
These insulation boards offer high thermal performance per inch thickness. Additionally, they have low-emissivity foil facings that reflect radiant heat. The foil-facings also serve as a moisture barrier that protects these foam boards and their application against moisture ingress.
PIR insulation is dimensionally stable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly, with zero ozone depletion potential, and low global warming potential.
As discussed above, PIR insulation boards are very versatile in application. They are used to insulate walls, cavity walls, roofs, floors, and much more. These insulation boards can be cut to size using a sharp saw. They are secure to place using adhesives or drywall screws.
At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Celotex PIR insulation boards like Celotex GA, XR and TB at a low cost. We also stock PIR boards from known brands like Xtratherm and Iko.
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PUR foam boards or Polyurethane insulation boards are extremely effective at maintaining the internal temperature of a building and can last for the entire life of the building. Besides being durable, polyurethane insulation boards also resist moisture ingress and are fungus-free.
Moreover, they do not emit any hazardous emissions. And since polyurethane is a non-fibrous material, they do not cause any allergies or asthma.
PUR foam insulation boards feature a dual layer of polyurethane insulating material. The polyurethane layer is arranged between the inner and outer panels.
Additionally, the grooves in polyurethane insulation boards allow for rapid installation and fixation, which greatly improves work efficiency. Another benefit of polyurethane insulation boards is that they are lightweight, making them easy to install and maintain.
Depending on their manufacturing process, polystyrene insulation boards can be divided into:
EPS insulation boards have excellent insulating and shock-absorbing characteristics. The cellular structure of EPS insulation makes it water-resistant and vapor-permeable with a low moisture absorption rate. Although water vapor cannot affect the mechanical properties of EPS, it does attract insects, such as termites.
EPS insulation boards are available in varying densities and thicknesses. A standard expanded polystyrene insulation board is about 2.4m long and 1.2m wide. EPS insulation boards are easy to install and lightweight. This makes them an excellent choice for many applications.
EPS insulation boards are also durable and provide superior thermal insulation. They are cost-effective as well. Their high compressive strength is what makes these EPS boards ideal for floor insulation applications
At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Jablite and Stylite EPS70 insulation boards. They are sold as loose sheets at highly competitive prices.
XPS insulation boards are a step up from EPS insulation. They are more durable, have a lower K-Value, and are suitable for load-bearing situations. Extruded polystyrene boards are mostly used for floor and underfloor insulation applications.
Its unique closed-cell structure allows it to exhibit high compressive strength while maintaining low thermal conductivity. Its lightweight construction, low cost, and ease of installation make it ideal for insulating any surface. We at Buy Insulation Online stock XPS insulation boards from top brands like Prowarm and Polyfoam.
XPS and EPS insulation boards are a great choice for energy-efficient buildings. Both materials offer high thermal efficiency and compatibility. Moreover, their closed-cell structure prevents water penetration and offers long-term strength.
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Plasterboards or drywall, are made of calcium sulfate dihydrate or more commonly called gypsum. Plasterboards gained popularity over recent years due to their ease of use. They are a faster, better alternative to the traditional lath and plaster.
Plasterboards can be used for drylining applications. There are different types of plasterboards:
In these cases, an insulating material like PIR or polystyrene - expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene, is backed on standard plasterboard. They are generally about 2.4m in length and about 1.2m wide.
Insulated plasterboards combine insulation and drylining into one lightweight, easy-to-use insulation board. They save space and have good thermal efficiency. These insulation boards can be used to insulate roofs and walls.
Depending on the type of insulating material, insulated plasterboards can be further classified into:
PIR insulated plasterboard - As the name indicates, the insulating material used here is PIR foam. PIR board of varying thickness is backed on a 12.5mm standard plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Xtratherm and Celotex insulated plasterboards.
XPS insulated plasterboard - Here, the insulation comes from the extruded polystyrene, which is backed on a 9.5mm plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Knauf XPS laminate plus, for superior insulation.
EPS insulated Plasterboard- Commonly called thermal laminates, EPS insulated plasterboards contain EPS boards of varying thicknesses backed on a 9.5mm standard plasterboard. At Buy Insulation Online. we stock Knauf EPS thermal laminates at a low cost.
These plasterboards are made specially made with high-quality gypsum for applications that require high moisture resistance, fire resistance, sound insulation etc.
At Buy insulation Online, we stock the following specialist insulation plasterboards:
Knauf Moisture panel: These moisture-resistant plasterboards can be used to insulate bathrooms, kitchens and other applications where superior moisture resistance is required.
Knauf vapour Panel: These foil-backed plasterboards give excellent vapour resistance. They are ideal for use on the underside of a roof, loft conversions, insulating walls or areas that need high vapour resistance.
Knauf sound shield plus and Knauf sound panels: These plasterboards are made with high-density gypsum and are perfect for applications that require superior sound resistance. If you want to block your noisy neighbors out, but have space constraints, then acoustic plasterboards are the way to go.
Knauf Fire panels: Knauf fire panels are specialist plasterboards by Knauf Insulation give superior fire resistance for 0.5 to 4 hours, depending upon their thickness. They are used in applications that need greater fire insulation.
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Underfloor heating and underfloor insulation is gaining popularity in recent years, which is why we have sourced some underfloor insulation boards for electric and water underfloor heating applications just for you.
At Buy Insulation Online, we stock Prowam Lo-Flo screed boards, chipboards, dual overlay systems, and underfloor heating panels from some of the leading brands in this niche, like Prowarm, Cellecta and Warmup.
These underfloor insulation boards ensure that the heat is directed upwards, that is, towards the floor and is not lost through the subfloor. Pre-routed chipboards secure the pipes of wet underfloor heating easily and ensure that the heat is not lost.
Rectangular and square shared ductwork can be insulated easily using duct insulation boards. These specialized insulation boards are made of mineral wool, PIR or phenolic foam and give superior insulation to ducts.
At Buy Insulation Online, we stock duct insulation boards from the leading brand, Rockwool. Additionally, for improved fire insulation to ductwork applications, we also supply Rockwool FirePro DuctRock which can be used for improved fire resistance in smoke and ventilation ductwork.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Decai sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Insulation boards are rigid, closed-cell structures that give better insulation compared to traditional wool insulation. There can be used to insulate the floor, underfloor, roof etc, and almost always help achieve your target U-values. They save energy and improve your EPC ratings whilst making your home energy efficient.
If you are unsure about the right insulation board for your application, you can either drop a message on our Facebook group or call or us. We will be happy to assist you.
To buy plasterboards or insulation boards online, visit Buy Insulation Online. Along with insulation boards, we also supply batt insulation, insulation on a roll and more. We supply technical insulation products like ductwrap, valve insulation jackets, pipe lagging, trace heating cables, condensate pipe insulation and so on. With every order, we plant a tree for free, and also save five trees in the Amazon!
The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation -- notably blankets, boards, and materials that can be poured in place. (Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but they require professional installation). Other types require professional installation.
When hiring a professional certified installer:
To evaluate blanket installation, you can measure batt thickness and check for gaps between batts as well as between batts and framing. In addition, inspect insulation for a tight fit around building components that penetrate the insulation, such as electrical boxes. To evaluate sprayed or blown-in types of insulation, measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.
If you choose to install the insulation yourself, follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Do-it-yourself instructions are available from the fiberglass and mineral wool trade group. The cellulose trade group recommends hiring a professional, but if there isn&#;t a qualified installer in your area or you feel comfortable taking on the job, you may be able to find guidance from manufacturers.
The table below provides an overview of most available insulation materials, how they are installed, where they're typically installed, and their advantages.
Blanket insulation -- the most common and widely available type of insulation -- comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep's wool. Learn more about these insulation materials.
Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters, and floor joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use R-19 or R-21 products. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. Batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps facilitate handling and fastening during installation.
Work with your manufacturer and/or local building supplier to determine actual thickness, R-value, and cost of fiberglass blankets and batts.
Concrete blocks are used to build home foundations and walls, and there are several ways to insulate them. If the cores aren&#;t filled with steel and concrete for structural reasons, they can be filled with insulation, which raises the average wall R-value. Field studies and computer simulations have shown, however, that core filling of any type offers little fuel savings, because heat is readily conducted through the solid parts of the walls.
It is more effective to install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the exterior or interior of the foundation walls. Placing insulation on the exterior has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks within the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures.
Some manufacturers incorporate polystyrene beads into concrete blocks, while others make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts.
In the United States, two varieties of solid, precast autoclaved concrete masonry units are now available: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). This material contains about 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late s. Autoclaved concrete can have up to ten times the insulating value of conventional concrete. The blocks are large, light, and easily sawed, nailed, and shaped with ordinary tools. The material absorbs water readily, so it requires protection from moisture. Precast ACC uses fly ash instead of high-silica sand, which distinguishes it from AAC. Fly ash is a waste ash produced from burning coal in electric power plants.
Hollow-core units made with a mix of concrete and wood chips are also available. They are installed by stacking the units without using mortar (dry-stacking) and filling the cores with concrete and structural steel. One potential problem with this type of unit is that the wood is subject to the effects of moisture and insects.
Concrete block walls are typically insulated or built with insulating concrete blocks during new home construction or major renovations. Block walls in existing homes can be insulated from the inside. Go to insulation materials for more information about the products commonly used to insulate concrete block.
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are basically forms for poured concrete walls, which remain as part of the wall assembly. This system creates walls with a high thermal resistance, typically about R-20. Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look like traditional stick-built homes.
ICF systems consist of interconnected foam boards or interlocking, hollow-core foam insulation blocks. Foam boards are fastened together using plastic ties. Along with the foam boards, steel rods (rebar) can be added for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. When using foam blocks, steel rods are often used inside the hollow cores to strengthen the walls.
The foam webbing around the concrete-filled cores of blocks can provide easy access for insects and groundwater. To help prevent these problems, some manufacturers make insecticide-treated foam blocks and promote methods for waterproofing them. Installing an ICF system requires an experienced contractor, available through the Insulating Concrete Form Association.
Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing structures or finishes. This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation.
The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content.
Some less common loose-fill insulation materials include polystyrene beads and perlite. Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values. Polystyrene beads, vermiculite, and perlite are typically poured.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued the &#;Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation&#; (16 CFR Part 460). The Commission issued the R-value Rule to prohibit, on an industry-wide basis, specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Rule requires that manufacturers and others who sell home insulation determine and disclose each products&#; R-value and related information (e.g., thickness, coverage area per package) on package labels and manufacturers&#; fact sheets. R-value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.
For loose-fill insulation, each manufacturer must determine the R-value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness, minimum weight per square foot, and coverage area per bag for various total R-values.
This is because as the installed thickness of loose-fill insulation increases, its settled density also increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Thus, the R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionately with thickness. The manufacturers&#; coverage charts specify the bags of insulation needed per square foot of coverage area; the maximum coverage area for one bag of insulation; the minimum weight per square foot of the installed insulation; and the initial and settled thickness of the installed insulation needed to achieve a particular R-value.
Unlike most common insulation systems, which resist conductive and convective heat flow, radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by reflecting radiant heat. Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs. Reflective insulation incorporates reflective surfaces -- typically aluminum foils -- into insulation systems that can include a variety of backings, such as kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard, as well as thermal insulation materials.
Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. To be effective, it must face a large air space.
Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation.
Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes. It is also used when there's a need for insulation that can withstand high temperatures. These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
Installation in air ducts is usually done by HVAC contractors, who fabricate the insulation at their shops or at job sites. On exterior duct surfaces, they can install the insulation by impaling it on weld pins and securing with speed clips or washers. They can also use special weld pins with integral-cupped head washers. Unfaced boards can then be finished with reinforced insulating cement, canvas, or weatherproof mastic. Faced boards can be installed in the same way, and the joints between boards sealed with pressure-sensitive tape or glass fabric and mastic.
Today, most foam materials use foaming agents that don't use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.
There are two types of foam-in-place insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.
The type of insulation you should choose depends on how you will use it and on your budget. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive. Open-cell foam is lighter and less expensive but should not be used below ground level where it could absorb water. Consult a professional insulation installer to decide what type of insulation is best for you.
Other available foam insulation materials include:
Some less common types include Icynene foam and Tripolymer foam. Icynene foam can be either sprayed or injected, which makes it the most versatile. It also has good resistance to both air and water intrusion. Tripolymer foam&#;a water-soluble foam&#;is injected into wall cavities. It has excellent resistance to fire and air intrusion.
Liquid foam insulation -- combined with a foaming agent -- can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing, and they are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can be poured from a container.
Installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification and should only be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials. Also, some building codes don't recognize sprayed foam insulation as a vapor barrier, so installation might require an additional vapor retarder.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are prefabricated insulated structural elements for use in building walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. They provide superior and uniform insulation compared to more traditional construction methods (stud or "stick frame"), offering energy savings of 12% to 14%. When installed properly, SIPs also result in a more airtight dwelling, which makes a house energy efficient, quieter, and more comfortable.
SIPs not only have high R-values but also high strength-to-weight ratios. A SIP typically consists of 4- to 8-inch-thick foam board insulation sandwiched between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) or other structural facing materials. Manufacturers can usually customize the exterior and interior sheathing materials to meet customer requirements. The facing is glued to the foam core, and the panel is then either pressed or placed in a vacuum to bond the sheathing and core together.
SIPs can be produced in various sizes or dimensions. Some manufacturers make panels as large as 8 by 24 feet, which require a crane to erect.
The quality of SIP manufacturing is very important to the long life and performance of the product. The panels must be glued, pressed, and cured properly to ensure that they don't delaminate. The panels also must have smooth surfaces and square edges to prevent gaps from occurring when they're connected at the job site. Before purchasing SIPs, ask manufacturers about their quality control and testing procedures and read and compare warranties carefully. SIPs are available with different insulating materials, usually polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam.
Fire safety is a concern, but when the interior of the SIP is covered with a fire-rated material, such as gypsum board, it protects the facing and foam long enough to give building occupants a chance to escape.
As in any house, insects and rodents can be a problem. In a few cases, insects and rodents have tunneled throughout the SIPs, and some manufacturers have issued guidelines for preventing these problems, including:
Boric acid-treated insulation panels are also available. These panels deter insects, but are relatively harmless to humans and pets.
Because it can be very airtight, a well-built SIP structure may require controlled fresh-air ventilation for safety, health, and performance, and to meet many building codes. A well-designed, installed, and properly operated mechanical ventilation system can also help prevent indoor moisture problems, which is important for achieving the energy-saving benefits of a SIP structure.
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