Rigid Foam insulation is often used for unfinished buildings and everyday products including installing attic insulation. The beads are shaped under extreme heat and pressure to custom fit. There are three types I will discuss each one and their uses. I will also discuss precautions to take with this insulation. Before long you will have a better knowledge when installing attic insulation

The first type of rigid foam board is polystyrene, or bead board. Because beads expand to fit it’s often used in every day products. Its density can vary according to type and amount of beads used. Bead Spacing allows for water to absorb so a vapor diffusion retarder is needed.

The next type of rigid foam board insulation is polystyrene known to most as bead board. This product has beads that expand to make a perfect fit; this characteristic makes it ideal in every day products. The quantity of beads used allows for different thickness. Unfortunately bead spacing allows water absorption.

The third is polyisocyanurate and polyiso foam boards this product has varies strengths allowing it to maintain shape and stability. It can be used in extreme high, low temps effectively, making it ideal for installing attic insulation. When used with aluminum foil facings makes a perfect moisture barrier.

Before using rigid foam insulation when installing attic insulation, there are two things to consider, moisture and flame resistance. Because of climate change moisture can escape and be trapped into the walls, causing mold and wood rot. It is highly recommended to use a vapor diffusion retarder. It takes a lot for rigid foam board insulation to ignite but when it does it burns steady. Resistant material like panel, dry wall or gypsum wallboard over top of the insulation is required

Bugs like to make nests in the insulation so if you are insulating basement or floors it is wise to use insecticide treated insulation. Also by placing the insulation on the inside you will discourage bugs.

Next we will discuss flame resistance and sunlight damage. Although it takes a lot to burn when the rigid foam board insulation begins it will burn steady. It is required to use a fire resistant material like gypsum wall board, panel or dry wall over top the insulation. If you are installing attic insulation you need to protect the insulation with roofing felt, tar, asphalt, rubberized paint or acrylic silicone.

Of the three types of insulation; loose fill, batt and blanket and rigid foam board insulation this type has the cheapest initial start up cost. Although it can be used for many things, this product will be counter productive if installed wrong or safety precautions are not correctly taken. Before you begin installing attic insulation please read safety precautions carefully check with local building code regulations.

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